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Author: admin
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Making our Community a Safe Place to Visit, Work and Live
Last night was the “Safety in Waikīkī” Town Hall virtual event. Waikīkī legislators, City departments, and community partners came together for a lively discussion to address two most pressing issues of the district: public safety and homelessness.
These crises existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the outbreak has exacerbated socio-economic hardships, causing an increase in crime and the numbers who have become homeless. To combat this pressing issue, the legislature appropriated $15,000,000 in funds to renew the Ohana Zones program, $300,000,000 for rental housing relief (to build more rental housing), and $1.9 million grant-in-aid to the Institute for Human Services (IHS) to provide triage services—and a place for police and outreach workers to drop people off to get mental health, substance abuse and medical services. One of the big programs that an “end homeless group” focused on is the need for inmate re-entry support to remove or reduce barriers to successful integration so that motivated individuals who have served their time and paid their debt to society are able to get a job, stable housing, support their children and their families, and contribute to our communities.
I deeply appreciate the community, legislators, officials and partners for coming together to collaborate on how we can increase our public safety and end homelessness once and for all.
If you didn’t get a chance to participate, you can view the full video on Honolulu City Council’s Facebook.
Caring for each other,
Legislative Updates
Governor Signs Bill Extending Freedom of Press Protection for Hawaii’s Student Journalists
Gov. Ige signed HB1848 (Act 24) into law yesterday, establishing freedom of speech and press protections to student journalists in Hawaii’s public schools and at the University of Hawaii. Act 24 also supports student advisors from retaliation for refusing to censor student journalists.
Speaker Scott Saiki introduced this important bill, and was at the signing ceremony recognizing Cindy Reeves, the journalism teacher at McKinley High School, who worked with Rep Saiki, on the bill, saying “she has been working on this issue for a number of years and wasn’t able to get it passed. Her heartfelt commitment helped me understand how important this bill would be for student journalists at McKinley and across the state. I am pleased that the rights of student journalists are codified in Hawaii’s law.” Mahalo for our journalists!
It’s Official! Ohi’a Lehua Becomes Hawaii State Endemic Tree
The earnest efforts by hundreds of school children, teachers, state lawmakers, and conservationists resulted in Gov. Ige signing SB2059 into law. The measure designates ohiʻa lehua as the official Hawaii State Endemic Tree. Ohi’a is the most common native tree in our forest, and it is ubiquitous from lower elevations to the highest peaks. During remarks, prior to signing SB2059, Governor David Ige said, “Ohiʻa lehua is a symbol of Hawaii. As a keystone species it makes up fully 80% of our native forests. Unfortunately, Rapid Ohiʻa Death has killed more than a million ohi’a trees on Hawaii Island alone over the past eight years. Providing this recognition for ohi’a will help spread the message about how important this species has been and will continue to be, to life in Hawaii.”State News
Governor Ige Orders Flags at Half-Staff Honoring Victims of School Shooting in Uvalde, TX
At the direction of the President of the United States, Gov. David Ige has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawaii state flag will be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawaii National Guard in the State of Hawaii, immediately, until sunset on Saturday, May 28, 2022. This action is a mark of respect for the 14 children and one teacher who were shot and killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Governor Ige stated, “I join our nation in mourning the tragic and senseless loss of these innocent victims, and I stand with the families of those affected by this horrific act of violence… I express my deepest condolences to the victims’ families, the faculty, staff and student body at Robb Elementary School, and the Uvalde community in Texas.” President Joe Biden’s proclamation can be found here.Second Emergency Proclamation to Address Food Insecurity
Governor Ige signed a second emergency proclamation to allow the continuation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in line with the federal COVID emergencySheriff Impersonators, Extortion Scam Alert
The Sheriff Division warns about a recurring sheriff impersonator skulking around our community. In recent days, several people have called the Sheriff Division to report that an individual contacted them via cell phone claiming to be a deputy sheriff. In these cases, the sheriff impersonator stated the individual owed money for outstanding contempt warrants and traffic citations. They were instructed to bring money to clear the warrant to the Department of Public Safety Administration Offices on Alakea Street. In some of these cases the victim paid money to these scammers using crypto currency.The public is reminded that sheriffs do not call, text or email people asking for personal information or to solicit payment electronically or by phone. Hawaii residents are also advised not to provide credit card numbers, bank account information or other personal information to callers claiming to represent a law enforcement agency. If you receive a call, text or email matching this scam please alert the Sheriff Division by calling 586-1352.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
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Do not communicate with unsolicited e-mail or phone text senders.
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Do not open e-mails, attachments or links sent by text from unknown individuals.
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Never provide personal information of any sort via phone, text or e-mail. Be aware that many e-mails requesting your personal information appear to be legitimate.
District Happenings
Ala Moana Center to Resume Center Stage Performances
After a two-year hiatus, Ala Moana Center will resume its once-regularly scheduled center stage performances this summer. Regular shows include Ala Moana Center’s weekly Keiki Hula Show, performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band, among others. The mall is also currently accepting applications for entertainers interested in performing and Centerstage. To submit an application, go to Ala Moana’s website and click on the events page.Weekend Waysides
Puppy Pow Wow at Starbucks Kaka`ako
Date and time: Saturday, May 28, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
You are invited to bring your furry friends for some pup cuts, treats, and to meet other furry friends. During this time, Starbucks Kakaako will also be collecting donations for the Hawaii Humane Society. Requested donation items include: towels, blankets, paper towels, dog bed, dog kibble, dog toys and puppy pads. For more information, click here.Ohana Stargazing at Our Kaka`ako
Date and time: Saturday, May 28, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy guided star tours using high-quality telescopes on the parking garage rooftop. Through various cultural and educational activities, you’ll also learn how the moon, sun, and stars influenced traditional Hawaiian life and guided early navigation. For more information and how to register, click here.Mark Your Calendars
Virtual Event: Preparing for Hurricane Season
Date and time: Friday, May 27, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.Are you prepared for the next hurricane? Learn how the Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards can help prepare your family and home for hurricane season. The webinar will cover emergency supplies, emergency/evacuation planning and strengthening your house to reduce the risk of hurricane damage.For more information about the presentation via Hawaii State Public Libraries, click here. Registration is required. To register, click here.
Pakolea Pop-Up Shop at the Lei ‘Ohu Hale
Date and time: Friday, May 27, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.Location: Royal Hawaiian Center in WaikikiThe Hawaii Tourism Authority invites the public to attend the Pakolea Pop-Up Shop in Waikiki on Friday, the 27th at the Lei Ohu Hale, Royal Hawaiian Center to support our kama’aina and Native Hawaiian-owned businesses.Several businesses will be on display with a multitude of products and creations that embody Hawaii in the areas of agriculture, apparel, culinary, health and wellness, sustainable goods, and more.Pakolea Pop-Up Shop is part of a collaborative initiative between the Purple Mai’a Foundation, Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, and Hawaii Foundher to empower the next generation of Hawaii businesses.For more information, click here.Hawaii Community Development Authority Public Hearing Notice
Date and time: Wednesday, June 1, 2022, 9:00 a.m.Victoria Ward, Limited is proposing to build a single, 330-unit residential, mixed-use condominium on the northeast corner of Ala Moana Blvd. and Ward Ave. The applicant will be presenting the project to allow any other party to the proceeding the opportunity to present its position, and to provide the general public with the opportunity to present oral and/or written testimony. For the public hearing notice and information on how to participate remotely, click here.Our office will continue to be here to serve you. If you enjoy our newsletter, it’s always appreciated to share it with a family, friend or community member.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!
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