Memorial Day, Masks & Vaccines, Relief, Community events
May 29, 2021
JOIN US IN TAKING BACK OUR STREETS—CITIZEN PATROLS
The Unknown Soldier
You need not ever know my name. This unknown soldier seeks no fame.
I’m here to bring out thought from you. May your heart see more than your view.
America, we marched with pride. We gave our life, for you we died.
How well we knew the time might come when life could sound that final drum. Please think of us as life moves on. We tried so hard till that last dawn.
Do let our spirit fill the land. Pass treasured freedom, hand to hand.
God blessed this country with such love. Hold in your heart, abundance of.
And when you stand before my grave think not of one, but each who gave.
The Neal S. Blaisdell Center box office. Visit blaisdellcenter.com/ for information.
People’s Open Markets.
Satellite city halls and driver licensing centers.
TRAFFIC AND PARKING REGULATIONS:
On-street parking will be free, except for the meters on Kalakaua Avenue along Queen Kapiolani Park, metered parking lots, and meters on specific Waikiki streets. View the list of Waikiki streets here.
Traffic lanes will not be coned for contraflow.
CONGRATULATIONS ON A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR!
CONGRATS to all private and public school students across the district for completing an unprecedented year. Special congratulations to our high school graduates and students promoting to another school. You did it! Kaahumanu Elementary School Vice-Principal Maryann Barr’s sentiments are shared by all our schools, “Our school is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of assistance from community members and families as we all became a stronger ohana. We cherish the relationships we have made and look forward to our future together.” Mahalo also to our school principals, teachers, and staff for guiding our keiki and community during this incredibly challenging year!
In the last days of the school year before summer begins, we lined Kapahulu Avenue early Monday morning waving our signs. Along with Principal Garret Zakahi, staff and students were Waikiki District 6 HPD Officers Vivardi, Yamamoto & Moses with signs to remind everyone to “Drive with Aloha!”
MASKS & VACCINE UPDATES
Governor Lifts Mask Mandate & Other Pandemic Restrictions
You can now breathe a bit more freely outdoors with Gov. Ige’s latest Amendment to the 19th Emergency Proclamation lifting the mask mandate when outdoors, effective immediately. However, mask wearing is still recommended outdoors if you are in large groups. Wearing masks indoors is still mandatory. Gov. Ige also announced that ocean sports competitions can resume beginning June 1. This includes surfing, canoeing, and swimming events among others. The state will resume issuing permits for ocean activities, and the counties will issue permits for the use of parks. Also permitted on June 1 are the use of canopies and tournaments in city parks. Permits will be issued with the understanding that health and safety protocols are to be followed to protect communities, contestants, and spectators.
Mask Rules Changed at Ala Moana Center
Outdoor shopping malls fall into a gray area for Hawaii’s modified mask mandate. Ala Moana
Center officials made a decision following Governor’s announcement: Face coverings will not be required in outdoor common areas, but they will need to be worn in indoor spaces like stores, restaurants, and food courts.
Should Your Teen Get the Covid-19 Vaccine?
Hawaii’s health department has answers. You can find them here.
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
Governor Releases $5M for Ala Moana Blvd Elevated Pedestrian Walkway
This is great news for walkers, joggers, dogwalkers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike who’ve longed for safety measures on Ala Moana Blvd. The pedestrian-friendly walkway would be accessible to the public via both stairway and an ADA disabilities pathway that connects to Ala Moana Boulevard sidewalks and other pathways on either side of the structure. It would be equipped with lighting, landscaping, and drainage that ties into the roadway facility. It is touted to bring a safe, pedestrian experience crossing over Ala Moana Boulevard. The Governor thanks all who’ve advocated hard to keep the district safe. “Mahalo for your work to secure these funds. Projects such as these are critical components of the public infrastructure and contribute to building a better home for our kūpuna, keiki, and all the residents of Hawaii.”
Travelers can get Covid-19 Tests in Waikiki
Travelers can get tested at recently launched Waikiki PCR Testing Center. Results are available within 12 hours, or within six hours for priority testing. Booking, testing, and documentation are provided in both English and Japanese. The center provides any test-result forms or certificates that travelers may need for entry into their country of destination. Located on the 4th floor of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, the center operates 7 days a week between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with last check-in at 4:45 PM. Book your testing appointment by calling (808) 218-6124 or visit https://lealeatours.com/pcr/
Waikiki’s International Marketplace and SALT to Hold Vaccination Clinics
The International Marketplace and SALT are partnering with the Queen’s Health Systems to host community COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Free and open to all residents ages 12 and up, vaccinations will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Fridays — including May 28, June 4, and June 11 — at International Market Place’s Level 3 Parking; and participants will receive one hour of free self-parking for Levels 4 through 6. Although appointments are recommended, walk-ins are welcome. The SALT vaccination clinic will be held on May 29 from 9am-3pm. Participants should bring a photo ID and insurance card, although insurance is not required to get the vaccine. To register, click here. Participants complete the pre-screening form here and bring it on the day of vaccination. Call the Queen’s COVID-19 Vaccination Line at 691-2222 for more info.
UTILITY RELIEF & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
End of Moratorium on Electricity Disconnections Won’t Trigger Immediate Shutoffs
Despite the disconnection moratorium ending on May 31, HECO says it won’t immediately start cutting off electricity to people behind on their bills. Customers are urged to act now to set up a payment plan to avoid disconnection in the future. Click here to view payment plan options.
Free Honolulu Veteran Virtual Job Fair: June 1, 11am – 2pm
MilitaryX is hosting a virtual career fair on June 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local companies, Costco, Google General Motors, and many others are looking to hire military service members, veterans, and their spouses. They will be interviewing virtually. To register, click here. For more information call Scott Lobenberg at 702-269-0808 or send an email to scott@hirex.us
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
May 30 Bus Route 4 and 13 Changes
The city’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is adjusting Route 13 to bypass McCully Street and instead operate from Kapiolani Boulevard directly onto Kalakaua Avenue. DTS is also adjusting Route 4 to eliminate the loop around the Kawananakoa Middle School in Liliha. For comments/questions, contact DTS at 768-8372.
June 1 New Mobile Medical Unit Launching in Kakaako to Serve HIV Residents
A new mobile medical unit will be launched on June 1 at 9:30am to assist persons from underserved communities who are living with HIV. Located at the Nā Kūpuna Makamae Community Center (NKMC) and operated by the Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center, the mobile unit will provide free HIV and hepatitis C testing, acute care, wound care, syringe exchange, and behavioral health services. NKMC is located at 653 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813. For more info., call 521-2437.
June 2 Honolulu City Council meeting
The City Council meets as a whole at 10am. See the agenda along with instructions on how to submit testimony here. One item of interest to our community on the agenda is Resolution 21-129 which recommends appointees to the Hawaii Community Development Authority. The measure nominates five individuals, one being a representative of a business or nonprofit which is currently Phillip Hasha, and another representing residents which is currently Jason Okuhama. Both are included in the proposed list of nominees. Their terms expire on June 30 of this year.
HCDA Decision-Making Hearing on Kamehameha Schools Project Amendments
The Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) will be holding a decision-making hearing on amendments to Kamehameha School’s Kaiāulu ʻO Kakaʻako Master Plan (KKMP). KS seeks a 5-year extension of the KKMP entitlements which are set to expire in 2024.
To join, submit written comments, or watch the hearing, click on the Public Hearing Notice here.
June 3 McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board: 6:30pm
Look out for June’s agenda here. This neighborhood board meets every 1st Thursday of every month. To schedule an agenda presentation, or if you are interested in serving on a committee (open to non-board members), contact Chair Tim Streitz at tstreitz.nb8@gmail.com. For more info., call (808) 768-3710.
June 4 DOE “Grab-and-Go” Meals: June 4 – July 19
Free meals for keiki begin on Friday, June 4, for those 18 and younger. Hawaii Department of Education’s Grab-and-Go meal service is open to all keiki 18 years and younger regardless of their enrollment status. Meal distribution will take place at lunchtime at about 80 different distribution sites. Families are asked to visit their nearest participating school so schools can produce the correct number of daily meals. Pick-ups for the service include one lunch for that day and one breakfast for the next day per child. Parents or guardians must provide verifying documents each day to pick up meals without their child present. Click here to see which docs are required.
CELEBRATING MEMORIAL DAY
While annual events like the Memorial Day Parade, 50th State Fair, and performances at the Waikiki Shell are taking the year off, there are still ways to remember, pay tribute, and celebrate those who lost their lives in service to our country.
Memorial Day Virtual Run/Walk: May-June 2021
Participate in the 3rdAnnual Memorial Day Virtual Run/Walk. WHEN: Complete your race any time in May or June 2021. WHERE: You choose the course and report your time. WHY: Because you want to honor all the heroes out there, especially if there is one close to your heart. COST: The price is $25 and that includes your medal, bib and shipping. Medals and bibs will start shipping out April 15th! After that they will ship out within 2 to 5 days of signing up. TICKETS: Click here.
Lantern Floating Ceremony: May 27-June 5
The annual Lantern Floating Ceremony, usually held at Ala Moana Beach Park, brings together nearly 50,000 people from around the world each Memorial Day. This year, organizers have invited the public to take part in a number of virtual and in-person activities. Participants are encouraged to submit handwritten messages and images to become part of the Many Rivers, One Ocean interactive art experience which will be offered on the grounds of Shinnyo-en Hawaii Buddhist Temple (2348 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96826, phone: 808-947-2814)
The above will be showcased in a TV broadcast called “Share Your Light” – A Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi Special on May 31 at 6:30pm – 7:00pm on Hawaii News Now’s KGMB.
Memorial Day Picnic: May 31, 10:00AM – 2:00PM WHERE: Nu’uanu Baptist Church, 2010 Nuuanu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96817, on Church Lawn, Playground, and Fellowship Hall. FOOD: It’s provided, but if you’d like to bring a potluck dish, contact nbc@nuuanubaptist.org ATTIRE: BE READY TO GET WET and bring your own towel and change of clothes if needed! REGISTER: https://nuuanubaptist.breezechms.com/form/memorialday
Pearl Harbor Tour
Visit Pearl Harbor’s Battleship Missouri, Bowfin Submarine & the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum nearby. The tours include a fast-track ticket to view a 23-minute documentary about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and board a Navy-operated boat for a solemn visit to the Memorial. For more information see: https://www.pearlharbortours.com/
Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial
Constructed in the form of a saltwater public swimming pool in Waikiki, the Natatorium was built as a memorial honoring the 10,000 citizens of Hawaii who served during World War I. The entrance includes an arch featuring four stone eagles typical of the 1920s Hawaiian Beaux-Arts architectural style. It is located at 2815 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. For more info., call 254-1828 or visit https://natatorium.org/
Punchbowl Cemetery
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, commonly referred to as Punchbowl Crater or Punchbowl Cemetery, is located at 2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu. There you may pay your respects to our country’s heroes. Sitting on the top of an extinct volcanic tuff cone, the cemetery provides a final resting place for over 50,000 veterans and their families. For more info., call 532-3720 or visit https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/nmcp.asp
