LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
This week was hectic for the legislature. We had a hard deadline on bills and resolutions to survive: 1) first lateral for Senate Concurrent Resolutions (SCRs) that had more than one committee hearing needed to move to the final committee on March 23; and 2) second lateral deadline for House Bills (HBs)—that had to be moved to the final committee by March 24. Whew! Because our Government Operations committee is typically the first committee to hear bills on government efficiency, procurement, and state facilities, this was a very busy week for the office to be sure we were able to hear as many bills and resolutions to improve government efficiency and effectiveness. To see what we worked on: click here.
We also introduced other measures in collaboration with House colleagues to address district concerns. These are moving thanks to many of you whose ideas and testimonies have made a difference. Below are updates on where these measures are moving so keep following and submitting your testimony:
HCR129: Convening a working group to discuss future development plans in Kakaako Makai – it would bring to the table the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (seeks to exempt certain parcels it owns from current law prohibiting residential development and building height over 200 ft. in Kakaako Makai), the Kakaako Community, State department officials (HCDA & DLNR), and lawmakers. The measure passed the House Water & Land committee is coming up for hearing in the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committees on Monday, March 29 at 2:00PM. The Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board recently expressed interest in being a part of the discussion during their last meeting on Tuesday and we hope to suggest this to the subject matter committee in the Senate should the measure cross over from the House.
SCR75: Requesting the office of planning to convene an interdisciplinary task force to develop a framework for sea level adaptation and resilience plan for the Waikiki District was PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS by the Senate committees on Water & Land and Agriculture & Environment. It should be crossing over to the Senate for a similar review.
SCR76: Requesting that the City and County of Honolulu prohibit electric scooters, electric bicycles, and electric trikes on sidewalks was PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS by the Senate committees on Transportation and Public Safety.
HB296 HD1: Limits the use of leaf blowers in Waikiki to specific hours was re-referred to its final Senate committee on the Judiciary and is awaiting a hearing.
SB791 SD2 HD1: Authorizes the state to remove abandoned vessels in our harbors within 72 hours at the owner’s expense and criminalizes abandoning vessels was PASSED UNAMENDED by the House committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs and will now move to the House committee on Finance.
SB795: Updates fees charged by small boat harbors, including calculating the fees. Passed the House Water & Land Committee and is now in the Finance committee.
SB799 SD1 HD1: Requires new development projects to increase the number of owner-occupants (from 50% to 67%) in new for-sale units was PASSED UNAMENDED by the House committee on Housing and will now move to its final house committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
HB490 HD2 SD1: Crimes Against Seniors (Kupuna Caucus) Lowers the age that enhanced penalties apply for crimes against seniors from 62 to 60 years. The bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with amendments so is going to the full Senate. If it passes and the House agrees, it goes to the governor. If the House disagrees the final fate of the bill will be decided in the House-Senate conference committee.
We heard concerns from the community relating to the broad and protracted emergency proclamations. GVO committee heard and passed two bills:
HB103 requires approval of the legislature to extend 60-day emergency proclamation periods. It is now in the committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means (JDC/WAM); and
HB573, allows the legislature to more closely examine how emergency federal funds are expended by the administration, including periods when the legislature is not in session. It moves to the committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary (WAM/JDC).
As always, if you are interested in submitting testimony or would like more information on any bill, just give our office a call or send us an email.
COVID UPDATE
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Deadline: May 31
The American Rescue Plan provides $7.25 billion nationwide for additional first- and second-round Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to small businesses and nonprofits until the program expires. Today, the U.S. Senate passed a bill that would extend the PPP loan application deadline to May 31. For more information see Sen Schatz’s website that gives a good listing of relief funding: here.
Vaccinations open to 60 and older
Beginning Monday if you’re 60 or older, you will be able to. register beginning Monday. For more information on registration, visit hawaiicovid19.com/vaccination-registration/.
Other information on vaccines
As Hawaii passes the half million mark in vaccinating our residents, the number of vaccination and eligibility has expanded. The state health department released an update as to how the rollout’s been doing as we transition into Phase 1C. Some highlights of the update include:
Who’s Next in Line? The Phase 1C category has been divided into 3 basic groups: 65+ years of age; the chronically ill and/or with high-risk conditions; and essential works not listed in Phases 1A and 1B.
Where can I get the vaccine now? View the updated directory of vaccination providers here.
Current Weekly Vaccination. About 70,000 doses per week. At this rate, it will take about 7-14 weeks to vaccinate those in Phase 1C
Challenges. With the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, 10,000 – 14,000 doses are coming into the state but are harder to track because the feds (not DOH). The good news is these doses are blanketing the entire state, including the harder-to-reach areas. CVS, and now Safeway, are now part of this program.
Hawaii is ranked 7th in the nation in vaccine doses administered per capita. This means we’re doing well compared with other states. Due to Hawaii’s methodology in prioritizing vaccination eligibility, the greater share of the population has been vaccinated. Hawaii is on the track to meet the President’s deadline to vaccinate all Americans 18 years and older by May 1, 2021
Learn more. View this video from the March 25, 2021 joint House and Senate Info Briefing here.
New Call Center Simplifies Vaccination Registration for Kupuna
A new service is making it easier for Oahu seniors who are not comfortable with the online registration process to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointment. The DOH will help kupuna 65 years of age and older to navigate the registration process, secure appointments and arrange for transportation to a vaccination provider. For help kupuna or family caregivers can call 2-1-1 to begin the registration process. The kupuna call center, operated by 2-1-1, will receive calls seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Translation services are also available. For more info, click here.
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
Ala Wai Bridge Project Virtual Community Meeting: March 30, 6pm
Chime in about Ala Pono, the new pedestrian and bicycle crossing of the Ala Wai Canal, connecting the McCully/Moiliili and Waikiki neighborhoods. An overview of the proposed project will be provided as well as a discussion about the environmental review and alternatives considered.
Submit Comments: Will be considered in the development of the Final Environmental Assessment. Use this form by April 22, 2021.
For questions and/or comments on the Ala Wai Bridge Project, contact Meredith Soniat at meredith.soniat@honolulu.gov or 808.768.6682 at least 5 business days prior to the meeting.
Ala Moana Center Offering Special Kama’aina Discounts Through End of 2021
Hawaii’s largest outdoor shopping center is offering special discounts exclusively for kama‘aina, students and teachers at more than a dozen retailers and restaurants. The discounts range from 5% to 20% from such popular stores as Hawaiian Island Creations (HIC), Island Slipper, Island Crepes & Lemonade, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, and more. Customers can present a Hawaii state-issued photo ID, Hawaii Driver’s License, and/or student/teacher school ID. Discounts at Ala Moana Center are available now through Dec. 31, 2021. Click here for more info.
