Honoring Prince Jonah Kuhio: A Symbol of Strength and Hope for Hawaii
–Picture credit: Department of Hawaiian Homelands
Today is Prince Kuhio Day—A day to celebrate Prince Jonah Kuhio’s 151st birthday. There are many places named after him like Kuhio Highway, Kuhio Beach and the Kuhio federal building but what is the history behind this famous name? Rewind to 1901, Prince Kuhio became the 2nd native Hawaiian to ever serve as United States Congressional delegate. During his term, he established tremendous accomplishments. He was the first to sponsor a bill for statehood in 1919. But he is better known for establishing the Hawaiian Civic Club which allowed Hawaiians to become outstanding citizens and leaders in their communities. He also signed the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act for Hawaiians to have places to live and practice their culture freely. Prince Kuhio is memorialized for his leadership, his tenacity and commitment to elevate his people, and this legacy keeps him in the hearts of Hawaii as a prince for our people. I invite you to read his life story on the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands website here so we can continue to live the legacy he left for us which can still be seen and felt today. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
Next Monday March 28 the Capitol will be fully open to the public. While no need for vaccine or test screening but ID required (Monday-Friday 7:30-5:00pm); masks not required but highly recommended. Only two entries –the basement glass door and Core 1 elevator on the entry level. And no parking yet in the building.
Legislation Deadlines
Wednesday was the double referral filing deadline for bills which means all bills that are still alive and referred to more than one committee needed to be heard by their second-to-the-last committee. These bills that made the deadline need to be heard and filed by the last committee on April 7 to remain alive. If they pass that hurdle then the bills go to conference committee where the Senate and House resolve their differences over the measures. For those participating in the process, mahalo for submitting testimony to move our district legislation along. Bills and resolutions are still being scheduled for hearings. For example, SCR194/SR187 would address noise pollution by small engines and has been scheduled for hearing on Monday, March 28 at 1pm.
District Happenings
Virtual Town Hall with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi
Mark your calendars! Representative Scott K. Saiki and I will be hosting a Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, March 31st at 5:30 PM. Mayor Rick Blangiardi will also be answering questions and listening to issues that matter most to you and our community. I look forward to seeing you there!
We’re excited to announce that funding from the 2021 Capitol improvement Project (CIP) request for McKinley High School was approved by Governor Ige this week! This money is for the long-awaited bleachers and lights on the football/soccer/track field facility. The Tigers will soon be a centerpiece filled with “roaring” crowds at home games. Let’s go Tigers!
Traffic Alerts in the District – Ala Moana Blvd.
Full closure of Ala Moana Boulevard in the eastbound direction between Waiakamilo Road and Sand Island Access Road on Sunday night, March 27, through Friday morning, April 1, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., for resurfacing work. Traffic will be contraflowed in the opposite direction.
Full closure of Ala Moana Boulevard in the westbound direction between Piikoi Street and Ward Avenue on Sunday night, March 27, through Friday morning, April 1, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., for resurfacing work. Traffic will be contraflowed in the opposite direction.
Right lane closure on Ala Moana Boulevard in the eastbound direction in the vicinity of Keawe Street on Monday, March 28, through Friday, April 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., for flow monitoring.
State News
Landlords & Property Managers — City’s Rental and Utility Relief Program
The Office of Economic Revitalization invites property managers, landlords, and the community to attend a webinar about updates to the City’s Rental and Utility Relief Program on March 29, 2022, from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Amy Asselbaye, executive director of the City’s Office of Economic Revitalization will work together with landlords to keep local families safely housed, prevent unnecessary evictions, and bring more financial stability to landlords. The webinar will be live-streamed at: facebook.com/OneOahu. No Facebook account is needed to watch and the webinar will be recorded and available on the One Oahu Facebook page as a community resource.
Road Test Health and Safety Guidelines
Starting March 26th, 2022, road test applicants will no longer be required to wear face masks during the test. Check out other information on road tests at bit.ly/RoadTestTips.
COVID-19 News and Resources
Federal Mandates
The Federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandates proper mask usage on all public transportation (eg, buses and airplanes) and in all transportation hubs (eg, airports) through April 18th. The TSA based its national policy on the COVID-19 community levels across the world, risk of new variants, national data, and the latest science. Read more here.
Hawaii Mandates — COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation Ends!
The Governor’s COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation Ended yesterday, on March 25, at places like restaurants and gyms and other indoor venues, but businesses may continue to ask employees and customers to wear a properly fitted face mask over their nose and mouth to keep everyone extra safe. Please be thoughtful and courteous to others especially to those with health risks and keiki too young to be vaccinated. Let’s continue caring for each other!
COVID-19 Resources
Vaccine/Booster dose locations – click here
In-home vaccination for those who have difficulty getting to a site – (808) 586-8332
Testing locations – AlohaClear.com or hawaiicovid19.com
COVID-19 Daily Metrics Updates from DOH – click here
COVID-19 Hotline – (808) 586-8332
Weekend Waysides
Prince Kuhio Statue Lei Draping – March 26
A one-hour lei draping ceremony will be conducted at the Prince Kuhio Statue off Kuhio Beach on Saturday, March 26 from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Mahalo to sponsor Hawaiian Civic Clubs.
Lā Keiki Event in Waikiki – March 27
Kick-off spring with your ohana at Royal Hawaiian Center’s Lā Keiki Day events. The event will be held on Sunday, March 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature activities for keiki to test their skills with challenging games. Take home a balloon character created by Balloon Monsoon, enjoy glitter tattoos, see live performances and much more! Validated parking is available with a purchase of $10 or more from any of the Center’s merchants; guests will receive the first hour free and second and third hours at $2 per hour. Kamaʻāina and Military are eligible to receive three hours of free parking with a purchase of $10 or more and validation from Helumoa Hale Guest Services. Hele mai!
Weekend Waysides
Spring Aloha Pet and Family Fair – March 26 and 27
The Spring Aloha Pet & Family Fair “Hawaii’s favorite pet event” returns to Ward Village, Sat. and Sun., March 26 and 27, 2022 from 10am – 3pm, both days. Join us for two days of fun activities, workshops, contests, demonstrations, meetups, and over 30 of your favorite pet vendors showcasing their latest products and services for your furry friend. For more information go to Website: AlohaPetLife.com or FamilyExpositions.com or Call: (808)239-7777. Save the dates and see you and your furry friend at the fair!
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If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to respond to this email or email me here: my inbox is always open. You can also give our office a call at (808) 586-6740. Mahalo for waking up to our newsletter! Have a great day!
