When I was just a tiny kid–do you remember when? It seems like only yesterday you wiped away my tears. And late at night I called your name to chase away my fears. Though time has changed your handsome grip—your hair is snowy white, Your gait’s a little slower now; thick glasses help your sight. Oh, do I thirst for years gone by—to be that growing lad. Re-living all those memories of growing with my dad.
We also celebrate, on Saturday, June 19th commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States, dating back to June 19, 1865. We recognize and celebrate African American achievements. The Hawaii State Legislature passed SB939, signed into law by the Governor, that observes June 19 of each year as Juneteenth Day. Mahalo to those who worked hard to pass this measure to recognize and commemorate an important moment in history.
TIER 4, TRAVELING OUT-OF-STATE, COVID VARIANTS & VACCINES AVAILABLE
Hawaii Finally Moves into Tier 4
Triggered by an over 50% vaccination rate, Mayor Blangiardi has moved us into Tier 4 of the pandemic reopening plan. Just in time for summer, here’s a breakdown of the loosened restrictions:
Gatherings: Outdoor social gatherings of up to 25 people ANDindoor social gatherings of up to 10 people are now allowed.
Boating: Commercial and recreational boating is now without a capacity limit. Restaurant/bar rules apply.
Indoor Events: Concerts, conventions, meetings, dance and karaoke clubs are allowed up to 50% capacity if all attendees are tested or show proof of full vaccination.
Weddings: If outdoors, up to 200 people are allowed with defined capacity limits.
Sports: If indoors, spectators are allowed at up to 33% capacity.
Arcades have no capacity limit.
Road races and triathlons require a permit. Starting group sizes are subject to the gathering size limit.
We’ll hit Tier 5 when the vaccination rate reaches 60% of Hawaii’s population. The restrictions will stop altogether when herd community has been reached–when 70% or more of island residents are vaccinated. Learn more at https://www.oneoahu.org/reopening-strategy
Having Trouble Uploading Your Vaccine Card to the Safe Travels Website?
So your arm still hurts from your Covid-19 shot and now you’re having trouble uploading it to the Safe Travels website. Here are a few Q&A’s for passengers who were vaccinated in Hawaii and are entering Hawaii from other U.S. states:
Q: I uploaded my information for the vaccine exception, but it said my card could not be verified. Now what? A: You should present the hard copy of the vaccine card when you arrive in Hawaii so an airport screener can manually verify it. If you are unable to upload the document before your trip, seek assistance from an airport screener after you land in Hawaii. Q: I cannot upload my vaccine card no matter how many times I try. Am I going to have to get tested anyway? A: No, if you are unable to upload your vaccine card, seek technical assistance via the Safe Travels website (read the FAQs). Q: Is a QR code still needed for returning vaccinated residents who have uploaded their vaccine information? A: Yes, a QR code is needed, and you won’t receive it until you answer the health questionnaire 24 hours before your flight. The vaccine exception exempts the eligible traveler from pre-travel testing and the 10-day quarantine. It is a tool within the Safe Travels system, which requires each adult traveler to create an account; add trip details; apply for a quarantine exemption or exception, if applicable; fill out a health questionnaire; and, if quarantined, check in daily for the duration. See the safe travels website for more information: https://travel.hawaii.gov/#/
COVID-19 Variants and Other Illnesses Increase; Experts Advise Travelers to Take Extra Precaution
That long-awaited summer vacation and travel beckons us—enjoy but with caution. Travel-related cases of COVID-19 are appearing in Hawaii as more residents are starting to go their summer travel. The Delta variant shouldn’t be a cause for panic, but it should be a reason to get vaccinated, as it is more infectious than other variants and more resistant to health controls. Although these are new strains, variants aren’t the only illnesses to watch out for. The common cold may once again return like an old, irritating friend. And with more people socializing and kids returning to the classroom this fall, health experts warn we could have a very active flu season ahead of us, as well as more cases of bronchitis which nearly disappeared during the shutter-in-place period. As the pandemic situation changes, you may have questions. The contacts below may help:
Travel: 1-800-GoHawaii (1-800-464-2924); 7:45 am – 4:30 pm
Vaccine: (808) 586-8332; Monday through Friday; 7:45 am – 4:30 pm
Health Department Hawaii CARES hotline – available 24/7: CALL 1-800-753-6879 or TEXT ALOHA to 741741
Other essential community services: 7 am – 10 pm, 7 days a week; CALL 2-1-1 or TEXT (877) 275-6569
Vaccination Opportunity in Kakaako!
Visit SALT’s Free Walk-Up vaccination clinic this Saturday, 6/19. The clinic is open to residents 12 years and older. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The vaccine is free, but you should bring your health insurance card and a photo I.D.. Walk-ups are welcome. A mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Screening Form can be downloaded and printed in advance or completed on site. For more information, visit SALT’s website here.
TAX CREDITS, RENT RELIEF & MEDIATION
IRS to Release Child Tax Credit Payments
More relief is coming your way if you have keiki. Beginning in mid-July, low-income families may be eligible to receive monthly child tax credit payments up to $300 per month for each qualifying child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each qualifying child ages 6 to 17. Families do not need to take any action to get their payment. Families can also apply for advance tax credit. For more information, click here.
City Rental and Utility Relief Program; Income Eligibility Limit Increases
Good news renters! If you couldn’t qualify the first time, try again. Households at or below 80% of Oahu’s area median income can now apply. For example, a family of four earning up to $100,700 a year that can prove they’ve been hit financially by the pandemic can qualify for support. But to help those in need, if your income is above the limit, please don’t apply since it delays the process for households in need. See: https://www.oneoahu.org/renthelp. For questions, call (808) 768-CITY (2489) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.
Governor Signs Bill Requiring Mediation Prior to Landlord Evictions
Currently, landlord-tenant mediation can only be done after an eviction has been filed in Hawaii. Gov. David Ige just signed a measure Wednesday that temporarily requires mediation BEFORE a landlord files for eviction. With many people still struggling financially, it ensures that families are not evicted when there may be a way to negotiate a solution. Under the measure, landlords must provide a copy of a notice of termination of a rental agreement to a tenant and find a mediation center that provides free landlord-tenant mediation. The mediation must be completed within 30 days from the receipt of the notice. The program begins the day after the end of the eviction moratorium on Aug. 6.
Survey on How to Improve Public Transportation
Last week, we sent an erroneous link to you regarding this survey. Please find the corrected link here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hstcp2021. The city transportation department (DTS) is surveying Oahu residents and seeking input from older adults, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with low incomes to better understand their transportation needs. DTS will use the data to update the Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan (HSTCP). The survey will be available online until Wednesday, June 30, 2021. Anyone with questions can email ccullison@pbrhawaii.com” style=”mso-line-height-rule: exactly;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #007C89;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;”>ccullison@pbrhawaii.com
UNEMPLOYMENT UPDATES
Unemployed “Hybrid Workers” Can Now Earn an Extra $100 a Week of UI Benefits
Are you a UI claimant whose past income was never fully counted to be eligible for unemployment benefits? Now, these side-income claimants will see an increase in their weekly benefit amount by $100 per week. The Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) program is the sixth federal benefit program implemented by the labor department since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. It started processing “hybrid worker” applications on June 17. To be eligible for MEUC, claimants must have earned a net income of at least $5,000 in self-employment work in the most recent taxable year before applying for unemployment benefits. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) recipients are not eligible for MEUC. For more info., and to apply, click here.
PUA Claimants Must Now Record Job Search
Self-employed and independent contractors will now need to prove they’re searching for work to collect UI benefits. The state is now requiring Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants to show they are making at least three job contacts every week. For the 36,000 residents claiming PUA unemployment, reports need to be made via the PUA portal starting Sunday, June 20. Examples include advertising your business, creating a profile on freelancing websites and promoting or marketing. You may find information helpful at the department’s website here.
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
Free Sailing Lessons at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor
Ala Wai Harbor sailors are volunteering their time to teach sailing at no charge. Highly experienced and committed to the sailing lifestyle, they are happy to share their expertise on a first-come-first-serve basis with qualified individuals.
All are permanent liveaboards at the Ala Wai Harbor. Located at the Ala Wai Canal between Waikiki and Honolulu, it is the largest small boat harbor in the state of Hawaii. Interested individuals may send an email to staff@hawaiioceannews.com.
Waikiki’s Art on the Zoo Fence Resumes
After a long hiatus, artists will be back this weekend selling their artwork and photography along the fence of the Honolulu Zoo on Monsarrat Avenue. Since 1953, the Hawaii artists have been a common way-side destination for tourists strolling along Waikiki. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. The outdoor art show was shut down during the pandemic in March 2020. For more info., visit http://www.artonthezoofence.com/
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
June 22 Ala Moana Kakaako Neighborhood Board, 6:30pm
The next meeting of the Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11 is scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Some topics of discussion include the Ala Moana Transit Oriented Development Plan and the Kamani Street Houseless. Zoom Login info and testimony submission instructions can be found on the agenda here.
June 23 Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor Town Hall, 4:00-5:30pm
The Legislature has ended, and much has been achieved. Get briefed on the outcomes, the budget, bills passed, and bills signed into law by the Governor. The Governor’s list of veto items will be out on June 21 so let’s meet on Zoom on Wednesday, June 23 from 4-5:30pm. Agenda items include capital improvement projects, budget items, legislation, and plans for the coming year. If you have questions, please email them before the meeting to senmoriwaki@capitol.hawaii.gov. ; Zoom Login info is below:
Proposed Waikiki Beach Improvement Plan: Send in Your Comments by July 23
You have until July 23 to comment on the proposal that some say is needed to save the hotels and beach sands of Waikiki from coastline erosion– from the Kapahulu Groin to the Ewa end of Fort DeRussy Beach. Exacerbated by sea level rise, some predict tourism revenues would shrink by more than $2.2 billion a year if Waikiki Beach were to disappear. Overall, the draft EIS provides a rich resource of Waikiki history and marine science, including many photographs. It can be found here. Comments should be emailed to waikiki@seaengineering.com by July 23.
WEEKEND WAYSIDES
Laugh With Dad Again: June 19, 7:00pm
It’s not too early to celebrate Father’s Day. Treat dad to a hilarious night at The Beach House for a Funny Father’s Day comedy show at Aloha Tower this Saturday. Great drinks, food, and entertainment in a safe open-air environment. What more can you ask for? Get your tickets online for $10 here. Or at the door, cost is $15. Doors Open at 6pm. Show Starts a 7pm. Live DJ’s to follow!
Love Those Little Bonsai: June 19, 10:00am-1:00pm
Learn how to maintain these little trees called Bonsai while bringing a touch of forest into your garden. This workshop aims to teach you the foundation and techniques of their natural health and growth patterns. Cost is $95. Get your tickets here.
Treat Dad to a Juicy Steak on Father’s Day this Sunday, June 20
Multi-course menus, boozy buffets and brunches, stylish special occasion restaurants and old-school meals featuring classic cuts of beef. Treat dad to a dine-in dinner or a takeout meal from one of these top steak-centric restaurants.
Support The Arts in Hawaii: June 20, 2:00-5:00pm
Celebrate the start of summer and Father’s Day by enjoying the work of local artists at the new Downtown Art Center, 2nd Floor, 1041 Nuuanu Ave., Suite B, Honolulu, HI 96817, directly across from Hank’s! $20 suggested donation at the door, a portion of the proceeds help benefit the Downtown Art Center! Due to social distancing requirements, space will be limited! Make your reservation here. For more info., call (808) 773-7339
