SPOTLIGHT ON A COMMUNITY HERO Walt Flood: A Caring Steward of Waikiki
Walt Flood “patrolled” Waikiki searching for problems to solve and issues to discuss, a pattern punctuated by a 2am snack at the Lewers Street Denny’s most nights. For 25 years, he brought those issues to the forefront at the Waikiki Neighborhood Board of which he was a member until health issues put him out of commission for months and interrupted a routine that benefited so many in the community. He is on the road to recovery now and hopes to come back to the Board in the future. He continues to be a caring steward of Waikiki.
What Will It Take for the Governor to Drop Covid Restrictions Completely?
Although the vaccination pace right now is slow and steady, a forward progression continues. We know that accessibility probably isn’t the issue anymore. The state said people are waiting for something — the next day off work or waiting after they get back from a trip. The state encourages people not to wait. Over the past week, clinicians administered about 20,000 doses which means we’re still about 15 weeks away from the 70% benchmark. By October, all the state’s COVID restrictions may be dropped ― and that’s only if those vaccination numbers hold steady. Currently, 58% of the Hawaii’s population is fully vaccinated. To drive up demand, the state said it plans to launch a new incentive campaign with cash prizes later this month. In the future, they may also potentially go door-to-door for vaccine outreach.
Delta Variant Accounts for 40% of All New Covid Infections in Hawaii
Almost half of new covid cases now involve the Delta Variant and unvaccinated people, according to health officials. The state said increased travel, Fourth of July gatherings, and the general loosening of restrictions are all linked to the uptick. The Delta variant is estimated to be 225% more transmissible than the original variant. The mutant strain is also more deadly, but the vaccine is proven to work well in preventing infections. The total number of Delta Variant cases in the state is 57, as of this writing. That number will likely grow in the following weeks. Of the Delta cases, there are 10 that contain the spike K417N mutation, also known as the “delta plus” variant from India. State health officials urge all those who are not vaccinated yet against COVID-19 to do so as protection against the delta variant and other variants.
Could the Rise in Delta Variant Cases Prompt a Vaccine Mandate?
Gov. David Ige is reluctant to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations while the vaccines are under Emergency Use Authorization. He is looking at certain situations like the prison covid outbreak and weighing the liability issues the state would face against requiring vaccinations for employees and the incarcerated. The issue continues to be evaluated. A vaccine mandate has not been decided at this time. Case counts are continually being monitored statewide.
Hawaii Expands Pre-travel Covid Screening with CLEAR Health Pass App
Effective July 9, all domestic travelers to Hawaii can now verify their Covid-19 vaccination status or pre-travel testing results by using the Health Pass app by CLEAR. Hawaii has expanded its partnership with CLEAR to allow all Hawaii-bound travelers from every U.S. airport on any airline to utilize the Health Pass app as part of the Safe Travels program. Passengers can upload their negative Covid-19 test results or vaccine information to the mobile Health Pass app. Passengers then must link to their Health Pass on the Hawaii Safe Travels website in order to apply for a quarantine exemption. The app is able to link to vaccination records from hundreds of vaccine providers and pharmacies. For more info., click here.
RELIEF FOR KEIKI, FOOD ASSISTANCE, HEALTH INSURANCE
Federal Child Tax Credit Payments Coming Your Way: What You Need to Know
The pandemic has left many Hawaii families struggling to put food on the table. The American Rescue Relief Plan funds the largest Child Tax Credit ever, plus more. For more info. on the Child Tax Credit, visit www.ChildTaxCredit.gov.
Keiki relief is on the way: New State Electronic Food Assistance Program Rolls Out in July
The new “P-EBT” benefits are allocated to children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Families don’t need to apply for these benefits. Children are automatically enrolled through age verification. Children under 6 are eligible if they receive SNAP benefits between June 1-August 2, 2021.
Benefits can be used to buy SNAP-eligible foods. For a list of SNAP-eligible foods, click here.
For questions, contact the P-EBT call center at 1-888-975-PEBT(7328), or send an email message to hi.pebt@dhs.hawaii.gov.
Food Stamp Clients Could Lose Monthly Funds if They Don’t Renew Their Status Soon
Don’t lose those food stamps! You need to complete your paperwork to continue receiving benefits or you may unintentionally be cut off. The concerns come after the federal government, citing the covid pandemic, dropped the normal requirement that people on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, do both an eligibility and a six-month review. It lifted the waiver this month. Letters were sent out but only half or less have been returned. Those who do not turn in their paperwork on time will be notified that their SNAP benefits have been terminated. SNAP clients can renew here.
Savings on Health Insurance Coverage Available for Hawaii’s Unemployed
Thousands of Hawaii’s workers have lost their health insurance because of the pandemic. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is encouraging Hawaii residents to visit HealthCare.gov to see if they qualify for new financial help. Individuals may qualify if they receive or are eligible to receive unemployment income for at least one week in 2021. Unemployment income recipients will need to submit a new application or update their existing application between July 1 and August 15, 2021. Coverage can begin as soon as August 1st and the savings will last through the end of the year.
CONSUMER COMPLAINTS PORTAL, REVISED EVICTION REQUIREMENTS, JOBS
New Complaint Portal Available for Hawaii Consumers
Do you have a valid complaint against a licensed professional? A new website portal is now available for Hawaii consumers to send formal complaints against professional and vocational licensees, as well as those who are unlicensed. To access the portal, click here or if you need information, call 808-587-4272.
Eviction Moratorium Ending August 6: New Landlord-Tenant Law Requires Mediation Before Eviction
At a press conference Thursday, the Governor announced the ending of the eviction moratorium as of 11:59 pm on Friday, August 6. Foreseeing the thousands of jobless and potential homeless with the lifting of the moratorium, legislators passed HB1376, signed into law as Act 57, that gives more time (extends from 5 days to 15 days) to notify tenants of possible eviction, requires landlords and tenants to first mediate a payment plan before going to court, and provides funds so mediation is free. This Act gives pause so landlords and tenants can work together on a plan to make landlords whole and to allow tenants to stay in their homes instead of the streets. Rather than go to court they can work together. This is a great opportunity for our community to come together to help each other. This article on staradvertiser.com sums it up well and has a link to a recording of the press conference. Click here for the moratorium resources page which includes links and information regarding financial and mediation resources.
25,000 positions Available on Hawaii Chamber of Commerce website.
As Hawaii businesses continue to reopen, one issue continues to be of concern — worker shortage. Various industries are having a hard time filling positions, even those who offer “good-paying salaries with full benefits.” More than 25,000 positions are currently available on the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii website which can be found here: https://www.hawaiiishiring.com/
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
Making Waikiki Safer
Rep. Adrian Tam organized a meeting with HPD Major Mark Cricchio, City Council Chair Tommy Waters, and Senator Moriwaki to work on crime prevention and enforcement in Waikiki. They will continue to meet to discuss solutions, including legislation, to improve the safety of our Waikiki community.
Ward Village July Development Update
As part of the ongoing development of the Ward Village neighborhood, Ward Village wants to share with the community their regular update on area improvements that will be occurring in the coming months. Click here for a map of the area with locations of work identified.
Palolo Chinese Home Virtual Community Session with Moiliili Community Center
While participation in the live webinar has passed, all educational sessions from the Palolo Chinese Home are recorded and viewable via YouTube, where you can have continued access and resources. Last month, the Moiliili Community Center was featured to provide information on the many programs the Center offers to kupuna and to the community. During this session, Executive Director Nadine Nishioka shares information about their Japanese Language School for children and adults and their Kupuna Support Program. For upcoming events, check out the Moiliili Community Center website.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Queen’s Vaccine Clinic at SALT in Kakaako: JULY 18, 9:00am – 3:00pm
Want to be covid restriction-free? Hawaii is shooting for it but we haven’t quite reached herd immunity yet — at least 70% of our population has been vaccinated. Do your part and get vaccinated this Sunday at SALT at Our Kakaako, 691 Auahi Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Register here.
Citizen Patrol at Waikiki Baptist Church: JULY 20, 4:30 – 5:30pm
On Tuesday July 20th at 4:30 PM, HPD is hosting a Citizen Patrol walk in the area of the Waikiki Baptist Church. This is a very informal “walk and talk” and an opportunity for HPD to connect with residents and learn about how we can work together to make your neighborhood a safe place to live, work and play. Please connect with HPD and your neighbors. Please spread the word!
City Council Will Hear Resolution on Student Loan Forgiveness: JULY 21, 9:00am
The City Council will hear a resolution about the federal student loan debt, urging the President, Congress, and the United States Secretary of Education to cancel outstanding federal student loan debt up to $10,000 per person. Resolution 21-155 can be found here. To attend the meeting virtually and/or to submit testimony remotely, instructions can be found on the committee agenda here.
McCully-Moiliili Virtual Town Hall: JULY 21, 5:00pm
Have something to say about crime and/or homelessness in the McCully-Moiliili area? Join your district legislators Senator Sharon Moriwaki and Representative Scott Saiki along with HPD District 7 Major Brian Lynch, Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness Scott Morishige, and City Housing & Homelessness Coordinator Anton Krucky at a virtual town hall meeting and be heard. Register here.
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 Waikiki’s hotels and beach sands 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.
Kupuna Recognition is July 24: Useful Community Resources
There are so many ways to make life easier for your beloved kupuna. Check these out:
Find a Dentist on Medicaid on Oahu: Call the State’s Dental Assistance hotline, provided by the Community Case Management Corporation (CCMC) at (808) 792-1070 or Toll-free at 1 (888) 792-1070.
Senior Farmers Market Coupons: Available here. (Redeem by Oct 31)
Calling all Caregivers! Meet those like you, who know what it’s like to care for kupuna. Join the Lanakila Caregiver Support Group’s monthly meeting every 4th Thursday of each month, from 9:30 to 10:30 am, via Zoom. Share info., bond, and feel good about the work you do, so valuable to loved ones. For more info., leave a message for Corinne Gyotoku at 808-527-4798.
Adult Art Class: ‘Make Art for Art’s Sake’ at the Downtown Art Center: July 17, 1:30 – 3:30pm
So the fine arts are lovely… but the FUN arts are wild! This class is perfect for the free-wheeling artist who rolls without rules. Participate in a workshop to stimulate creativity every Saturday 1:30-3:30 p.m., starting July 17, at the Downtown Art Center, 1041 Nuuanu Avenue, 2nd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96817. Tuition is $20 per class meeting. Register for a date here.
Reiki & Sound Bath Healing Experience: July 17, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing alternative to medicine; encouraging emotional and/or physical relief. Instructor Jeet Padmani Kaur will conducting the reiki treatment and co-instructor Mayu will be doing sound therapy. Join them for this reiki and sound healing circle on Saturday, July 17, from 11am – 12:30pm at Sakura Arts Collective, 184 North King Street #201, Honolulu, HI 96817. Cost is $88. For tickets and more info., click here.
Waikiki Shorefyre Concert Series presents ‘Mahi Crabbe!’: July 18, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Listeners worldwide immediately embraced his “tough-guy-look-but angelic” sound in 2011, after local boy Mahikumakani Crabbe released several original songs including “Tell Me You Do,” “Dear Babe” and “Light Switch.” Listen to his sound here and if you like him, check him out this Sunday, July 18, 6:00-8:00pm at the Shorefyre Fresh Grill & Bar at the International Marketplace, 2330 Kalakaua Avenue #Suite 396. Cost is $25. For tickets and more info., click here.
TIP A COP to support Special Olympics
Volunteer off-duty law enforcement officers will greet customers and assist servers to raise awareness and show their support for Special Olympic Hawaii athletes. All proceeds raised by these dedicated officers will remain in the islands and help us continue our mission to get all our athletes safely back to in-person sports training, competitions and programs. Through the support of the officers of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and generous corporate and individual donors, there is never a fee for athletes to participate in any of our programs.
Please enjoy a meal with family and friends at any one of the participating restaurants and “Tip A Cop” or leave a donation to show your support!
Ala Moana Shopping Center Buffalo Wild Wings, Goma Tei, Lucky Strike, & Olive Garden
Friday, July 16 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 17 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. & 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, July 18 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. & 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
