Author: admin

  • Help for restaurant workers, Senate back in session

    Help for restaurant workers, Senate back in session

    Aloha Neighbor,

    Today, Monday, May 11th is “National Eat What You Want Day.”  No kidding, it really is.  Celebrate this day and support our local restaurants by ordering takeout today or any day.

    SOME HELP FOR RESTAURANT AND BAR WORKERS
    Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 12 at 9 am, the Kokua Restaurant Workers’ Fund will begin taking applications from restaurant and bar workers impacted by the pandemic.  Workers affected by closures can apply on the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival website and will be eligible on a first come, first served basis for a Visa card valued at $250.  It will be issued via U.S. mail, and can then be used at local restaurants throughout the state (some restrictions apply). Any restaurant that can accept credit cards will be able to accept this Visa card as a form of payment.

    LEGISLATURE RECONVENED TODAY (Tuesday) and will continue to meet throughout this week and most of next week before recessing again.  The limited purposes of these meetings is to pass key budget items and to consider Governor’s messages relating to appointments.

    The Capitol building remains closed to the public under the Governor’s social distancing orders.  However, hearings and floor sessions will be available for live viewing on Olelo and online at olelo.org.  Click here for the legislative broadcast schedule.  Since the Capitol is closed to the public, no in-person testimony will be accepted, however, written testimony is welcomed as always.  Submit testimony online at capitol.hawaii.gov.

    The chairs of the Senate and House committees responsible for the budget will hold a daily media availability via Zoom to provide access and transparency while the Capitol is closed.  Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Donovan Dela Cruz and House of Representatives Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke will hold a press conference via Zoom at 3 p.m. daily through this Friday.  The press conference can be viewed live by the public on the Hawai‘i State Senate Facebook page.

    SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON COVID-19 UPDATE.

    • Airlines for America Report. Last week you heard from Airlines for America VP Sean Williams on airlines notifying passengers about Hawaii’s quarantine orders and thermal check requirement. He reported today that all carriers in the association (Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest and United) are announcing Hawaii’s quarantine restrictions on their website, at the departure gate and during the flight.  He also reported that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin temperature checks of all passengers and their employees that are in contact with passengers
    • Senate Special COVID-19 Committee meets again tomorrow (Tuesday)  The committee will meet tomorrow at 4 pm.  Reporting to the committee will be Attorney General Clare Connors to discuss issues on county and state enforcement of the COVID-19 orders.

    Take care and stay healthy!

  • Appreciating mothers, teachers, nurses, peace

    Appreciating mothers, teachers, nurses, peace

    Aloha Neighbor,

    As the pandemic continues to keep us apart physically, let’s take the time out to send  our mahalo to those who have supported and encouraged us to keep going especially when life is hardest. Let’s not let the week end without acknowledging our selfless nurses and teachers who make society better for us all. And though society has advanced in so many ways, we are still humbled, not only by the events of the day, but also by past events like V-E Day and those who made it possible. And, of course, the mothers who have given us everything as best they could. They all deserve our love and appreciation.  We share some messages of aloha:

    TEACHERS AND NURSES APPRECIATION WEEK

    Mahalo to our Teachers! As we end the week celebrating and honoring our teachers who have nurtured us and our keiki, let us remember them as we congratulate our graduates. Thank you all who have supported and mentored our keiki of whom we can all be proud.  Mahalo to our hardworking teachers for all that they do.  See how our Hawaii State Teachers Association remains positive and supportive with their uplifting messages and stories.

    Mahalo to our Nurses!  Also, a big thank you to all our hardworking nurses and healthcare providers during Nurses Week –  May 6-13.  The impact of the pandemic has been devastating to so many but it has shown us the many who care for us at our greatest time of need:  our nurses who have stepped into harm’s way (and some even contracting the virus) to serve others and many to recovery. Enjoy this Star-Advertiser section celebrating nurses and all they do to keep our community safe and healthy.

    VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY
    Seventy-five years ago today, America and its Allies celebrated V-E Day, the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany.  Around the world, the end of war in Europe filled streets with happy celebrants. That joyful scene contrasts with Honolulu’s empty streets today, as we battle not Hitler, but a virus. And, again, we will prevail.

    Trafalgar Square, London, 1945 & 2020.

    HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!
    Who better to celebrate as our mentor and supporter as we enter the weekend of the biggest sale of flowers – our Mothers.  Enjoy Sunday with Moms everywhere –either in person with social distancing considerations or virtually. Below a few ideas to celebrate Mom: 

    WAIKIKI MOTHERS’ DAY LIGHTS
    The Sheraton Waikiki hotel     celebrates mom in illuminating fashion this weekend.

    UNFORGETTABLE GIFTS FOR MOM
    While you are at home and wanting to show mom how special she is, here are some ways to warm Mom’s heart:


    To all the moms in the district, please know that you are not only “an essential worker,” but a necessary bright light leading us through the darkest of paths. Here are some     things to think about as we celebrate our Moms this year.

    Take care and stay healthy!