Library Reopening, National Gun Violence Awareness Day and More

June 3, 2022

Showcasing the children’s area in the newly renovated McCully-Moiliili Library with Nainoa Mau (Executive Director at Friends of The Library of Hawai’i) and Stacey A. Aldrich (State Librarian).

I am pleased to announce the grand reopening of the McCully–Mōʻiliʻili Public Library is today, June 3, 2022 after being closed for renovations for over two years. During the pandemic, they were able to address some long-standing repairs, refresh the layout of the library to support community use, and initiate plans for future exterior improvements. Some of the amazing new features you will experience are:

Access and improvements to the community meeting room
Renovated children’s area that will feature a 75” monitor for movies and education
New circulation desk and front lobby area
Improved lighting and refurbished flooring throughout the library
New Hawaii State Public Library App to manage your account, search the catalogue, renew, reserve books and borrow books and more!

I am beyond thankful that we were able to obtain $1.75m in Capital Improvement Project funds and $250,000 in General Funds to support these renovations. We could not have done this without the support of many! McCully–Mōʻiliʻili Public Library will be open Friday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and resume weekly hours of Saturday-Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Thursday 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. You can also enjoy virtual access to library resources at librarieshawaii.org.

Caring for each other,

Contents

National Gun Violence Awareness Day
Governor signs HB2075, Relating to Firearms, and Proclamation for National Gun Violence Awareness Day – June 3
#WearOrange
The Hawaii State Public Library: More Than Just Books!
2022 Summer Reading Challenge, June 5 to July 30, 2022
‘Ukulele Lending at Your Library
State News
Department of Health Urges Caution as COVID-19 Cases Rise Statewide
HPD’s Humane Enforcement: HPD Major Mark Lambert is Honored as “Heritage Hero” in Addressing Oahu Homelessness
Weekend Waysides
2022 Island Crafters Market
Three Little Ducks Ohana Yoga
Art Show! Art on the Zoo Fence
FREE Zumba with Cat
District Happenings
Hawaii Agricultural Foundation – Eat Think Drink
Mark Your Calendars
Older Americans Celebration

National Gun Violence Awareness Day

We must do all we can to end gun violence that strikes the heart of our community!

Governor signs HB2075, Relating to Firearms, and Proclamation for National Gun Violence Awareness Day – June 3

Governor Ige at 11:30 a.m. signed HB2075, followed by a proclamation ceremony for National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The bill requires physical inspection of a firearms transported into the State from another jurisdiction, obtained in a private sale or transfer, or was not manufactured with a serial number (“ghost gun”). Ghost guns are the fastest-growing gun safety problem facing our country and is becoming a weapon of choice for violent criminals, gun traffickers, and other legally prohibited persons. This act adds to Hawaii’s strict gun laws by ensurint that gun registration information is accurate, the firearm complies with Hawaii law, and confirms the identity of the firearm to facilitate tracing by law enforcement. You can also watch the event being live streamed on the Governor’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GovernorDavidIge/.

#WearOrange for National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Every year, the gun violence prevention movement comes together on the first Friday in June (June 3, 2022) to mark National Gun Violence Awareness Day by wearing orange. The first Friday in June is recognized as National Gun Violence Awareness Day– the #WearOrangeDay. In 2015 the day was first organized in part to memorialize the 2013 death of Hadiya Pendleton who was shot and killed in Chicago at the age of 15 – just one week after performing at President Obama’s 2nd inaugural parade in 2013. After her death, her friends asked others to stand up, speak out, and Wear Orange to raise awareness about gun violence. Since then, orange has been the defining color in the gun violence movement.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED:
Take action on social media using the hashtag #WearOrange and

Attend a local Wear Orange event and join virtual events throughout #WearOrange Weekend, June 3-5, by texting ORANGE to 644-33.
Post on social media: On June 3, wear or hold anything Orange (a pin, a scarf, an orange, or be creative and hold up any orange item in your home that strikes your fancy), take a selfie and share it via social media with the hashtag #WearOrange.

For more details, visit wearorange.org. You can reference this link here for personal resources for impacted individuals, statistics around gun violence nationally and in Hawaii, policies, and best practices on how to talk about this and other instances of gun violence.

The Hawaii State Public Library: More Than Just Books!

2022 Summer Reading Challenge, June 5 to July 30, 2022

Summer is “oh-fish-ally” here and readers “anglin’” for a wonderful time are invited to join the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System’s Summer Reading Challenge! This year’s program runs from June 5th to July 30th and includes virtual and in-person activities, author talks, and opportunities to earn reading rewards, and more! Registration details can be found on our “Summer Reading”.
Children, teens and adults are “shore” to enjoy ocean-related virtual programs; visit the Summer Reading webpage to register and for more details!

‘Ukulele Lending at Your Library

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the ‘ukulele or just needed one to play? You can now borrow Hawaii’s favorite music instrument at a public library! The ‘Ukulele Lending Program is available at all Hawaii’s public libraries. You can use an ‘ukulele at no cost with a valid library card, a completed Loan Agreement, and photo ID.

HSPLS is grateful to Leo Daquioag and Jake Shimabukuro of the Music for Life Foundation and partners for making this program possible by donating the ‘ukulele instruments. The goal of the lending program is to make ‘ukulele and ‘ukulele-playing opportunities accessible for all by allowing them to be checked out as easily as books at a local public library. For more information, visit the Hawai`I State Public Library website.

State News

Department of Health Urges Caution as COVID-19 Cases Rise Statewide

Avoid large gatherings, wear your mask, get vaxed and boosted, stay home when you’re sick and call your health care provider for treatment, especially within five days of a positive test
Be smart in making decisions about your activities.
DOH is adopting federal guidance in recommending boosters for children ages 5 through 11, five months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination. It’s also recommending a second booster for people 50 and older and those 12 and older who are immune-compromised.
For updated information, including the latest treatment options and coronavirus prevalence by county, go to https://hawaiicovid19.com/. The public can order up to three rounds of free COVID-19 home tests at covid.gov/tests.

DOH advice during the graduation and summer travel season as covid numbers rise across the state:

HPD’s Humane Enforcement: HPD Major Mark Lambert is Honored as “Heritage Hero” in Addressing Oahu Homelessness

In honor of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) recently debuted ‘Heritage Heroes,’ a film spotlighting six unsung AAPI heroes on Hulu. Click here to view the video spotlighting HPD Major Mike Lambert and his efforts to address homelessness. On behalf of our community we send our congratulations and mahalo to Major Lambert!

Weekend Waysides

2022 Island Crafters Market

Saturday and Sunday, June 4^thand 5^th from 3 to 7 p.m.
International marketplace on the 2d Level next to Mitsuwa’s Marketplace
Browse dozens of locally-made products and Hawaii’s favorite local snacks too! For more info visit islandcraftfairs.org.

Three Little Ducks Ohana Yoga

Sunday, June 5 at 9 a.m.
The Barn at SALT at Our Kakaako
Three Little Ducks is hosting a free Ohana Yoga class for you and your keiki. Join with your own yoga mat and keiki (ages 3-10) for a 45-minute yoga exercise and 5-minute meditation led by Dr. Suma Metla, pediatric physical therapist and registered yoga teacher. Family yoga promotes child-parent relationships, healthy habits, and community connection. The first 25 families will be accepted. To register, click here.

Art Show! Art on the Zoo Fence

Every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monsarrat Avenue, along the Honolulu Zoo fence
Art on the Zoo Fence has been Hawaii’s premier outdoor art gallery since 1953. Artists and photographers showcase their work in beautiful Waikiki. Come and meet the artists in person and find something truly special for yourself or as a gift for someone else.

FREE Zumba with Cat

June 5, 11 to 11:45 a.m.
International Market Place- Queen’s Court, 2330 Kalakaua Ave.
Join in a free Zumba class taught by Cat Nitelet-Vedder! After class, visit Fabletics for free parking validation and an exclusive discount for participants! Bring shoes & water. Register and get more details here.

District Happenings

Hawaii Agricultural Foundation – Eat Think Drink

June 15 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Ward Consolidated Theaters, 1044 Auahi Street
Be the first to watch the world premiere of Taste Our Love for Hawaiʻi, Aqua+Culture at its 18th episode of EAT THINK DRINK (ETD). Tickets are $85 and include 1 popcorn, 2 drinks from Ward Consolidated Theater’s beer and wine selection, and an aquaculture-inspired dinner by MW Restaurant’s chefs Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka featuring: Hawaiian Kanpachi (from Blue Ocean Mariculture); North Shore Shrimp (from Kualoa Ranch); and greens from Kunia Country Farms and Kupu Place. Get your tickets here!

Mark Your Calendars

Older Americans Celebration

Friday, June 3 at 10 a.m.
The Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The theme for 2022 is “Age My Way”. Every year, Hawaii celebrates our kupuna who have contributed much to our community. Each of the four counties–Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Honolulu–nominate outstanding Older Americans chosen because of their contributions to the community. This year we honor the following nominees from Kauai County — Colleen Kasperek and Timothy Albao; from Maui County– JoAnn Rockwell and Ernest Rezents; from Hawaii County –Lucy Makuakane and Daniel Perreira; and from Honolulu County — Mae Fujii and Clarence Agena. The state award will be announced at the Hawaii Older Americans Month celebration at 10am on June 3—today! Olelo will be broadcasting the entire celebration; and will rebroadcast on June 5th at 6pm, June 6th at 8am, and June 7th at 4pm.

What:              Older Americans Month Celebration
Where:            Olelo Channel 53
When:             Friday, June 3, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

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