Author: admin

Aloha Neighbor,

With the recent spikes in COVID cases, schools opening, and the quarantine extension, we must be more careful. Every responsible move leads us in the right direction, from our personal protection to helping each other through these difficult times.  Federal relief funding has been allocated and government and non-profit and private agencies are working together to get help to those in need –from individuals to businesses. We are all adjusting. We will have a full report of legislative actions later in the week, for now here are some changes and updates which may interest you:

TRANSPACIFIC TRAVEL: Delayed to September 1
Calling the delay in re-opening trans-pacific travel to Hawaii a very tough decision, Governor Ige outlined the reasons for changing the date during this afternoon’s briefing: record numbers of new cases;  large, uncontrolled outbreaks in mainland states; interruption in the testing supply chain due to the outbreaks; and the anticipated uptick in cases when schools reopen on August 4.

INCOMING TRAVEL SAFEGUARDS:  Update
Incoming travelers now face a multi-layered screening process that includes a thermal check upon arrival, completion of the State Travel and Health Form and secondary screening for those with symptoms or with temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher. The pre-test protocol will be added but is not yet final but Governor reports the following to date:

• Using a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) from a certified Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) lab
• Travelers with negative test results no more than 72 hours prior to travel will be exempt from the mandatory 14-day quarantine; but if results are not available by the time of arrival, quarantine will be required until test results are received
• Travelers of all ages are subject to the pre-test requirement in lieu of quarantine
• Travelers are responsible for testing costs
• No commercial testing is provided at Hawaii airports

PRIMARY ELECTION REGISTRATION: Did You Miss the Deadline???
No worries. You have time. July 9 was the last day Hawaii voters could register online to vote in next month’s August 8 primary election. You still can register at voter service centers at Honolulu Hale and Kapolei Hale from July 27 through Aug. 8, primary election day. The two centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  Procrastinators, however, can register to vote on election day when sites will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.. You must be at least 18 years old; and will need to bring a document to confirm your identity and current address e.g. Hawaii driver’s license, Hawaii state ID, military ID, passport or current utility bill or bank statement.
Not sure if you are a registered voter? Call the Honolulu Clerk’s Office at (808)768-3800 or click here to find out.
For more information about voting, call (808) 453-VOTE (8683) or email elections@hawaii.gov. You can also visit elections.hawaii.gov.

TAX DEADLINE IS JULY 15: Are You Ready?
For all the tax filing procrastinators, your second wind is about to expire this Wednesday, July 15. File those taxes now and enjoy the rest of your summer. You need another extension? Only way to find out is to click here.

2020 CENSUS: Have You Been Counted?
If you haven’t yet, the U.S. Census is looking for you.  Please fill out the self-response online form by August 11.  Help us get every person in the state counted so we can get our fair share of federal funding (like the relief funds coming our way) for key public services e.g., food stamps, school meals, child-and-senior care, unemployment benefits, housing, small business loans & grants, and the list goes on.  If you or anyone you know needs help, please text the Hawaii district director: (213) 359-3616 or go to: https://census.hawaii.gov/census_2020/

WAIKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD MEETING TONIGHT
The Board meets this evening, Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at the Waikiki Community Center, 310 Paoakalani Avenue, 6:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.  See the agenda here.  Featured tonight are Waikiki’s District 22 candidates for the House of Representatives.  Masks are mandatory for this meeting.

LET’S CARE FOR EACH OTHER – Masking Up & Physical Distancing
Over the weekend, Hawaii experienced a spike in coronavirus cases—63 total cases over the weekend and 23 new cases on Monday, July 13; and an additional three deaths.  While some complain about wearing face covering, it is but a simple act of caring for others — our Aloha Spirit. And, if you are sick, stay at home. If you leave home and are in spaces with others, a simple act of kindness: wear your mask, keep the physical distance. Let’s care for each other and protect our families, friends and community.