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Aloha Neighbors,

The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 hearing Thursday focused on concerns raised by the community: unemployment insurance, homeless and release or prisoners. If you missed it you can see it on Olelo.

Unemployment Insurance Concerns:  The committee heard from Labor Director Scott Murakami that the number of claims filed since COVID19 is about 207,000.  The committee voiced the concerns from those who are unemployed and have/are feeling the brunt of the system overload and understaffed department,  We heard that the department is correcting these problems and adding more staff to meet the unprecedented numbers.

We did ask some of your questions and were assured of the following: (1) do keep trying to file on the DLIR/UI website if you have not been able to file (received a “congratulations” message). If you are having problems with the website see the department’s slideshow with instruction on how to apply for unemployment online.  (2) as long as you receive the confirmation, you are in the department’s system and it will process your claim but it may take longer than usual because of the volume of filings so please be patient in awaiting a confirmation code and further instructions.  (3) once an application is confirmed, your payment benefit will begin from the day after your last day of employment (not the date when you filed). (4) you will not need to seek employment but do answer the question in order to get certified. (5) the department is streamlining the process and hopes to decrease the time between confirmation and your first check.  If you still have problems getting on, call (833) 901-2275 between 7:45am – 4:30pm from Monday to Friday (I know the number is constantly busy but keep trying; the department is working hard to increase staff at its call center).

No mass release of prisoners.   Special Master Daniel Foley reported on the recommendations he is proposing to address the Public Defender’s petition to release 426 prisoners from State facilities to deal with overcrowding during the COVID19 crisis. He proposed that each case be evaluated by the trial judges based on public health and public safety, with the trial judges making rulings on whether the candidate should be released based on their danger to the community and whether they have a place to “stay at home” and can be monitored.

Homelessness: Three State agencies along with the City and UH have formed the Behavioral Health and Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group (BHHSURG) to help the homeless during the COVID-19 crisis. Together, these entities oversee the majority of the state’s behavioral health and homelessness services systems. Other partners will be added to help coordinate and lead the response as needed.  For more information, see their website.  To voice concerns regarding any matters relating to homelessness in your community call (808) 586-0193 or email gov.homelessness@hawaii.gov.  If you suspect a homeless person has COVID-19 and they need to be tested call (808) 832-3100.  If homeless are in need of medical or other care, call Partners in Care at (808) 543-2282.

Support our farmers markets:  Farmers Markets remain open as they are considered an essential service.  The Kakaako Farmers Market at 1050 Ala Moana Blvd. will be open this Saturday, 8am – 12pm.  The following changes have been made for the health of the community: no cafe seating, only produce, pre-packaged food, and grab-and-go, will be sold. Social distance will be followed. Sinks and sanitary wipes will be available for customers’ convenience. Please continue to support our farmers and care for your neighbors—6 foot rule, if you have a cold or fever stay home this week, and mask up.

The next Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 hearing will be on Monday, 4/13 at 11am.  Check the committee page as Monday approaches for more details.

Take care and stay healthy!

Aloha Neighbors,

The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 met yesterday with the Lieutenant Governor and key state agencies.  We were briefed on the state’s testing program, most of which are being conducted by private labs, with a full discussion on contact tracking and testing as well as the data on test results and on inventory of facilities, equipment and supplies.

The number of positive cases has increased to 435 as of yesterday and the number of passengers coming into state is also increasing. The Committee voiced concern about and strongly urged the Administration take further actions to prevent tourists coming to Hawaii. The Legislature earlier joined the four mayors in sending a letter to the President asking that non-essential travel to Hawaii be restricted and again asked that the Governor do the same. The committee urged and was assured of stronger enforcement of self-quarantine orders of those entering the state and positive COVID cases. A more detailed summary of the meeting will be posted on the Senate Committee page.
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The Committee also urged the Administration to expeditiously reassign state non-essential and short-term employees to other jobs where there is great need to serve the public such as at the department of labor & industrial relations to handle the surging unemployment insurance claims.  In a time when people across the state are suffering financial difficulties and job loss, the Administration was urged to do its part and re-assign these employees to best serve those who are experiencing these hard times.

The Senate Special Committee will again meet today (Thursday 4/9) at 11 am. The meeting will be available for live viewing on Olelo Channel 49 on Oahu. It will also be livestreamed on the internet on Olelo’s website.  See the agenda here.  The committee invited the following to report on issues that have been of concern to our community such as the problems with filing and certification of unemployment claims; homeless and mental health services; and releasing prisoners into the community.  Those who will be coming before the committee are:

Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Mr. Scott Murakami, Director

Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness
Mr. Scott Morishige

Behavioral Health Services Administration
Mr. Edward Mersereau, Deputy Director

Partners in Care
Ms. Laura E. Thielen, Executive Director

Releasing of incarcerated persons
Honorable Daniel Foley (Ret.), Special Master

Department of Public Safety
Mr. Nolan Espinda, Director

More on beach walking/jogging:  You asked whether you are allowed to walk the length of the beach. The parks department says you are allowed to walk only below the high water mark (basically on the wet sand).  The area from the ocean to the high water mark is considered to be ocean (and open to use). The high water mark is the boundary between the beach (closed) and the ocean (open).

I hope this clarifies.

Take care and stay healthy!