New Business Security Watch, Legislature, Info, Events, Happenings
July 9, 2021
Our nation is built on the strength of our citizens. Every day, we encounter situations calling upon us to be the eyes and ears of law enforcement. Not only does neighborhood watch allow citizens to help in the fight against crime, it is also an opportunity for communities to bond through service. The Neighborhood Watch Program draws upon the compassion of average citizens, asking them to lend their neighbors a hand.
McCully-Moiliili Starts Business Security Watch
Several area businesses, mainly from N. King St., met with HPD Corporal John Mau and Officer Kaimi Kellett to start a Business Security Watch (BSW), part of the neighborhood watch programs. Mahalo to Corporal Mau for a terrific briefing on the community policing “neighborhood watch” programs where citizens are part of the solution to curb crime and homelessness. Some key takeaways:
HPD District 7 extends over East Oahu from Punahou to Makapuu; ideally, they would like coverage of 26 patrol officers on any given day, however, they have an average of 18 officers
HPD needs citizen participation, with security watches and citizen patrols that serve as the “eyes & ears” of HPD
Objectives of a BSW are:
Cooperation with neighboring businesses by watching out for one another
Timely reporting of suspicious activities or criminal occurrences to HPD and the BSW
When witnessing a crime, however major or minor, or however often, call 911! The more reporting to police, the more “problem areas” of reoccurring crime get attention
Don’t hesitate, contact police. HPD can only take action if a citizen reports the matter.
You can also use the 311 app for reporting non-emergencies
For assistance with homeless issues, contact Scott Morishige, State Coordinator’s hotline at (808) 586-0193
For more information or if you would like to participate in the McCully-Moiliili Business Watch email Coordinator Nikki Inamine at ninamine@gmail.com or reply to this email.
Also starting soon is the McCully-Moiliili Citizen Patrol with Coordinator David Hioki. If you are interested in joining the patrol, reply to this email with your name and contact number. We will inform you when Cpl. Mau can schedule a date for the first meeting.
Legislature’s Special Session Ends
The Senate adjourned its veto override session that began on July 6. In addition to the actions taken on Tuesday, the Senate on Thursday approved three floor amendments to meet the Governor’s objections in his veto messages for HB54, HB1299 and SB589. The chamber also overrode the veto for HB53 as the items were included in HB54. Since convening on Tuesday, the Legislature has taken the following actions:
Six Veto Overrides:
Of the twenty-six bills that were vetoed by the Governor, the Senate and House overrode six vetoed bills. The Governor signed the amended HB54 and has until Thursday, July 22 to act on HB1299 and SB589. You can watch a recording and prior sessions/hearings on YouTube here. See the Legislature’s 2021 Special Session page here.
Informational Briefing on COVID Vaccine and Delta Variant
The Senate Committee on Health and the House Committee on Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness held an all-virtual informational briefing on COVID vaccine distribution, efficacy, approval for children, and the Delta Variant, on Friday, July 9 at 10:00 am. Reporting to the committees from the Department of Health were Dr. Libby Char, Director, and Dr. Sarah Kemble, Acting State Epidemiologist. See the agenda here. You can watch a recording on YouTube here.
Maintenance on a Portion of Makiki Stream Begins
The City began maintenance of Makiki Stream between Philip Street and Fern Street on July 6. They will be utilizing heavy equipment to remove overgrown vegetation, rocks, silt, and other material from approximately 800 linear feet section of Makiki Stream. The maintenance work will be performed Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with an expected completion date of July 16. If you should have any questions, please contact Mr. Scott Kaku at (808) 768-3642. For more information, click here.
Draft Oahu Pedestrian Plan Available for Public Review
The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) published the Draft Oahu Pedestrian Plan, Honolulu’s first island-wide pedestrian plan that aims to create vibrant, safe, and accessible streets to enable those of all ages and abilities to get around safely and comfortably on foot. Community input has played a critical role in shaping the Oahu Pedestrian Plan, and now DTS is requesting the public’s input on the Draft Plan. View the Draft Oahu Pedestrian Plan here. Please submit comments via email to completestreets@honolulu.gov by Friday, August 6, 2021. For more information, click here.
County DMV Offices Offering Extended Hours/Services to Address Renewal Backlog
The Hawaii Department of Transportation reminds residents and motorists that the emergency extension relating to COVID-19 for driver’s licenses, non-CDL permits, and state IDs which expired on or after March 16, 2020 will end August 6, 2021. The Kapalama, Kapolei, Koolau and Waianae Driver Licensing Centers are offering extended hours (Mon – Fri 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.) for renewal services. Appointments are recommended. Walk-in service is offered, but same-day service is not guaranteed. Select Satellite City Halls are also offering extended hours on the weekdays and/or weekends. Call (808) 768-4385 for more information, or visit their website here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 10 Going Green eWaste Recycling Event
Recycle your electronic waste this Saturday, July 10th from 9 AM to 11 AM at Central Union Church at the Punahou Street parking lot. Bring computers, TVs, old cell phones, printers etc. to recycle or clothes to donate. See the flyer here.
Queen’s COVID Vaccine Clinic at International Market Place Where? International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave When? Saturday, July 10, 11:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Recommended registration: click here.
Recommended pre-screening form: click here.
July 11 SALT at Our Kakaako Vaccination Site Where? 691 Auahi St When? Sunday, June 11, 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Type? Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson Who? Residents 12+
For more information, visit the SALT website here.
July 13 Waikiki Neighborhood Board, 6:00 P.M.
The next meeting of the Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 is scheduled for Tuesday, July 13 at 6:00 P.M. at the Waikiki Community Center (310 Paoakalani Ave.) or via WebEx (see below for virtual meeting details). Some of the topics for discussion include public events, such as the Ohana Festival and the MPRRC/MRS 15K Run and impacts to surrounding areas. For the full agenda, click here.
July 15 Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board, 6:00 P.M.
Agenda to be posted on a later date. Click here to check for the agenda.
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
The Honolulu Zoo recently received four female African penguins. Click here for more info.
Honolulu Zoo Society’s Virtual Wildest Show in Town
It’s not quite the same as picnicking with an enthusiastic crowd on the lawn, but the zoo’s virtual edition of its annual summer event brings some fun to your computer screen. The first show on July 1 started with a catchy melodic tour of the zoo with Angela Morales followed by a toe-tapping performance by Pure Heart and a visit with the elephants. (You can still watch it here.) So we say grab a blanket and head into the backyard or park to watch this week’s show featuring Tavana. July 21 will have Bobby Moderow followed by The Mākaha Sons to close out the series on July 28.
Open: Waikīkī Aquarium
It’s been closed for almost a year, but the aquarium reopened this month. You should make reservations for a time slot online, although the aquarium says you can try to walk in, note that the the first day sold out. The experience will be even more looking than touching, touch screens will be shut down for safety measures.
All ages
$8 for kamaʻāina adults, $5 for kids 4 to 12, kids 3 years and younger are free
Time slots are available every hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
New Art Gallery in Waikiki
A new art gallery, Park West, has opened at 226 Lewers offering an opportunity to learn about works of fine art and/or a change to expand your own gallery outside of the hectic, auction-type atmosphere. The gallery will eventually be holding seminars on its upcoming exhibits, with plans to bring artists from overseas while also feature Hawaii-based artists. For more information on their hours, current exhibition, etc., visit the website here.
