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We’ve been wanting to open up our border but with strong safeguards for our health and safety. It is happening. Governor Ige set a timeline for state agencies to gear up for opening our border to transpacific travel and for our visitor industry to start ramping up for the incoming travelers. On the legislative front, the next couple weeks will be fast-paced focusing on ensuring budget appropriations help businesses and residents most in need and bills and resolutions to address urgent issues. And City developments require more community input.

STATE WILL OPEN BORDER ON AUGUST 1:
Beginning August 1, all travelers –visitors and returning residents (unless you have official exemptions) must still self-quarantine for 14 days UNLESS you can show proof of a valid COVID-19 negative test result that you’ve take within 72 hours of arrival.  But the State Department of Health wants to be sure that it is a PCR test (the one with the swab up your nostril) from an approved laboratory. As of now, no testing is being provided upon arrival at the airport.  What will be required are: temperature scans at the airport and anyone with a temperature over 100.4 degrees or has other coronavirus symptoms will go through a secondary health screening. All passengers will also have to complete the mandatory travel declaration form. There is still more to do in the coming weeks to ensure the public’s health but for now you can check out DOT’s website.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: The budget and other bills

• The State Budget. Today (6/26), the Legislature is poised to approve Senate Bill 126, the state executive budget which also includes the allocation of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act (See Part X) funds. You can see all you want to know about the budget for the coming year here.

• Taxing Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). Your survey responses last year indicated your interest in equitably taxing all Hawaii corporations doing business in Hawaii. The House Committee on Economic Development and Business on Monday passed SB 2697 SD1, which would eliminate the corporate tax exemption so REITs will no longer be exempt from paying Hawaii corporate income tax on their annual income of over $1 billion. The bill, however, exempts those REITs that build affordable housing on its properties. The bill moves to the House Finance Committee. Follow the bill here.

• Government Transparency: Disclosing police misconduct.  House Bill 285  passed a conference committee Wednesday and is poised for a final vote by the House and Senate. The bill requires disclosure of the identity of officers who are suspended or discharged for misconduct. It will eliminate the exemption that shields police disciplinary records from public scrutiny, holding police officers to the same standard as other public employees. 

• Improving regulation of short-term rentals. The coronavirus pandemic uncovered the public health and safety impacts of short-term rental (STR) travelers who violated the state’s quarantine orders. HB460 Proposed SD1 will authorize counties to better regulate STRs and hosting platforms. It also requires any aircraft or vessel to distribute and collect travel declaration forms from their passengers. The bill is being heard in the Senate Ways and Means Committee today (6/26) at 10 am. See the hearing notice.

CITY WATCH: Projects before City Council & Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board (NB)

• Ala Moana Neighborhood Transit Oriented Development Plan amendments proposed by the city will affect what gets built in the neighborhood.  The City Council’s Zoning, Planning & Housing (ZPH) Committee heard testimony on the plan and amendments in resolution 19-238, and rightfully postponed decisions to get more community input. You can view the status of resolution 19-238 here.   The final Plan is attached to Resolution 19-238. Study also the City’s Department of Planning & Permitting (DPP) proposed amendments to the Plan. There is time to review and make your voices heard to the City ZPH Committee.

• The NB also heard presentations from developments in the neighborhood. You can see the minutes from the NB meeting when posted at its web page.

• Ala Moana Plaza Tower development is being proposed by developer Brookfield Properties, building a 400-foot mixed-use rental tower of 595 units on its Ala Moana center property on the corner of Piikoi and Kona Streets.  It intends to set aside 20% of the units for those with incomes of 80% AMI or below. The NB raised concerns about traffic flow, view obstruction, affordable housing, height and density of the project.

• Queen/Waimanu Roundabout is being planned by HART to slow down the traffic speed at the intersection with a single lane roundabout intending to align Kakaako with the rail system. Concerns were raised about building a roundabout in an already congested area and the project planner was asked to find alternative solutions. 

LEGISLATURE CONVENES FOR 3-WEEK SESSION
Today (Monday) the Legislature reconvened and will be meeting until July 10 to address a number of bills and resolutions on COVID and other important issues. High priority is the allocation of $635 million in federal CARES Act funds. During the short recess since May 21, we have been assessing needs and, where greatest, have included in a plan to allocate funds to cover the following for the most needy:

• $230 million for a State-enhanced weekly benefit of $100/week to unemployment insurance recipients after the $600/week federal benefit runs out at the end of July;
• $100 million in rental assistance for up to $500/month
• $15 million in grants for local companies to create a supply chain for cleaning supplies, disinfectants and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• $100 million to help schools, child and elder care facilities, hospitals, and small businesses to get PPE and other protective supplies
• $90 million for thermal screening, security protocols, testing, and traveler verification at airports
• $36 million for workforce development and rebooting the economy
• Other appropriations include help for childcare, counseling for high school seniors, food assistance for keiki and kupuna, relief for the commercial fishing industry, and other emergency needs, including unemployment insurance

The new legislative timetable is available here.  Due to the pandemic, the State Capitol building will remain closed to the public but we encourage participation by submitting written testimony.  Live streams of all Senate hearings and floor sessions will be available on YouTube and/or ‘Ōlelo. A list of upcoming and archived Senate hearings is available here.  To submit testimony, please click here.

2020 CENSUS: Don’t You Want To Be Counted?  If you haven’t filled out your U.S. Census survey, someone will be knocking on your door–but with every good intention, and safe-distancing measure in mind. Applaud the census taker whose job is an epic one —  making sure every person in the state gets counted so we can get our fair share of the federal funding (like the relief funds coming our way) for key public services like food stamps, school meals, child-and-senior care, unemployment benefits, housing, small business loans & grants, and the list goes on here. Here’s more you should know about the US Census:

• It’s mandated by the U.S. Constitution

• You think you have immigration issues that you incorrectly think might be used against you. Click here for more information.
• Scam artists often use the U.S. Census to obtain personal information. Learn here to avoid them.
• How to Identify Census Workers
• The quickest and easiest way to respond is by self-response online
• For more information, call 844-330-2020 or go to: https://census.hawaii.gov/census_2020/

TAX CREDIT FOR PROPERTY OWNERS
Due to COVID-19, the City is offering a real property tax credit to property owners who meet certain eligibility requirements. The application deadline is September 30. First-time applicants can obtain the tax credit application by calling the Tax Credit Office at 768-3205.  Applications can be obtained online here.

DRIVER’S LICENSE OR STATE ID EXPIRED?
For driver’s licenses and state IDs with expiration dates in March, April, May, June and July of this year, the appointment hotline is now open: (808) 768-4177. For the latest updates about the AlohaQ appointment system, click here.