Special Session, Hurricane Prep, Resources, News, Events
July 24, 2021
2021 Tokyo Olympic Games
July 23 – August 8
After being delayed for an entire year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics—as some may still call it—will begin today, July 23, 2021. We have a host of athletes hailing from the Islands competing in 10 sports, including karate, skateboarding, basketball, indoor/outdoor volleyball, rugby, softball, swimming, and water polo. Surfing will make its long-awaited debut this year, a big deal for our Island state where surfing originated. The Father of Modern Surfing, the late Duke Kahanamoku, would be proud. A five-time Olympic medal swimmer (3 gold, 2 silver), our Ambassador of Aloha popularized the sport in the early 20th century.
Your Guide to the Tokyo Olympics: Hawaii & USA Rosters, Opening Ceremonies & Livestream Schedule
Kupuna Recognition Day – A Message from the Executive Office on Aging
In 2006, ACT 122 was signed into law designating the fourth Saturday of July as “Kupuna Recognition Day.” Authored by the late representative Mele Carroll, this day recognizes the very significant role that kupuna play in Hawaii’s cultures, history, and traditions.
On the 15th anniversary of this legislation, we commemorate the late Representative Mele Carroll. She served as the district 13 Representative for Molokai, Lanai and parts of Maui from 2005 to February 1, 2015. She served as the chair of the House Committee on Human Services and as a member for the Committees on Health and Housing. In her tenure, she had chaired the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus, and was a member of the Women’s Legislative Caucus, Keiki Caucus, Kupuna Caucus, and Historical Preservation Caucus.
In honor of her vision, we wish to acknowledge the following individuals who were honored during the 2021 Older Americans Month for their commitment to service.
Senate Special Session on Judicial Appointments
The Senate will meet next week for advice and consent on two appointees to the courts: Daniel Gluck, current State Ethics Commission Director, nominated by Governor Ige to the Intermediate Court of Appeals; and Lesley Maloian, currently a Deputy Public Defender, appointed by Chief Justice Recktenwald to the District Family Court of the First Circuit. The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a virtual public hearing on the appointees on Tuesday, July 27 at 11:00 am. See the hearing notice here. Click here to submit testimony. Written testimony is required to participate via videoconference and must be submitted at least 24 hours before the hearing. The Judiciary Committee will vote on whether to recommend the appointees on Wednesday at 10:30 am and the full Senate will convene on Thursday at 11:00 am for a final vote. You can watch the special session on the Senate’s YouTube Channel.
HURRICANE PREP; HECO ASSISTANCE
Check Your Hurricane Insurance Policies
Hurricane season is upon us! In Hawaii, the storms occur roughly between June 1 and November 30. Hawaii residents are advised to prepare your 14-day emergency kits and also review your insurance policies. Some things. You should know about insurance policies: understand that:
Standard homeowners and renter’s insurance policies do not cover hurricane and flood damage.
Once a tropical storm approaches our islands, insurance companies may issue a moratorium and stop writing any new policies.
Damage caused by flood is not covered by homeowners or hurricane insurance. Flood insurance must be purchased separately.
Understand your insurance deductibles.
Additional information on flood and hurricane insurance can be found here.
Hurricane Prep Tips
Develop your family’s own emergency plans and especially consider the following:
Gather emergency supplies, such as a battery-powered radio, flashlights, lanterns and batteries.
Store enough water, non-perishable food, medicine and personal hygiene supplies for your family members and pets to last at least 14 days.
Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electric appliances and equipment during a storm or a power
outage. When power comes back and is stable, plug in the equipment one at a time.
Shut off your electricity at the main breaker or switch if you need to evacuate.
Get a backup generator.
Prepare your medical equipment and medications to take with you.
Prepare a list of emergency contacts, including phone numbers for insurance agents, vendors, physicians.
Get updates and alerts — follow Hawaiian Electric on Twitter or on its free mobile app available on the
Apple App and Google Play stores.
Hawaiian Electric Strengthens Protection Against Harsh Weather
Forecasters are predicting two to five tropical cyclones for the Central Pacific in 2021. In addition to Hawaiian
Electric crews working year-round to harden the company’s five island grids so they are better able to withstand the
effects of powerful storms, the company is also doing the following:
Reinforcing poles, lines, and other equipment.
Clearing trees and vegetation around power lines and equipment (results in fewer and briefer outages during storms).
To prepare for the hurricane season customers can refer to the company’s Handbook for Emergency Preparedness here.
HECO Pays Consumers in New ‘Battery Bonus’ Program
The tables have turned just a tad and that means money in your pocket! Hawaiian Electric Co. announced a new program to incentivize Oahu ratepayers to add battery storage to their new or existing photovoltaic solar energy systems. Participants in the “Battery Bonus” program can be paid for sharing portions of their stored power to the utility during a daily two-hour evening window. There is a 50MW cap, so check out the program. Applications will be accepted until the 50MW cap is reached. For more info., click here.
FIGHTING COVID: TESTING, VACCINE CLINICS, SCHOOL SAFETY
Free Covid Testing at Airport Mobile Lab
The more testing, the better! The city is offering free COVID-19 testing to all Oahu residents beginning Friday, July 23 through Saturday, July 31. Participants will be required to bring a valid state ID showing their Oahu address & zip code. Results will be provided within six hours. All clients must pre-register by clicking here.
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport– Diamond Head Tour Group Area (just past baggage claim 31)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Open 7 days a week, including on holidays.
Longs Drugs (CVS) is now accepting walk-in COVID-19 appointments at 70 pharmacies across Hawaii with no appointment necessary. Same-day scheduling, including appointments as soon as one hour from time of scheduling, is also available at CVS.com.
Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacy locations across Hawai’i are now accepting walk-in vaccine appointments, as supply allows, in addition to scheduled appointments. Customers who schedule an appointment can complete pre-vaccination paperwork ahead of time. Appointments can be made at walmart.com/COVIDvaccine and samsclub.com/covid. Walmart Pharmacies are open seven days a week and are administering the approved J&J, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Individuals are not required to be a member to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Sam’s Club. Sam’s Club pharmacies are closed on Sundays.
The Queens Health Systems clinic is open to people 50+ years of age and older, those with high-risk medical conditions, and essential workers. Visit https://covid.queens.org/vaccine/ or call 808-691-2222 for more info.
Select Safeway stores, Kaiser branches, and more testing sites can be found here.
List of Schools Offering Distance Learning for Upcoming Year
The school year starts August 3. To help stop the spread of Covid-19 and its variants DOH and DOE are encouraging all staff and eligible students to get vaccinated, asking anyone sick to stay at home, and implementing mask and social distancing guidelines. For a list of schools offering distance learning for the upcoming school year, click here.
UNEMPLOYMENT UPDATE, DRIVERS NEEDED, INTERNET DISCOUNTS
State Unemployment Office Finally Opens for In-Person Visits
After much frustration, your voices have been heard! The Hawaii Unemployment Office will finally open after more than a year of closure. On September 7, the day after Labor Day, in-person walk-ins in the morning AND appointment-only visits in the afternoon. The state’s unemployment rate was 7.7% in June, down from 14% a year ago in June 2020 but still above the national average of 5.9% and far above pre-pandemic Hawaii levels. The office will continue its call center but discontinue Zoom and phone appointments once the office is open. You can make in-person appointments three weeks prior to Sept. 7.
Local Rideshare Company is Hiring Drivers
With more residents and visitors requesting rides, Hawaii-owned Holoholo is expanding its service and needs drivers. The rideshare company is celebrating a milestone after reaching 10,000 rider app downloads in one month. Full-time work is available. Drivers must be at least 21-years-old with personal vehicle insurance. Click here if you’re interested in signing up: https://rideholoholo.com/
Discount on Internet from the Feds
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a federal program to help households afford internet service. You won’t have to prove that you lost your job during the pandemic to qualify, but your household must demonstrate financial need. A household is eligible if any member meets at least one of the following criteria:
Has an income that is at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid or Lifeline.
Was approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program.
Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
Qualifying households get a discount on broadband service of $50 or $75 a month (depending on where they live).
For more information, including how to apply, go to https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit
SATELLITE CITY HALLS, SCOOTERS, SCAMS
Satellite City Halls & DMV Kiosks Unavailable this Saturday Due to Systems Upgrades
Planned upgrades to the city’s computer system will put a temporary halt to certain services this Saturday, July 24. From 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Driver’s license renewals and state identification card applications will not be issued at any satellite city hall or its self-service kiosks. The city’s website for renewing a motor vehicle registration will also be down. For more info., click here.
New State Law Regulates Electric Foot Scooter Industry
Almost clipped by a scooter? You’d be happy to know that a new law limits scooter speeds to 15 mph. House Bill 72, now Act 174, was signed into law on July 1. More regulations include prohibiting riders under age 15, and requiring a one-time registration of $30. The new law can be found here.
IRS Warns of Child Tax Credit Scams
The warning comes just one week after the IRS began sending out advanced Child Tax Credit payments. Beware of scammers trying to collect your Child Tax Credit payments. There are some easy ways to tell if the call or email you receive is fake. The IRS is never going to threaten, demand immediate payment, or verify personal info. The Child Tax Credit payments are a hot commodity because half of the annual credit will be sent out over the next six months. They are between $3,600 for children under age 6 and $3,000 for kids ages 6 to 17. The other half will be released after parents file their taxes next year. Be vigilant and careful!
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
State Board Rules Against Kakaako Tower Owners in Dispute Over Maintenance Fee Hike
The Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) voted 5-1 Wednesday to deny the petition filed by the association of homeowners at Ke Kilohana condo, a 424-unit tower developed by Howard Hughes Corp. to hold the developer accountable for grossly underestimated maintenance fees. The petition asked HCDA to declare that Hughes Corp. failed to deliver homes meeting affordability guidelines. Read more here.
JL Capital gets $339M loan to finance Sky Ala Moana project
Real estate investment firm, JL Capital, recently closed on a $339M construction and mezzanine loan to finance its Sky Ala Moana project. The project cost is over $500 million for 474 residential condominium units and 300 hotel/condotel units at the 1388 Kapiolani Blvd. location. Construction is active. The seventh floor of the podium is near completion with the level-eight amenity deck and two towers soon to follow this year.
Ala Wai Flood Mitigation Project Update: City Enters Agreement for New Study
After years of planning and setbacks in the Ala Wai flood mitigation project, a new study is about to begin.
The US Army Corps of Engineers signed an agreement with the city on June 30 to find new ways to protect Waikiki from a massive flood and minimize environmental impacts. The 3-year study is fully funded by the federal government. This comes after the previous plans were unpopular with the community, and a new plan nearly doubled to almost $700 million. This study aims to find a compromise.
Kalakaua Senior Center & Boys and Girls Club Foster Intergenerational Relationship
A collaborative effort with kupuna at the Kalakaua Gardens senior center is the first of its kind since the start of the pandemic. The club’s entrepreneurial program brought the kids together with seniors who donated hand crafted dish gardens for the children to sell. Organizers on both sides say the project is a win-win. The kids get to see the kupuna AND the kupuna get to work with the kids. The pandemic has taken an emotional toll on both young and old.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Eviction Crisis Webinar: JULY 26, 12-1:00PM
Time is running out for renters. Hawaii’s eviction moratorium ends on August 6. Learn about tenants’ rights and opportunities with the Medical-Legal Partnership in Hawaii and the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women. Housing security is especially important for women, transgender, and non-conforming people. For webinar registration, see the flyer below. For more info., please call (808) 586-5758.
Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board: JULY 27, 6:30PM
The Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11 will be holding its July monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 27 at 6:30PM at the Kapalama Hale Conference Room and via videoconference (Zoom). A few of the topics to be discussed: Ala Wai Promenade Improvements, the Ala Moana Transit Oriented Development Plan, and Residential Development in Kakaako. To join via Zoom, see below for details:
Waikiki Surfboard Exhibit to Honor Olympic Surfing Debut: JULY 25 – DEC 31
On July 22nd, a blessing ceremony was held in Waikiki for a new art exhibit at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort called “Golden Dreams” to honor the debut of surfing in the Olympics. The exhibit will open to the public on Sunday, July 25, and will be on display through the end of 2021. For more information and a lesson in surfing history, click here.
Kolohe Kai Live Band at the Waikiki Shell: JULY 30
After a year with no live concerts, local band Kolohe Kai is ready to take the stage, set to kick off its “Best of Kolohe Kai Acoustic Anniversary” concert next month at the Tom Moffat Waikiki Shell. It also marks an anniversary celebration for Kolohe Kai — two years in the making. Catch Kolohe Kai live at the Waikiki Shell on Friday July 30th. Tickets are available on the band’s website at http://kolohekaimusic.com
Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival Set to Host Virtual event: JULY 30 – AUG 15
The Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival (HRFF) is set to host another virtual event this year from July 30 to August 15, 2021. The event will highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by Hawaii’s LGBTQ+ community through films and an interactive talk-story event. Take part in the free festival on the Honolulu Gay and Lesbian Cultural Foundation’s website here: https://www.hglcf.org/
