Tuesday, September 28th was National Voter Registration Day celebrating our democracy since 2012. On National Voter Registration Day volunteers and organizations across the country hit the streets in a single day of technology and media efforts to create broad awareness of voter registration opportunities to register voters. Voting gives us voice in building the future we want for our children and grandchildren. Check your registration or sign up to vote today at https://iwillvote.com/
The infographic above provides some clarification on who qualifies to receive a booster shot. Pfizer has been approved. We are awaiting others. For more information on the Department of Health’s prioritization guidelines for the Pfizer – BioNTech vaccine, click here.
What are the Rules for the Booster Shots?
Boost your confidence with the booster shots by knowing when to get it, which one to get, and why you are getting it. The reason differs for each individual. Following are some booster rules:
Don’t mix and match booster shots.
The new “booster shots” are for people who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago and meet certain age, health, work or residence criteria that put them at higher risk of contracting the delta variant.
A booster for the immunocompromised is called the “third dose.” If you received the Moderna vaccine you can get the “third dose” now. But if you are not, and want a “booster shot” to offset potentially waning immunity many months after being vaccinated, you’ll have to wait until a Moderna booster is approved.
For more information on the booster shots click here.
Check Your Eligibility for Pfizer Booster
Everyone age 12 and older is eligible for free COVID-19 vaccination regardless of health insurance status.
First and second vaccine doses should be prioritized over any booster doses.
Booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine are authorized for Hawaii residents who received their second Pfizer dose at least six months ago.
DOH recommends booster priority to individuals age 65 and older and individuals age 50-64 with underlying medical conditions since waning immunity in these populations puts them at highest risk for severe illness.
WHO GETS PFIZER BOOSTERS FIRST, WHERE TO GET BOOSTERS, PFIZER SAFETY FOR KIDS AGES 5-11
Where to Get Extra Booster Doses in Hawaii
CVS Health announced a list of locations in Hawaii that now offer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shot for those that are eligible. When scheduling an appointment on cvs.com, patients will be asked to provide the manufacturer and date of their last COVID-19 vaccine and will be able to schedule an appointment for a Pfizer-BioNTech booster dose if they have had two previous doses with the same vaccine at least six months prior. For a list of locations on Oahu and hours of operation, click here.
FDA Considers Data on COVID Vaccine Safety for Children
Pfizer and BioNTech have submitted COVID-19 vaccine testing data to the Food and Drug Administration in hopes of getting approval for use on children 5-11 years old. The companies received positive results from the trial on Sept. 20, which included 2,268 young participants. For now, Pfizer’s vaccine is only approved for use in those aged 12 and older, though the companies will make a formal request for an emergency use authorization for use in children in the coming weeks. More than a quarter of all COVID-19 cases reported nationwide are now in children, increasing the urgency to get kids protected.
PARK GYMS RE-OPEN, VIRTUAL MARATHON, COVID TEXT SCAM WARNING
City Park Gyms to Re-open
The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced that gyms are scheduled to reopen in October. See the phased timeline on reopening of indoor City park facilities here.
Registration for Virtual Honolulu Marathon is Now Open
Are you ready to sprint out of your COVID coma? The in-person Honolulu Marathon is set for Dec. 12. However, individuals that can’t make the in-person event can still earn their finisher shirt and medal by signing up for the Virtual Honolulu Marathon. Virtual participants can finish their race anywhere and anytime in December while participating in one, two or all three event distances. The three event distances includes the Big Kahuna Challenge, the Kalakaua Merrie Mile, and the Honolulu Marathon. To register, go to the Honolulu Marathon’s website here.
Consumer Alert: COVID-Themed Text Scams
If you’ve been getting COVID-themed text scams, you are not alone. The Better Business Bureau says these text scams look like this:
“Because of the pandemic, we’re going to give you a check for $950.”
“We’re going to extend a free year of this subscription to you.”
“You’re coming through this, this is a long time, here is your reward.’”
The truth is these “rewards” have a link, but when users click on it, they find out that this was either a phishing email, or there was malware attached to that link and now they’re downloading that onto your device. Their goal is to take your money and your identity. If you receive a text message from a company that doesn’t normally communicate with you, this is a red flag. If you’re on the fence about a text deal for a specific brand, contact the company directly to verify! Keeping your phone’s software updated will also address new issues in the network. Some carriers even offer services to block scammers, so check with them as well.
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
Halekulani Hotel Re-Opens After 18-Month Long Revitalization
The Halekulani hotel will reopen on October 1, 2021 after an 18-month long revitalization project which includes renovation to its infrastructure, public spaces and guestrooms; the gatehouse, porte cochere and public spaces; updating of its 453 rooms and suites; revamped landscaping, incorporating flowering plants and foliage that includes such Native Hawaiian indigenous and local species. Learn more here.
Kakaako Community Development Update
If you missed the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) presentation of plans for Kakaako, you can watch a recording of the townhall here and get the slides from the presentation here.
Hawaii Tourism Authority Update
And if you missed the townhall on updated Oahu plans from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, you can watch a recording here.
The Vax Squad will be in Ala Moana/Kakaako Saturday
Get your vaccination if you are at the Ala Moana Center tomorrow – October 2 from 11am- 4pm.
Hawaii Pacific Health is bringing the COVID-19 VAX Squad to Ala Moana Center on Saturday, October 2, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The entrance to the site is below One Ala Moana Condominiums and in front of Sears Appliance and Mattress Showroom store located at 1555 Kona Street. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged. For more information and reservations, click here.
And if you miss it, you can catch it in Waikiki on October 10 .
Get vaccinated: Hawaii Pacific Health Mobile Vax Van is coming Waikiki
Hold Sunday October 10 from 10am-3pm to get your vaccination or Pfizer booster shot. Sponsored with Rep. Adrian Tam, Councilmember Tommy Waters and provided by the Hawaii Healthcare Association, the mobile vax van will be at Waikiki’s Centennial Park at 425 Royal Hawaiian Avenue.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
10/6: HCDA Kakaako Meeting, 9:30am (Virtual)
Topic of Discussion includes:
Decision-Making on Authorizing the Executive Director to Make a Loan of Up To One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) from the Hawaii Community Development Special Fund, Reserved Housing Subaccount, to the Honuakaha Limited Partnership to Immediately Pay Off the Maintenance Fees Owed to the Association of Apartment Owners of Honuakaha. To view, submit testimony, or participate in meeting, see the agenda here.
10/6: Full Honolulu City Council Meeting, 10am (Virtual)
Topics of Discussion include:
Metered parking at Kapiolani Park
Ocean Safety & Lifeguard Services
Acquisition of Leahi Avenue between Monsarrat Avenue and Noela Street
Honolulu Zoo
Acquisition of land for public use of 1615 Ala Wai Boulevard (that vacant eyesore property that can be used for housing)
Access Easements for public use in Waikiki: Hilton Hawaiian Village Easements
To view, submit testimony, or participate in meeting, click on the agenda here.
Oct.2: 44th Annual Day at Queen Emma Summer Palace (Virtual)
The 44th Annual Day at Queen Emma Summer Palace is coming up on Saturday, October 2, 2021. Traditionally, this annual community festival opens the Palace and grounds to the public, welcoming kamaaina and visitors to celebrate Hawaii’s history, culture, and music, while supporting local vendors and artisans during a day at the Palace. This year, due to the ongoing pandemic and growing concern for Hawaii’s rising case numbers, in lieu of the in-person event and for the safety of our community, we will be hosting an “at-home” event. We are working to distill what makes the event so special–music, hula, local products, ono foods, time spent together and most importantly, an experience at the Palace–and present it in a way to be enjoyed responsibly. Learn more here.
OCT. 2-3: InterTribal PowWow@Ala Moana Park-Magic Island,7am – 8am
FREE family friendly two-day cultural event open to the public. Featuring variety of North America and Alaska Native drummers, singers, dancers in beautiful hand-made regalia. Powwow is located adjacent to one of Oahu’s most popular beaches, Ala Moana Beach Park-Magic Island. North America vendors will offer authentic handmade jewelry, arts and crafts for sale. Free arts/crafts activities for children, and education booth. Authentic fry bread, Indian Tacos, and soft drinks for sale. Bring chairs and blankets for your comfort. Non-smoking, no alcohol, and drug free event. More Info here.
Oct.3: KaiRoots Rock Reggae Band @Tiki’s Grill & Bar, 8-10pm
Energetic alternative rock reggae band who just finished their debut album “Uprising”. Selwyn and Mike have been playing live together for 10 years and finally added a third smooth high range grounded vocalist Charlene “Cha Cha” Stowers. We take cover songs and make it our own into a feel-good dance hall style music making the signature Mai Tais that much better. Check us out at Tiki’s Grill & Bar on the weekends. Shoots! Learn more here.
