October is national Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) – a chance to educate the public domestic violence and its deadly consequences. Experts say it is on the rise in Hawaii. The Hawaii-based Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC) saw a spike in calls in 2020 during the pandemic and they are already seeing a similar pattern in 2021; from February of 2020 to 2021, DVAC hotline calls jumped by 188%. In April, numbers rose by 38%. Learn more below. Connect to more information on:
RESOURCES: safety plans, court accompaniment, legal help and representation can be found here.
EVENTS: Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2021 activities can be found here.
PHONE/TEXT: Talk to someone by calling the Oahu Helpline at (808) 531-3771 or text (605) 956-5680.
MODERNA BOOSTER, RESTRICTIONS LOOSENED, DOE COVID GUIDANCE UPDATE, TRICK OR TREATING DURING PANDEMIC
FDA Approves Half-Dose Moderna Booster
More options for booster shots are on the way as an FDA panel just endorsed third doses of the Moderna vaccine. Those in high-risk groups who received Moderna’s vaccine should get a half-dose booster to increase immunity. If the FDA gives emergency use authorization to Moderna boosters, the CDC will meet to give it final approval. To date, only Hawaii Pacific Health, Queen’s, and Kaiser will provide Moderna boosters once it gets the green light. If you are interested in getting a Moderna booster, it’s best to contact the facility where you got your original.
Honolulu Loosens Event Restrictions Beginning Next Week
As officials acknowledge the recent decline of Covid-19 cases, the City and County of Honolulu is loosening certain Covid restrictions. On Oct. 20, up to 500 attendees can attend indoor seated entertainment venues. Outdoor interactive events — including weddings and funerals if held outdoors — will be permitted to increase capacity to 50%, with a maximum of 150 attendees, whichever is smaller. All attendees must be vaccinated. Employees working at any of these events or venues will not be required to be vaccinated, but those who do not have proof of vaccination must follow Safe Access Oahu testing protocols. Bars will also be allowed to serve alcohol until midnight. The statewide indoor mask mandate, gathering restrictions. Limiting to 10 indoors and 25 outdoors, and the State Safe Travels program will remain in place.
Updated Summary Guidance for Hawaii Schools
The DOH response to the pandemic continues to evolve as new information becomes available daily. Encourage your family, friends, and coworkers to share the following useful school covid guidance updates, here.
Is it Safe to Trick or Treat This Year?
Last year the CDC cancelled Halloween. What about this year? According to the CDC, trick-or-treating outdoors in small groups should be safe for most children. If you’re able to be outdoors, absolutely. Limit crowds. It’s not advised to go to a crowded Halloween party. To be safe, follow CDC updates at cdc.gov.
SMALL BUSINESS PANDEMIC RELIEF, NONPROFIT RELIEF, SHIPPING DELAYS
Hawaii Small Businesses Urged to Apply for Federal Pandemic Relief
If you’re a struggling small business owner, more help is available. The Small Business Administration is urging you to apply for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). Businesses, including agricultural and nonprofits can apply for up to $2 million in funds that can go toward operating expenses, including payroll, rent/mortgage, utilities, and other ordinary business expenses, and to pay business debt incurred at any time. Applications are being accepted now. Please note that these loans have to be distributed by the end of the year. Learn more about eligibility or to apply, click here.
Grant-in-Aid Applications Now Available for Oahu Nonprofits
And here’s even more help available: The City has reopened applications to Oahu nonprofits for Grant-in-Aid (GIA) funding for fiscal year 2023. The City’s GIA fund, which is administered by the Department of Community Services, was established to serve economically and socially disadvantaged populations or to provide services for public benefit in arts, culture, economic development, or the environment. In fiscal year 2022, more than $8.8 million in GIA funds was awarded to 63 organizations. GIA proposals must be submitted to the Division of Purchasing by 2 p.m. on Nov. 23. For more information contact: bfspurchasing@honolulu.gov Interested agencies can learn more here.
Brace for Holiday Shipping Delays Due to Postal Changes & Mainland Port Backlog
The pandemic has undoubtedly affected the purchasing power of many. Because economies around the world are coming back online and consumer demand is skyrocketing ahead of the holiday season, officials are warning of possible shipping delays as ports on the mainland deal with a backlog and the U.S. Postal Service undergoes change. The backlog will likely affect your holiday shopping and shipping. Local Hawaii retailers recommend buying items like holiday decorations and Christmas trees as early as you can this year. Changes are also happening at the U.S. Postal Service —for first-class mail sent within the continental United States (but not for intra-Hawaii delivery), delivery times will increase from the current one to three days to one to five days.
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
Centennial Park Vaccination Clinic (Last Weekend)
Waikiki and Kakaako residents were able to get free vaccinations at Waikiki Centennial Park thanks to the work of the Hawaii Pacific Health and the Hawaii Department of Health. Representative Tam, Councilmember Waters, and Senator Moriwaki greeted residents who came to get their vaccine. Mahalo to all! For more information on vaccine clinics on Oahu and mobile vaccine clinics, visit the Hawaii Pacific Health website here.
‘The Rock’ Donates Gear to Alma Mater McKinley High School
Mega-Star celebrity, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, is remembering his humble roots by giving back to his former high school football team at McKinley High. Johnson is partnering with Under Armour on a new line called “Project Rock” and is giving the performance gear to McKinley, to say thank you. He said, “My family was evicted from Hawaii and forced to move to Pennsylvania. Times were tougher back then, but I will always be grateful to McKinley High … for the invaluable lessons of life I was taught. A pleasure to give back.” Mahalo nui loa!
HALLOWEEN EVENTS IN THE DISTRICT
Although large parties, door-to-door trick-or-treating or close contact events are not what they used to be pre-pandemic, there are still many COVID-friendly and safe Halloween activities in the district. Below are some of the activities that both keiki and adults can enjoy — or get spooked by — to celebrate the 2021 Halloween season:
This 2-hour walking tour explores old buildings in Downtown Honolulu. Visit the eeriest of Honolulu’s haunts and hear accounts of people who’ve experienced strange events in the area that was once the seat of Royalty. Tickets are $40/person. Buy them here.
Now Thru Oct. 23: Royal Hawaiian Center Virtual Keiki Costume Contest (Virtual)
Start uploading those spooky photos now. Royal Hawaiian Center’s annual Halloween keiki costume contest will be going virtual to keep families safe amid the pandemic. Infant and 10-year-old keiki — and even parents — can participate in several categories to win spook-tacular prizes. Participants can upload photos at the link below. Deadline to submit is Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be announced on Sunday, October 31, 2021. Contest open to Oahu residents only. For more info, click here.
Oct. 24: Ghost stories for ‘Kaka’akoween’, 7-8pm (Virtual)
SALT at our Kaka’ako will be hosting a virtual zoom featuring Lopaka Kapanui of Mysteries of Hawaii. He will be telling local ghost stories for free from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24. To register, click here.
Oct. 29-31: Spooktacular Halloween at International Market Place
Celebrate Halloween at International Market Place in the heart of Waikīkī for fa-boo-lous family-friendly fun or join the festivities online with the center’s virtual keiki costume contest. Learn more here.
Oct. 31: Get “Bitten!” by Elevations Halloween Show at Blue Note Waikīkī
Get ready to get “Bitten!” this Halloween season with a very special set of Halloween music. Vampires will be lurking in every corner feel safe to dress out and celebrate before the dreaded sun comes out. Discount: 15% with a Hawaii or military ID. Note: $10 Food or Beverage Minimum Per Person in addition to ticket price. Full Bar & Full Dinner Menu Available. Two shows. Get tickets here.
Oct. 31: Trick-or-Treat and Costume Contests at SALT at our Kakaako, 1-4pm
Take your entire family, including your furry members, and dress-up to trick-or-treat at SALT at our Kaka’ako between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Halloween. Participants should look for signs in front of participating businesses. Keiki and pets can also be entered in a costume contest by posting a photo on IG and tagging @saltourkakaako. For more info, visit here.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Oct. 16: Recycled Waste Drive-Thru Drop-Off, 9am-11:30am
Important to get uncluttered and help the cause to recycle and to be more sustainable – all for the benefit of. ourselves and community. You have the chance with support from the YMCA of Honolulu accepting your unwanted electronic and other equipment:
Oct. 17: Susan G. Komen Race for Breast Cancer Cure (Virtual)
Help in the fight against breast cancer by participating in the 5K run/walk. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. Join in on helping a great cause! Register here.
Oct 18: Webinar ‘After an Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19, 2-3pm
Tune in to an informational webinar by the Department of Health’s Peter Oshiro, Food Safety Branch Manager.
Erina Namihara, Epidemiological Specialist and COVID-19 Investigator, Hawaii State Department of Health (Disease Investigation Branch). Register here to receive Zoom Link.
Oct. 23: Free Educational Webinar for Condo Owners, 9am-12pm
The Real Estate Commission and the Community Associations Institute Hawaii Chapter are holding a free webinar educational event on the “Fundamentals of Successfully Operating an Association.” It is open to the public and runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2021. The webinar will cover condo association finances, contracting, board liability, rule-making, association insurance, and unit modifications. Registration for the event is available online here: https://www.caihawaii.org/ For more information, call the Real Estate Branch at 808-586-2644 or visit http://cca.hawaii.gov/reb/condogov/.
WEEKEND WAYSIDES
Oct. 17: Joyful Return Exhibit at Honolulu Museum of Art, times vary
Create colorful painted rocks to place in the Regrow Garden or to take your creation home. Register for one of three classes: 11 a.m.; 12 p.m.;1 p.m. Be a part of the fun by participating in the different pop-up installations! Learn more here.
