Legislative update, COVID, UI, District happenings
February 20, 2021
Aloha Neighbor,
It’s been a very hectic week for us at the legislature. We had a deadline for all bills to be heard by the first committee (what we call the “first lateral” deadline). Most bills that did not get heard in a committee by yesterday must await another turn next session. We have a number of bills we have been shepherding to help our community – many ideas have come from you. As the bills move along, do follow and do testify. Legislators read and listen to your testimony in deciding on the bills so if you want to have bills passed, please do your share and make your voices heard. We encourage you to testify on these bills when they come up for their next hearing. See below on how to submit testimony. If you have questions, feel free to email or call us. Here are steps to submit testimony:
For a video that walks you through registering for an account on the website and submission of virtual testimony, visit the Public Access Room website. You can also call the Public Access Room by phone at 587-0478 and they will guide you through the process step-by-step.
We heard a number of bills that serve to increase government efficiency and effectiveness and we will continue to monitor these bills as they move to their final Senate committees. If you would like to see a list of the bills we heard and passed within the GVO Committee, click here. Below are bills that Representative Adrian Tam & I introduced to improve our community. We will keep you updated as the session progresses.
SB837 & HB490 HD1 CRIMES AGAINST SENIORS
Protects kupuna by lowering the age at which enhanced penalties apply for crimes against seniors from sixty-two years of age to sixty years of age. STATUS: SB837: referred to JDC, not yet scheduled for hearing. HB490 HD1: scheduled to be heard by JHA on Tuesday, 02-23-21 2:00PM.
SB838 SD1 RELATING TO SERVICES FOR KUPUNA
Gives the Executive Office on Aging more flexibility to provide kupuna care and caregiving services to those in need. STATUS: The committee on CPN will hold a public decision making on 02-23-21 9:30AM
SB792 & HB288 HD1 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION
Increases the penalties for installation of a noisy, illegal muffler. STATUS: SB792: the committee on JDC will hold a public decision making on 02-25-21 9:30AM. HB288 HD1: passed second reading and referred to the committee on FIN.
HB296 HD1 RELATING TO LEAF BLOWERS
Restricts the use of leaf blowers in the Waikiki special improvement district within a residential zone or near a residence to between the hours of 9:00AM and 5:00PM on any day except Sunday or a state or federal holiday and between the hours of 10:00AM and 5:00PM on Sunday or any state or federal holiday. STATUS: Passed second reading and referred to the committee on FIN.
HB286 HD1 RELATING TO REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
Requires Real Estate Investment Trusts to be more accountable by reporting their assets and revenues to the Department of Taxation. STATUS: Referred to the committee on FIN.
SB800 RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Removes county councils as the nominating authority of the HCDA, which oversees community development districts on State lands, and allows the State Legislature to choose the representatives. STATUS: Passed second reading and referred to JDC.
Do you need to take a COVID-19 test before getting the vaccine?
You do need to know whether you have the disease, so get tested. As soon as you find out that you do not have COVID-19, you can get vaccinated. If you currently have a COVID-19 infection or you are already recovering from it, you should wait at least 90 days before you can safely take the vaccine. For more info, click here.
What you need to know after you get vaccinated
You still have to wear a mask after you’ve been vaccinated.
Vaccines don’t work overnight ― and aren’t silver bullets.
Mild side effects are common.
Don’t take painkillers before getting the shot.
The jury is still out on how long vaccine protection lasts.
CDC regulations change mask policy for TheBus and TheHandivan passengers. Starting Feb. 15, all passengers using public transportation are required to wear a mask. Only three types of face coverings will be allowed: double or triple layer cloth masks, disposable masks, or two-layer gaiters. Here’s what will not be permitted: bandanas, scarves, masks with vents or holes, or pulling your shirt over your face. Wearing only a face shield without a mask is also not allowed unless you have a medical exemption card. Passengers will also need to wear face coverings even while waiting at the bus stop. New signs are up at bus stops on Oahu reminding riders of the changes.
Fake N95 masks: Here’s how to tell the difference. Markings from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are your compass. The approval number on your mask should begin with “TC.” You can check for the approval number on NIOSH certified equipment list which can be found here. It is fake if it:
has ear loops instead of head bands. Head bands are crucial to the N95’s tight fit.
claims to be approved for children. NIOSH does not approve masks for children.
Unemployment benefits start flowing again for many but not all
Those waiting on the second Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC-11) were finally able to file their claims on Feb. 15 after more than a month-long delay as the state scrambled to re-implement the federal extension program on its outdated computer system. Many of you are getting your monetary determination, which is a big step, but many people are still waiting on the actual payments and some are still waiting on the first round of PEUC: the first 13-week federal extension after exhausting regular state benefits (PEUC-13). For more info, click here.
UPDATES: DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
Kakaako: Bill to let OHA build Kakaako Makai condos advances at the Hawaii State Legislature
The battle over Kakaako Makai development has flared up again as the Senate Hawaiian Affairs & Housing Committees heard and passed the latest measure (SB 1334) allowing the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to put residential housing on the shoreline. OHA aims to cash in on the $200 million, 30-acres of urban Honolulu to help fund grants, services and other programs designed to improve the lot for Native Hawaiians. In 2006, housing development in Kakaako Makai was prohibited by the state Legislature after Alexander &Baldwin Inc. proposed two condominium towers. But this past Tuesday’s advancement of SB 1334 would lift the current law that prohibits residential high-rises on parcels Makai of Ala Moana Boulevard. The battle is not over as many continue to follow the bill as it goes to the Senate Judiciary Committee. You can follow the bill and weigh in.
Ala Moana: State Approves City Plan to Add Sand to Ala Moana Beach
The Board of Land and Natural Resources approved Honolulu’s application to add sand to the beach at Ala Moana Regional Park. The project involves dredging offshore sand to cover the shoreline from Magic Island to Kewalo Basin, restoring the beach to its 1957 profile. The city’s preferred source of sand was 4,500 feet (1,372 meters) offshore from a surf break named Courts. It suggested that sand at the Hilton Hawaiian Village beach could be used as backup. But the state Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands recommended the Hilton sand primarily be used because of its slightly coarser grain that’s a closer match to Ala Moana beach. For more info, click here.
Waikiki: Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Unveils $80 Million Transformation
Expansive resort grounds include three distinct accommodations: the Ocean Tower, the Pacific Tower and the Diamond Head Tower – a five-story oceanfront building that will be converted into 23 new rooms/deluxe suites, raising the count to 658. A strategic footpath called the ‘Ae Kai, runs the length of the resort and connects the property elements in harmonious balance. Find out more about this growing contemporary beachfront retreat here.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Farmers Markets Calendar: February 2021
Hawaii Farm Bureau – Blaisdell Center: Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. EBT cards accepted. Free parking. For more info, call 848-2074.
FarmLovers at Kakaako – Corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue in Kakaako: Saturdays, 8am-12pm. For more info, call 388-9696.
Makiki Market – Parish of St. Clement, corner of Wilder Avenue and Makiki Street: Thursdays, 4:30-7:30 pm. For more info, call 955-7745.
Waikiki Beach Walk – Along Lewers Street: Wednesdays, 4-8pm. For more info, call 497-8110.
Hawaii State Public Library System Launches New LibrariesHI App
Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) patrons can now download HSPLS’s free, new patron-friendly app. Compatible with iOS and Android devices, the library’s updated app offers patrons the ability to: manage loans and holds on materials, find the nearest library, manage family library cards in one place, place holds on physical and digital books, self-check-out and more. Library patrons can download the app from their device’s app store or call or stop by their nearest library for assistance and more information. When visiting the library, all patrons will be required to follow basic health and safety protocols including wearing a face covering, which covers their nose and mouth. For more information, please visit https://www.librarieshawaii.org/
Police warn Hawaii residents of gift card scams coming in the mail
The Honolulu Police Department is alerting the public of a gift card scam that has been targeting Hawaii residents. People are receiving a cashier’s check in the mail with instructions to cash the check, purchase gift cards from various stores, and complete a survey on their shopping experience. Participants are then instructed to take photographs of the gift cards and to email the information. As a reward, participants are told to keep a portion of the cashier’s check. Police urge those who receive these instructions in the mail to not participate. Scammers use the gift card scheme because they are more difficult to track. If you are a victim, call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or send anonymous tips here.
