VACCINE ON THE WAY TO HAWAII
Depending upon how long it takes the FDA to issue its authorization, a vaccine could be available in weeks. DOH said Hawaii could receive its share of the first round in a couple weeks. – enough for about 44,000 people, receiving two doses each. The vaccine would go first to the health care workers and first responders, followed by those most vulnerable with chronic or underlying health conditions such as in long term care facilities, and thereafter to kupuna. A later phase of distribution would open for young and healthy people. Read more about the vaccine here.
KAKAAKO FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR COMMUNITY: DECEMBER DATES
Na Kupuna Makamae Center is giving out food –fresh produce, baked goods, etc. — in partnership with Aloha Harvest, Help Is On The Way, Ham Produce and Seafood Inc. on the following Saturdays in December:
Dates: December Saturdays 5th, 12th, 19th (not on the 26th)
Times: 12 – 1:30pm or until supplies last
Location: 653 Ala Moana Blvd., corner of Keawe St. & Ala Moana Blvd. (old pump station)
KAKAAKO DISPUTED STREETS: NO VERDICT YET
The Kakaako Private Streets trial on the disputed “Desky streets” of Kawaiahao, Cooke, Queen, Ilaniwai, Cummins Streets and Ward Avenue roads wrapped up this past Thursday (12/3) with closing arguments before Judge Jeffrey Crabtree of Oahu’s First Circuit Court.
Five years of litigation have come to a head between the State and City attorneys, and the Cedric and Calvert Chun, owners of the Kakaako Land Company (KLC), who claim they own the Desky streets and have charged for street parking and towed vehicles. The City and the State argued that Desky’s intent was to transfer the roads to the government. But still no verdict. Judge Crabtree indicated that he will meet in the next week with the parties to first sort out the ownership claims and counterclaims that are still active or resolved. No date was set.
ALA MOANA PLAZA PROJECT PERMIT MOVES TO FULL CITY COUNCIL: DEC. 9
The Ala Moana Plaza Development Project permit, Resolution 20-315, will be heard before the full City Council on Dec. 9. The resolution passed the Zoning Committee on Dec. 2. It required the developer, Brookfield Properties, to provide the community benefit of road easements to match the 400-foot variance they requested. As recommended by the City’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS), the easements would be located in the rail station-access areas (i.e. Easement on Keeaumoku between Kapiolani and Kona streets, plus other easements.). View the agenda and support your testimony here
HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HCDA) VIRTUAL MEETING: DEC. 9
ALA MOANA PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE DEADLINE FOR COMMENT: DEC. 8
The pedestrian bridge over Ala Moana Boulevard proposed by the State Department of Transportation (HDOT), in partnership with the US DOT, HCDA and Howard Hughes, to address traffic safety concerns is open for public comment on the draft environmental assessment (EA). But you need to weigh by Dec. 8. See Link to EA . You may email your comments to: Michelle Kwan at DOT.HWY-AlaMoanaPed@hawaii.gov and copy Randall Urasaki of consultant WSP USA Inc. at Randall.Urasaki@wsp.com; or mail comments to: 601 Kamokila Boulevard, No. 609, Kapolei, HI 96707.
TRAFFIC: ALA MOANA BLVD. LANE CLOSURES: DEC. 6 – 11
Up to two lane closures on Ala Moana Boulevard in both directions between Piikoi Street and Atkinson Drive on Sunday, Dec. 6, through Friday, Dec. 11, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., for striping work.
WARD VILLAGE: CHRISTMAS BAR AND MAGIC BUBBLE ELVES
Ward Village is creating safe ways for families to get into the holiday spirit. Here are highlights so visit the Village:
Elves will be strolling throughout the neighborhood — in their bubbles so it will be COVID-19 safe — and guests can take photos with the roaming elves. Find out more here.
The Christmas Bar is back (at a new location) serving food and nonalcoholic drinks along with holiday spirit-filled beverages. Since we’re still in Tier 2 bars aren’t open, so find out how the Christmas bar does it here.
SANTA HAT VIRTUAL FAMILY FUN RUN/WALK: NOV. 28 – DEC. 6
Fun, Fun, Fun at a holiday run – and you can walk too! The whole family can enjoy a 5K run or walk wearing their snazzy Santa hats! This year the Santa Hat 5K is virtual so you and your family can run it anywhere, anytime between Saturday, November 28, 2020, and December 6, 2020. Submit your results and share your Santa Hat photos! Register here.
