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  • Landlord-tenant, mortgages, border protection, testing

    Landlord-tenant, mortgages, border protection, testing

    Aloha Neighbor,

    The Senate Special Committee Meeting met Friday at 11am, with a lot of ground covered on issues of concern that were left unanswered in previous meetings.

    We heard from the Governor’s Chief of Staff presenting the state’s financial condition. Based on revenue projections and impact on the state budget, mitigating measures and proposed plans were shared. Given the projected downturn in revenues, projected at $1.4 – $1.5 billion in FY ’21, the administration proposed a plan of action. See the notes from the meeting that will be posted at the special committee webpage. No decisions have been made; and discussion with the legislature has begun. Stay tuned.

    Director of Commerce & Consumer Affairs Catherine Awakuni Colon and Attorney General Clare Conners answered a number of consumer issues and discussed the Governor’s Fifth Proclamation signed today.

    Landlord-Tenant Questions

    Many were concerned about the possibility of evictions if paychecks and unemployment checks were not received. On Friday, the Governor signed the 5th Proclamation that provides for an eviction moratorium, preventing any eviction from a residential dwelling for failure to pay rent, maintenance fees, utility charges, taxes or other required fees, effective through April 30, 2020.  While the period covered is through April 30, the Attorney General stated that the date may very well be extended. See more details on the Office of Consumer Protection website. Should you have questions or need assistance, call the Residential Landlord-Tenant Information Center at 808-586-2634 from 8am – 12 noon, Monday through Friday except state holidays. Or click on this link.

    Federally Backed Mortgage – For landlords who cannot make mortgage, some banks are working to help. Check with your mortgage servicer.  Homeowners with federally-backed mortgages can be helped under the federal relief CARES Act.  See: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guide-coronavirus-mortgage-relief-options/

    Other Consumer Issues.  For other consumer issues such as price gouging, consumer scams, business and health insurance coverage, phone the Consumer Resource Center at 587-4272.

    Stepped up social distancing in public places, essential businesses, and eviction moratorium were covered in the latest proclamation by the Governor. There are more stringent requirements to mask up when working in or visiting essential businesses. See the specific details of the 5th Proclamation here.  If you are at a loss on ideas on how you can mask up you can get ideas from these folks.  The Governor also issued an executive order suspending a number of laws such as offsite dispensing of needed medication, telehealth coverage, and renewal of various licenses. For more details see Executive Order 20-04.

    How are we protecting our borders: airport checkpoint.  The committee was pleased to hear that the Department of Transportation/Airports with the partnership of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has changed its procedures to screen all deplaning passengers at the airport. All passengers, visitor or resident, will need to pass a medical thermal screening, provide local residence address and phone number (which will be verified) and will be monitored to assure the person does not leave his/her room during the 14-day quarantine period, and will agree to all the social distancing requirements, including wearing a face mask. Failure to abide by these requirements will be subject to a maximum of $5,000 fine and/or a year in jail.  A copy of the new procedures and other HTA efforts will be posted on the Senate committee website.

    Screening and Testing: Another drive through site coming this Sunday
    If you have a cough or fever or if you have been in contact with someone who has tested COVID positive please go to your physician who can send you to get tested. Or you can attend one of the “free” testings.  Note: if you have no symptoms, you may not be a candidate for testing but they can give you a thermal screening.  Testing will occur this Sunday at Kakaako Waterfront Park from 9am to 1pm. Click here for more information.

    Take care & stay healthy!

  • Ways to cope, condos, homeless, Senate hearing

    Ways to cope, condos, homeless, Senate hearing

    Aloha Neighbor,

    There have been a number of concerns about what’s happening in our community and some of you are stressing about the slow intake by our state’s Unemployment Insurance Division. Distressing as it is, the fact is that the latest number of claims falls far short of the over 230,000 who are filing. Some of you are worried that the state will run out of funds before you get into the system; but there is a reserve fund and, if it is depleted, the state can ask for federal funds. So, as difficult as it is, please keep trying and take a deep breath and take care for yourself.

    Keeping it together despite COVID-19.
    Being locked down in our homes, frustrated with unemployment check delays, job loss, physical isolation, lack of funds, lack of exercise, perhaps eating or drinking too much because, frankly, there isn’t much else to do other than our daily routines and obligations, it’s quite a challenge maintaining emotional and mental health. But if you know how to cope, it may make you stronger. Here are some ways to cope from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

    Social distancing and protecting neighbors in condominiums.
    Our number is still not leveling or reducing. Yesterday, DOH reported 11 new cases, bringing us to 541 since February 28.  Still need to keep on social distancing!

    Many of us live in condos so here’s a kind reminder that social distancing guidelines apply to life within your condo and apartment communities as well.  No one wants to be the reason why COVID-19 entered their building complex.  Careful social distancing would require condos to close their common amenities like pools, gyms and party rooms; to hold off inviting guests (and that includes short-term rentals); to wear face masks in common areas especially in close areas like elevators and to limit the number of people in elevators;  to stay at least six feet away from each other in hallways and parking areas. Be extra caring to help everyone keep healthy in your building. We’re used to hugging and chatting but until we get past this pandemic try smiling more and throwing hugs and kisses!

    Some condo boards and staff are still not with the social distancing rules so here are some guidelines. The City & County of Honolulu has provided guidance.  The State Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs has also provided some general guidance on keeping your building clean.

    Who’s making sure the homeless are social distancing?
    We have heard from some of you that the homeless are clustering on the sidewalks now that parks are off limits to everyone. We checked in with HPD. They are enforcing the proclamations/orders of the Governor and Mayor to shelter-in-place and social distance in public.  Homeless or any other group in violation will be subject to a maximum $5,000 fine and/or a year in jail.

    You can also contact the Statewide Homeless Help Line at 586-0193 or email <a href=”mailto:gov.homelessness@hawaii.gov” title=”mailto:gov.homelessness@hawaii.gov” style=”mso-line-height-rule: exactly;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #007C89;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;”>gov.homelessness@hawaii.gov or the HPD at 911.  HPD officers are trying to move those willing to available shelters or to the City’s new POST program at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park. POST (Provisional Outdoor Screening & Triage) is the successor to the HONU homeless outreach program (last at the Old Stadium Park). Homeless individuals are provided with individual tents in designated zones of the park with camp sites safely social distanced from each other.   When they initially enter, homeless are isolated for 15 days in a “red” zone; thereafter moved to a “blue” zone with a little more freedom and flexibility and readied for transfer to available shelters or permanent housing.   POST receives referrals from the public and from law enforcement officers. Call 768-4668.

    Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 meets again today.
    The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 will convene today (Friday, 4/17) at 11 am on issues and concerns that are yet unresolved.  Watch it live on Olelo channel 49 or online at olelo.org.  See the agenda here.  Prior video of hearings, when available, can be viewed here.

    • Governor’s Chief of Staff Linda Takayama, Human Resources Director Ryker Wada and Labor Director Scott Murakami will discuss how we can get the Unemployment Insurance Program adequately staffed to respond faster to the over 230,000 people filing for benefit payments;
    • Attorney General Clare Connors and Commerce & Consumer Affairs Director Catherine Awakuni Colon on addressing landlord-tenant and mortgage foreclosure issues.
    • Department of Transportation Deputy Director Ross Higashi and Hawaii Tourism Authority CEO Chris Tatum on protocol for ensuring any passenger allowed into the state will stay in a legitimate residence or hotel for the 14 day quarantine.

    Take care & stay healthy!