October marks the 18th anniversary of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness about cybersecurity and ensure that all Americans have the resources they need to be safe and secure online. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is organized through a partnership between the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Cybersecurity &Infrastructure Security Agency. This year’s theme is a continuation of last year’s: “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.” It continues to encourage individuals and organizations to take proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity. Access more information at the Hawaii State Office of Enterprise Technology Services here.
VACCINATED TRAVELERS, BOOSTER RULES,
VAX PLAN FOR SCHOOLS, FAN SEATING AT SPORTS EVENTS
Greenlight on Nov. 1 for Vaccinated Travelers to Hawaii
With Governor Ige giving the green light for vaccinated visitors and residents to travel to Hawaii starting on November 1, you can expect the airports to get very busy. So how can you get through the airports faster and avoid quarantine? Visit the Safe Travels Hawaii website for reminders on what to do here.
COVID Booster Rules for Each Vaccine Type
News is developing so quickly when it comes to COVID-19 booster shots, it can be hard to keep track of what’s happening. Have they been approved? Am I eligible? When can I get one? The answer to those questions depends on which vaccine you receive originally: Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson.
To view the status of booster shots for each vaccine type approved in the United States, and the rules that determine who can get one, click here.
Plans for COVID-19 Vaccine at Schools for Age 5-11 Keiki
The State Department of Health (DOH) is working with partners to make vaccination available in many different venues including schools, pods, pharmacies and in health care providers’ offices. If Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 receive emergency-use authorization, they will be available at public, charter and private schools. More than 100 Hawaii schools would host on-campus vaccination clinics in that case. DOH is waiting for authorization and recommendations from the Federal Drug Administration and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before plans are finalized. States started ordering COVID-19 vaccine doses for the 5-to-11 age group on Oct. 17 but they won’t be delivered unless usage is authorized. The vaccine being reviewed for children ages 5 to 11 is a less potent version of the Pfizer vaccine authorized for people ages 12 and up. Decision-making is expected by early November.
Fan Seating Back in School Sports; COVID Guidelines in Effect
Time to paint your face with colors of your favorite local sports team! Fans are now allowed back in the stands for high school and college sports, effective Oct. 20. If you’re planning to attend a game, make sure to purchase tickets in advance because seating is very limited and remember to wear a protective mask. They’re required for outdoor and indoor games. It’s the moment Hawaii sports fans have been waiting for: the chance to cheer on their favorite teams in person. The rules are as follows:
Masks are mandatory at in and outdoor venues.
For UH, capacity limits are 500 indoors and 1,000 outdoors. High school capacity limits will vary due to venue sizes.
Groups sizes are limited to 10 indoors/25 outdoors.
A minimum of six feet physical distancing is required between groups.
And everyone must show proof of vaccination, so kids 11-years-old and under will not be allowed to attend.
To buy tickets for high school games, click here.
To buy tickets for UH games, click here.
UNEMPLOYMENT UPDATE & PROGRAM FOR NONVIOLENT EMERGENCY CALLS
Unemployment: Tool to Check if You Qualify for a New Claim
Use the online Unemployment Benefits Estimator Tool to find out if you qualify for a new claim and how much your weekly benefit amount (WBA) would be. To use the online Benefit Estimator to calculate your weekly benefit amount, click here.
City launches new program to address nonviolent emergency calls involving the homeless
The city just launched a new program which will use teams of first responders to address nonviolent emergency calls involving the homeless. The Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement program (CORE) is a long-awaited initiative that will divert low-level 911 calls to the CORE teams instead of dispatching emergency services that include the Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Police Department and Department of Emergency Services. The new CORE teams comprise three to four EMTs and at least one community health worker who plan to follow up with patients after they are released from the medical service provider to get them placed into some type of housing such as a shelter or transitional housing.
SUPPLY SHORTAGES & ONLINE SCAMS
Beware of Online Shopping Scams and Supply Shortages Amid Covid
Start making those Christmas lists but experts warn those who shop online as supply chain issues and online shopping scams collide with the ongoing pandemic. Watch out for these:
Emotions. We tend to go into overdrive about this time of year in our quest to find the best deal. Think with more rationale.
Websites that look deceiving. Just because it has pretty, professional photos doesn’t make it a professional website. It’s really easy to take photos from somebody else’s site and make it look professional.
Overly positive reviews. They could be fake. Double check the site you’re thinking of ordering from before clicking ‘purchase.’ To take a Better Business Bureau survey that tests your ability to spot a fake customer review, click here.
Online Scam Warnings Straight from the BBB
The Better Business Bureau is urging the public to protect themselves from online scams. According to the bureau’s latest report, illegal online activity has accounted for 35% of scams reported this year. The BBB advises the public to never make a quick purchasing decision and to take time to verify if a website is legitimate. Do your research and understand a lot of websites look real, but they’re fake. Officials said scams can be reported here: https://www.bbb.org/
START DIALING ‘808’, BLOOD BANK SHORTAGE, TRICK OR TREAT TIPS
Beginning Oct. 24 Phone Calls in Hawaii Won’t Work Unless You Dial ′808′ First
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted 988 as a new three-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline starting July 16, 2022. All telecommunications carriers and VoIP service providers are required to take part in the initiative. In order for 988 to work, all service providers must implement mandatory 10-digit local dialing. Therefore, starting October 24, 2021 local calls, including those on the same island, will require that you dial area code 808 + telephone number. For more info, click here.
Blood Bank of Hawaii Shortage
The Blood Bank of Hawaii (BBH) is asking folks to roll up their sleeves and donate. They are experiencing a serious shortage of all blood types. The Blood Bank says it needs to secure 150 to 200 daily appointments for all blood types to keep up with Hawaii’s demand, but O-Positive, O-Negative and A-Positive are needed most critically. Those interested in scheduling an appointment should call (808) 848-4770 or click here: https://www.bbh.org/become-donor/
Safe Trick or Treating Tips
Trick-or-treat outdoors in groups of 25 or less would be allowed and any indoor gatherings would have to also follow the current orders in place (groups of 10 or less).
Anyone experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms should stay home.
Give out treats outdoors if possible or set up a station with individually bagged treats for keiki to take.
Keep in mind that your costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask and staying at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you helps to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.
Incorporate a cloth or surgical mask into your costume that covers both your nose and your mouth. A costume mask is not a suitable substitute.
Choose bright colors and flame-retardant materials. Add reflective tape to costumes or treat bags if families plan to be out after dark.
Trick-or-treat in small groups outdoors and enjoy other activities. Avoid crowded indoor parties.
Parents should examine treats and ensure that children wash hands before consuming candy.
Get vaccinated: Adults and children age 12 and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine, and everyone six months and older should get a flu shot.
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
Centennial Park Waikiki – Free Covid Vaccinations on Halloween
Moiliili Community Center Jobs Available Now
These jobs are ready to be filled:
Oct. 26: Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board, 6pm
Topics of discussion include the following:
932 Ward Avenue Renovation – Sherman Wong and Kauʻi Arce, Liliuokalani Trust [6:15 p.m.]
Ward Village Update – Kaiulani Sodaro, The Howard Hughes Corporation [6:25 p.m.]
Straub Plan Review Use Updates – Isaiah Sato, R.M. Towill Corporation [6:35 p.m.]
Keeaumoku Complete Streets Project Public Meeting – Franz Kraintz, City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting [6:45 p.m.]
Discuss City and State Reapportionment Plans
Community Noise Issues around 1221 Kapiolani Boulevard 8. Residents’ and Community Concerns ([7:15 p.m.]
Mother Waldron Park Lighting
Community Noise Issues around 956 Kawaiahao Street
For links to participate, view, or submit testimony, click on the agenda here.
Oct. 27 – Oct. 29: Senate Special Session Considers 6 Judicial Appointments
The Hawaii State Senate will convene a special session for the purpose of reviewing the judicial appointments of the following:
Clarissa Y. Malinao, Kevin T. Morikone, Shanlyn A.S. Park to the First Circuit Court – Oahu,
Kirstin M. Hamman to the Second Circuit Court – Maui
Wendy M. DeWeese and Kimberly B.M. Taniyama to the Third Circuit Court – Hawaii Island.
The process will begin with a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, chaired by Senator Karl Rhoads on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. The Senate will convene in a floor session on Thursday, October 28 at 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by a separate decision-making meeting of the Judiciary Committee at 10:30 a.m. Final Senate votes on the appointments are expected on Friday, October 29 at 11:00 a.m. View the hearing notice here. Members of the public who wish to testify via videoconference should use the Legislature’s website (www.capitol.hawaii.gov) to submit their written testimony and select “yes” when asked if they will be testifying remotely for the hearing. Written testimony is required to participate via videoconference and must be submitted at least 24 hours before the hearing.
WEEKEND WAYSIDES
Oct. 22 – 24: Honolulu Pumpkin Festival at Ala Moana Center, 6-10pm
Honolulu Pumpkin Festival is a family-friendly pumpkin patch experience taking place at Ala Moana Center this October! Enjoy farm-fresh pumpkins, Halloween-inspired delights, lots of photo opportunities, nightly trick-or-treating and more! Find out more here.
Oct.23: Young at Heart Expo at Convention Center, 9am-5pm
Young at Heart is a free event offering lifestyle-improving tips aimed at those 50 and older in Hawaii, featuring the latest in healthy living, financial planning and leisure in your later years. The event is FREE to attend. Register here.
Oct.24: Hawaii Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibition 2021, 11am-6pm
The Hawaii Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibition features over 100 examples of the finest traditional and contemporary craft from across the state of Hawaii. The very best work is selected from each island and included in the exhibition. Learn more here.
