Author: admin

Aloha Neighbor,

Today’s message covers warnings as we see the biggest spike in positive coronavirus cases… anticipate the coming of Hurricane Douglas…getting scammed…. Be careful. Be vigilant. Be safe. Care for each other.

A REMINDER TO MASK UP! 
“It’s the act of gathering and letting our guard down, not wearing a mask.”           
–Dr. Sarah Park, Hawaii State Epidemiologist

With today’s highest number of COVID cases in one day thus far—55—and the upcoming reopening of schools on Aug. 4, we must all mask up to prevent the spread. Of most concern, Dr. Park tells us, is people letting their guard down with acquaintances and friends congregating without physical distancing or masking up.  Her advice: whether outside or inside, wear a mask.  We can continue to reopen if we do it safely and practice social distancing, masking, and hand-washing.

Even gym patrons must use their masks at all times while working out, per Mayor Caldwell’s amended July 2 emergency order, “…to the extent they can breathe comfortably while wearing a face covering…”  It’s a necessary inconvenience, but testimony to the importance of this small lifesaving barrier is the tragic passing of a Hawaiian Airlines employee who attended a training seminar where wearing masks was optional.

BE PREPARED: HURRICANE DOUGLAS ON ITS WAY
Warning of the impending threat of Hurricane Douglas, the Governor today signed an emergency proclamation authorizing emergency management and relief functions if we are hit.  Be safe and find out how to be prepared.

“OPEN STREET KALAKAUA” CANCELLED THIS SUNDAY
The City is cancelling this Sunday’s (7/26) upcoming Open Street Kalakaua due to the possible weather impacts from Hurricane Douglas and for the safety of residents.

STATE WARNS OF NEW SCAM: Scamming Licensees
The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) warns of scammers posing as state officials to intimidate potential victims into divulging personal information.  In the latest scam, a registered nurse received a phone call with the caller ID displaying the state office’s actual phone number. The caller pretended to be from the state Board of Nursing and told the nurse she was under investigation and requested confirmation of personal information, including bank account information. A person claiming to be a police officer also spoke on the phone in the effort to intimidate the nurse.  DCCA advises not to answer phone calls unless first getting a written notice from the state’s Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO). RICO will also never ask for private or sensitive information over the phone and doesn’t use police officers for its investigation. If you receive suspicious calls, DCCA advises to hang up before revealing any personal information and call 587-4772 directly to confirm if you are subject to a formal RICO investigation. Suspected scams may also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission online at https://www.ftc.gov/complaint.

HAWAII’S FRAUD PREVENTION AND RESOURCE GUIDE: Update
This Guide provides information on how to protect yourself against frauds and scams and federal, state, and local resources. You can download the Guide here. Hard copies are also available at the DCCA Office Building at 335 Merchant.  For more information on scams, find them here.  Below are more ways to protect yourself:

• Do NOT click on email attachments from strangers or any suspicious email.
• Shred mail with personal information before discarding.
• Get written copies of anything you sign.
• Always check and verify the person or organization calling you.
• Always review your financial and medical statements.

MAKING OUR WORKPLACES COVID FREE: Free Webinar on Energy Efficient Disinfecting Technology
The Hawaii State Energy Office, Hawaii Energy, Waikiki Business Improvement District and Illuminating Engineering Society-Hi Chapter are co-sponsoring a webinar on  “Pulsed Light” — ultraviolet (UV) light energy efficiently delivered to disintegrate the COVID virus. It will quickly disinfect high touch surfaces as compared to the lower-level traditional UV light fixtures. The result: facilities can disinfect many more areas in a shorter period of time.  The free online webinar is next Thursday July 30 from 11 am to noon.  Register now at: bit.ly/dueling-uv-pulses.  If you have questions, call Karen Shishido, karen.shishido@leidos.com, 808-848-8535.

Aloha Neighbor,

THE U.S. CENSUS WANTS YOU: Non-Response Follow Up Begins July 30
Hawaii is not doing very well; maybe that’s why we are one of 14 states that will be starting the Non-Response Follow-Up (NRFU) on July 30 – two weeks earlier than the original plan.  If you haven’t yet responded, a census enumerator will be knocking on your door on July 30.  Learn more in the latest Hawaii census newsletter.  Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding goes to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.  58,285 meals were delivered to home-bound seniors on Oahu and over $45 million in federal funds went to feeding our keiki in local school lunch programs, among other things, thanks to the numbers collected by the census.  To beat the knock, go online to fill out the form now at 2020census.gov.  See this Oahu flyer for more information or you can get help from the Hawaii district office by texting Robert Su at (213)359-3616.

PRIMARY ELECTION BALLOTS ARE OUT: Voting Begins
If you registered to vote, you have or are receiving your “vote by mail” packet this week.  You can study the candidates and mail in your ballot in the stamped envelope so long as it is 3-5 days before August 8 Primary Election Day. Unlike other states, Hawaii pays the return postage so there’s no excuse not to send in your ballot.  You can also drop your ballot in one of 8 drop boxes on Oahu (Honolulu Hale is closest to our district) and available 24 hours a day.  Maps for these locations are on the Office of Elections website.  Same-day registration is available at voter service centers (Honolulu and Kapolei Hales) which are open 7am-7pm from July 27-August 8.  For a summary of questions and answers from the Mayor’s Tuesday press conference on this topic, click here.  To watch a recording of the press conference, click here.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: Be ready
As Tropical Storm Douglas approaches, we are reminded by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to be prepared this hurricane season.  Follow these 6 calls to action to be prepared:

1. If you’re in a flood hazard area, be aware of surroundings
2. Communication: sign up for alert warning systems
3. Develop a plan on how you will respond if the hurricane hits you
4. Have a kit: 14 days of supplies (add hand sanitizer and masks to the kit)
5. Consider flood/hurricane insurance for your property
6. Consider structural/hazard mitigation (hurricane clips/hurricane shutters)

See a recording of the Governor’s Tuesday Community Connection here.  For summary notes, click here.

RESTAURANTS ARE OPENING: Support Them
Some restaurants are opening; others closed permanently. We urge you to support those who are open and opening.  The Hawaii Restaurant Association maintains a database of over 1,000 Hawaii eateries searchable by zip code and shows their opening status and services offered including dine-in, take-out, drive-through, curbside, deliver, family packs, and catering as well as website and contact information.  See the list here.