Storm Impact Resources, COVID, State & District News, Events
December 11, 2021
“Water is the driving force of all nature”– Leonardo da Vinci
Hawaii receives $1.6 million grant for Ala Wai Watershed and Waikiki
After the big storm we recently experienced, the need for a solution to better manage our watershed and protect homes and businesses is even more evident. This week, Hawaii received a $1.6 million grant from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) that will help protect our Ala Wai Watershed and Waikiki!
“Since 2019, we’ve been working with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) to develop a flood mitigation system for the Ala Wai Watershed. The community opposed ACE’s hardened solution and worked on more sustainable ecosystem restoration options. This is wonderful news that NFWF is funding this project which controls invasive species in the forest that will mitigate flood hazards while also improving the health of our watershed,” said Senator Sharon Moriwaki, who represents the Ala Wai and Waikiki communities.
This NFWF grant will be used to help reduce flood and landslide risk, create cleaner water for coastal ecosystems, result in fewer brown water days, lessen stress on corals, decrease debris in waterways, improve water recharge, and protect habitat for rare plants and animals! The project is part of a larger vision for resiliency in the Ala Wai watershed being undertaken by the City and County of Honolulu.
Funding from the State, as well as the Honolulu Board of Water Supply (HBWS) is serving as a match for this project. “We invest in the protection of forests on Oahu because we understand that the well-being of the entire island is tied to the well-being of mountain watersheds” said Ernest Lau, HBWS Manager and Chief Engineer.
The Ala Wai grant is one of 49 proposals selected for funding from NFWF’s National Coastal Resilience Fund. This year, $39.5 million was awarded to support coastal resilience projects in 28 states and U.S. territories. Since its creation by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest private conservation grant-maker. It works with both the public and private sectors to protect and restore our nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations. Mahalo, NFWF!
What a shock it was with the sudden damaging downpour!
At the height of the storm, HECO reported numerous power outages throughout Oahu. As of this past Wednesday (12/8/21), HECO reported that they had restored power to about 80% of its customers who had lost power. Power was lost for most of downtown Honolulu after major flooding occurred in their Iwilei substation which damaged three transformers and 300 feet of high voltage cable. This is one of the most complex power grids that HECO has and they worked round the clock to get power back to everyone.
Damage Assessment – Business Self Reporting Tool
The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Emergency Management has developed this online form to enable Oahu businesses to self-report damage from the recent disaster. The purpose of this form is only to collect information that will help local officials understand the damage that occurred and impacts on the community. The City will also use this information to determine whether the City can request federal assistance programs. This form is NOT an application for relief programs.
Storm clean up assistance
If you need help with clean up or other help, please call Aloha United Way directly at 2-1-1 to request Crisis Cleanup assistance or for help to find food, financial assistance, and other resources. They can connect you to Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) who have activated their clean up response teams for residents who have flooding and/or debris on their property and would like assistance to help clean out the mud, remove debris.
Other helpful resources:
Department of Planning and Permitting is waiving all permit fees related to emergency work resulting from the storm. Visit www.honoluludpp.org/ for more information.
Filing a flood insurance claim with your insurance company
FEMA offers these tips to filing a flood insurance claim with your insurance company – click here.
COVID RESOURCES
COVID-19 — Dislocated Workers Grant (DWG) Program
The dislocated workers grant program could be an advantageous opportunity for your business. The DWG program allows COVID-19 pandemic related assistance to qualified businesses located in Oahu, Maui and Hawaii counties. Businesses that provide pandemic related recovery efforts can receive FREE employees to work temporarily or until June 30, 2022. Does my business qualify for the program?
Businesses must engage in humanitarian efforts to assist those impacted by the pandemic and need workers to assist in recovery efforts.
Examples of types of businesses: Farms, food distributors, warehouses, production lines, restaurants, hotels, medical facilities, social work, outreach, call centers, non-profit organizations.
Applicants for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) may be eligible to receive up to $15,000 in funding from SBA that does not need to be repaid. These “advances” are similar to a grant, but without the typical requirements that come with a U.S. government grant. For more information, click here.
To receive an advance, you must first apply for a COVID-19 EIDL. You do not need to accept the loan or be approved for the loan to receive an advance. Once you apply for the loan, SBA will invite you via email to apply for one of the advance programs if your business is located in a low-income area.
Several of our neighborhoods within Senate District 12 fall within the eligible map areas. please check the map to ensure you are in a designated low-income area.
FDA Approves Pfizer-BioNTechBooster now down to age 16
On December 9th, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded authorized use of a single booster dose to include individuals in the 16 and 17 years of age group. This means that everyone 16 years of age and older now can get their booster if it has been at least 6 months since they completed their initial vaccine! To learn more and to find a COVID vaccine site near you, please visit https://www.oneoahu.org/find-vaccine
National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii to continue COVID-19 testing at the Neal Blaisdell Center, Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell
The City announced free RT-PCR COVID-19 tests to Oahu residents at the Neal Blaisdell Center and the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell. Testing at both locations will be operated by the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii and funded though the State of Hawaii Department of Health. Testing begins on Dec 8 for both locations and hours will be from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sun-Fri at the Blaisdell Center and Mon-Sun at the Waikiki Shell. For the full schedule and registration, click here.
STATE NEWS
Red Hill Water Contamination Crisis – Senate & House Joint Briefing
The Senate and House held a joint briefing Friday, Dec. 10th, to address this crisis with leaders from the US Navy, the Hawaii State Department of Health, and the City and County of Honolulu’s Board of Water Supply. During the hearing, the Navy took responsibility for this crisis and described their clean-up plan and joint outreach medical plan. The Navy also spoke of establishing an independent lab in Hawaii that can perform complex testing instead of sending samples out-of-state and what they are doing for affected persons in terms of water and temporary housing.
The Hawaii State Department of Health outlined the issues surrounding Red Hill and their legal authority in regulating the Navy’s water system, testing methodology and results, medical issues, and the timeline since 2014 of water issues at Red Hill up to their current Emergency Order to immediately suspend Red Hill operations. The DOH said the water from Red Hill should not be ingested or used for bathing, washing dishes, pets, and similar purposes.
The Board of Water Supply also provided an update and commented how this same issue was also the topic of a joint hearing back in 2014. BWS shared data about Oahu’s aquifer and how fresh water is extracted as well as maps displaying the location of wells, shafts, and the Red Hill fuel tanks. BWS explained why the Halawa and Aiea wells were shutdown to prevent fuel contamination getting into the BWS water system. BWS stated that continued storage of fuel about Oahu’s aquifer puts it at risk and needs to be moved. BWS fully supports DOH’s Emergency Order to the Navy to immediately suspend operations. BWS says the Red Hill fuel tanks need to be emptied and its fuel lines that connect it to Pearl Harbor suspended.
View an on-demand recording of this important briefing, its presentations, and vigorous questioning by elected officials here.
Let your voice be heard on proposed fishing plans & rules for reef fish
Be part of the discussion to better protect Hawaii’s reefs by participating in public scoping meetings. These scoping meetings are being held by the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR). These discussions are DAR’s first step towards statewide herbivore management. Public participation is essential and your input in this process will inform future decision making. Previously, DAR held 16 scoping sessions, 10 last November and 6 in March of this year, to gather feedback and comments on herbivorous fishes and invertebrates. Now, DAR has drafted a Sustainable Herbivore Management Plan and refined its initial ideas for an Herbivore Management Strategy.
Scoping meetings on Zoom are being held:
Saturday, December 11: 9-11 a.m.
Monday, December 13: 12-2 p.m.
Wednesday December 15: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Register for a zoom scoping session here
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Our District’s shores include coral reefs which are intricate, sensitive ecosystems that are facing numerous challenges. Healthy coral reefs are critical to the economy, as a natural and cultural resource and as a sustainable source of food. One study estimated the nearshore fishery provides more than 7 million meals each year to Hawai‘i families.
Innovative ideas sought for Arbor Day 2022 Programs – Deadline Jan. 12
In 2022, Arbor Day will be held on Nov. 5 and the community is encouraged to get involved by submitting a proposal to celebrate trees. Across the islands, communities have honored the holiday with tree planting events, tree care workshops, landscaping and gardening demonstrations, tree adoption and more. For the coming year, Kaulunani Advisory Council, a program of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, encourages new ideas. For an idea of what the council hopes to promote this year and additional details for participation, click here
AROUND THE DISTRICT
The City removed benches and tables at Waikiki Pavilions to curb crime and make way for vendors
Two of four Kalakaua Ave. pavilions have come to host a surf shop and a juice stand. Now, the City Department of Parks and Recreation is working to fill the other two spaces and they are currently opening applications for vendors. We want to bring these spaces back to productive use for the community,” said Nathan Serota with the Department. The new vendors are expected to be in place by early next year.
Extended retail hours for Ala Moana and Makiki Post Offices (Saturdays Dec. 11 & 18)
USPS announced it will be extending its “Santa-days” at select post offices on Oahu this holiday season. The extended hours are as follows:
Ala Moana Post Office: Saturday Dec. 11th & 18th, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Makiki Post Office: Saturday Dec. 11th & 18th, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
USPS wants to remind the public that the suggested mailing dates for packages sent to the mainland are December 17 for First-Class and Priority Mail and December 21 for Priority Express Mail.
Wonderful holiday light displays from neighborhoods around our Senate District 12!
Holiday Trolley Rides to see the Famous Honolulu City Lights
Downtown Honolulu comes alive with a festive holiday light show. You can enjoy the winter wonderland of lights and festivities from the comfort of an open-air trolley…and McCully Shopping Center in our District will have its very own Honolulu City Lights Tour!
This 45-minute trolley tour includes a trip downtown to see the famous Honolulu City Lights. The array of holiday lights along Beretania, Bishop, King, Alapai, and Punchbowl Street will get you in that holiday spirit. They will have 3 rides each Tuesday & Wednesday nights, December 14 & 15 and on the last week on December 21 & 22. Tickets available online through Eventbrite with a $5.00 fee. For more information, click here.
New Year’s fireworks return to Waikiki
After canceling last year due to the pandemic, the Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA) announced its Waikiki New Year’s Eve fireworks show will be back this year. Click here for more information. WIA is soliciting donations to fund the fireworks. To donate, contact WIA at (808) 923-1094 or joann@waikikiimprovement.com.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Waikiki & Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Boards in Recess
Per tradition, there will be no December meeting of these two neighborhood boards. The next Waikiki Board regular meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. The next Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus board regular meeting will take place on Thursday, January 20, 2022
at 6:00 p.m.
Dec 12: Honolulu Marathon Returns…in person!!!
On your mark, get set, ready…..goooooo! This Sunday, starting at Aloha Tower in Downtown Honolulu at 5:00 am with a display of fireworks over Honolulu Harbor, the Honolulu Marathon returns in person! The course goes through downtown Honolulu, past Iolani Palace and the Christmas lights, through Waikiki and climbs up and around Diamond Head, before heading out through Kahala and out to Hawaii Kai. Turning back after Hawaii Kai toward Kahala and Honolulu, the course passes Diamond Head again on the ocean side before finishing in Kapiolani Park. 26.2 miles of exhilaration! Drivers, please be aware of traffic advisories — click here.
Dec 15: Coping with Grief During the Holidays (webinar), noon – 1:00pm
Join Islands Hospice for a free webinar to learn practical tips to help navigate the holiday season while coping with grief. This time of the year can be especially difficult for people grieving the loss of a loved one. To register for this webinar and to find the Zoom link, click here.
WEEKEND WAYSIDES
Dec 11 & 12: Hoomau Hawaii Market at International Market Place, Waikiki
The mission of the Hoomau Market is to support local businesses that honor Hawaiian culture through fashion, arts, entertainment, and other goods. The market will feature 50 of Hawaii’s premiere small businesses. For more information, click here.
Dec 11 & 12 / 18 & 19: Holiday Market & Aloha Pet Fair at Ward Village (Ward Centre & South Shore Market)
Good eats, good treats, good deals, and good fun at the Holiday Market & Aloha Pet Fair at Ward Village (1170 Auahi St) in the Holiday Market Bldg (next door to Nordstrom Rack). For more information, click here.
Dec 11 – Dec 20: Kaakaukukui, A Celebration of Light at SALT
SALT at Our Kakaako will be displaying large lighted letters spelling “PEACE,” “JOY,” and “ALOHA” in The Barn. Stop by on opening night (Dec 11, 5:00 – 6:00pm) for some holiday tunes, a Christmas moolelo (story) in Olelo Hawaii in English, and a festive hot chocolate bar from Starbucks. Take pictures in front of the holiday light display and write messages of good cheer on complimentary postcards designed by POW! WOW! Hawaii artist Gavin Murai. The postcards will be delivered to local healthcare workers at Queen’s Medical Center and Hawaii Pacific Health, overseas military personnel, and kupuna residents of a Lunalilo Home. Click here for more information.
