Category: Newsletter

  • Covid news, closures, resources, happenings

    Covid news, closures, resources, happenings

    Hawaii Statehood Day
    August 20, 2021

    Friday is a state holiday—statehood or admission day. It commemorates the day when President Dwight D. Eisenhower (above) signed a statute establishing the State of Hawaii as the 50th state to be admitted into the Union, effective August 21, 1959. For a little history: Statehood bills for Hawaii were introduced into the U.S. Congress as early as 1919 by Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole.  The acceptance of statehood for Hawaii was not without its share of controversy both in Congress and in Hawaii. Native Hawaiians protested against statehood. Additional bills were introduced in 1935, 1947 and 1950.  In 1959, the Congress approved the statehood bill, the Hawaii Admission Act, followed by a referendum where 94% of Hawaiian residents voted in support of statehood. Also known as “Admission Day,” it is celebrated annually on the third Friday in August to commemorate the anniversary of our state’s admission into the Union. See historic photos here.   

    City and County of Honolulu Releases Schedule for Hawaii’s Statehood Day
    The City and County of Honolulu will observe the Admission Day holiday on Friday, August 20, 2021. Below is the holiday schedule. Click on the links for more info:

    • TheBus will operate on a state holiday schedule. Click here.
    • Refuse Collection info can be found here.
    • Parks and botanical gardens are open. For park use guidelines, click here.
    • Municipal golf courses are open. For revised play information, click here.
    • The Honolulu Zoo will be open. Click here.
    • The Neal S. Blaisdell Center box office will be closed. Click here.
    • Emergency medical services, fire, lifeguard, medical examiner, and police services will be available.
    • All satellite city halls and driver licensing centers will be closed.
    • People’s Open Markets will not be held.
    • The following traffic and parking regulations will be in effect:
      • Traffic lanes will not be coned for contraflow.
      • On-street parking will be free, except for the meters on Kalākaua Ave along Queen Kapiolani Park, metered parking lots, and meters on specific Waikīkī streets.
      • Click here to see the full list.
    BOOSTER SHOTS, SCHOOL TESTING VOUCHERS, ADOLESCENT VACCINATIONS

    Several Clinics Offering Booster Shots for Immuno-compromised
    Several clinics across the state continue to administer COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots for those who qualify for them. This comes after the FDA and CDC approved a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine — Pfizer and Moderna — for those with weakened immune systems. Federal health officials have not yet given approval of a booster shot for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Recipients are advised to wait at least 28 days after their second dose before getting a third. Below are sites that are offering the booster:

    • Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk — Saturday, Aug. 21 (9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
    • Blaisdell Center Pikake Room – Every day except Tuesdays (7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.)

    For more sites, click here.

    Locating the Correct Vaccine Brand for Your COVID-19 Booster Shot
    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says to take the same vaccine in the booster as the first two shots. Here are several websites that help you find a vaccine by type/brand and location. None seem to list every possibility, but they are a good place to start:

    • https://www.vaccines.gov/search/ allows you to search by COVID-19 vaccine type/brand and location (ZIP code and distance).  You can also call 800-232-0233 for assistance.
    • https://www.oneoahu.org/find-vaccine  includes a map of pop-up and mass-vaccination locations and allows you to search by vaccine brand, along with other criteria.
    • https://covid.queens.org/   lists numerous vaccination sites affiliated with The Queen’s Health Systems. You can also call 691-2222.

    Note: As of this writing, the CDC recommends that only people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive a third dose of the covid vaccine. The third dose should be given at least 28 days after the second dose and should be the same brand.

    What is the State Doing to Further Mitigate Covid Spread at DOE Schools?
    Last week, the Department of Education reported 325 new COVID-19 cases at its schools, more than triple from the previous week. DOE is ramping up testing at ‘high-risk’ schools to help prevent spread of COVID-19 among students & staff. In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 at public schools across Hawaii, the state has given vouchers to high-risk schools to purchase tests from pharmacies. For more info on the vouchers received, click here.

    How is Hawaii Doing on Adolescent Vaccinations?
    The most social, out of all in our population – the teens, the tweens, the zoomers. So how is Generation Z doing?  As of August 13, 2021, less than half of Hawaii’s children ages 12 to 17 were fully vaccinated. A total of 63% had initiated vaccination, and nearly 49% had completed the full dosage. The vaccination rate for the 12-to-17 age group is the lowest of any eligible age group in Hawaii. Not yet available for children younger than 12, the COVID-19 vaccination has been available to children ages 12 and up since mid-May of this year. For a list of vaccination sites on Oahu, go to https://www.oneoahu.org/find-vaccine  For adolescents, choose a site that offers the Pfizer vaccine. Read more here.

    TEMPORARY CLOSURES DUE TO COVID SPIKE:
    LABOR DEPARTMENT OFFICES, JUDICIARY FACILITIES, LIBRARIES

    DLIR Delays Office Opening Due to Covid Spike; Will Add More Phone Appointment Days
    The state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR) will not open statewide offices as planned on September 7, 2021, due to the significant increase in COVID-19 cases. DLIR will, however, expand telephone appointments for claimants and also continue to operate its call center. The department hopes to offer in-person services as soon as the situation allows. The new initiatives that will be effective on Sept. 7 include the following:

    • Expanded telephone appointments (from three days to five days a week) for claimants with general inquiries.
    • Telephone appointments for PUA claims which are claims not eligible for regular unemployment insurance.
    • Telephone appointments for Employer Services inquiries.
    • These initiatives are in addition to the new telephone appointment system for claimants to schedule appointments to speak with a claims examiner. Claimants can request appointments through an online link that will be available at https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/appointments/
    • For more info please visit https://www.hawaiiunemploymentinfo.com/

    Hawaii Jury Trials Postponed Until October 4
    Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald ordered that jury trials across the state be postponed until October 4, 2021 in response to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases. The order includes civil, criminal, and family court proceedings, but affects only jury trials. All other court proceedings – many of which are conducted remotely by Zoom – will be held as scheduled. The Judiciary has implemented detailed plans to safeguard the health and safety of jurors, court staff, attorneys, litigants, and all involved.

    Hawaii Public Libraries to Temporarily Close on Wednesdays; Effective August 18
    Don’t worry! It’s just Wednesdays — due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. If you really need to do library business on Wednesdays, you are just a library card away. Read The New York Times newspaper, download ebooks, stream movies, learn a language, and more. State library digital doors will remain open here.  The library closures are temporary as the state works through the high infection rates of the Delta variant.

    AFFORDABLE LOCALLY GROWN FOOD, FREE INTERNET, CHILD TAX CREDIT

    Program Makes Local Grown Food Affordable
    There’s nothing better than local dishes made from fruits and veggies, plucked fresh off the farm. Our locally grown culinary gems are now more affordable for SNAP-EBT cardholders with the ‘DA BUX,’ a program which partners with 81 participating retailers across the state. The DA BUX program gets Hawaii-grown produce from farms to those who need it at an affordable price. The program also helps increase Hawaii’s food security and supports local farmers by encouraging program participants to buy local. For more information visit https://dabux.org/

    Free or Discounted Internet Service During Pandemic
    With the help of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), low-income families everywhere, including Hawaii, are able to access affordable internet service. The Hawaii Broadband & Digital Equity Office is encouraging all qualified families and individuals to apply for the program, which includes the following:

    • Monthly discounts of up to $50 towards broadband service, or up to $75 for households on Hawaiian Homelands.
    • A one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating Hawaii internet service providers, if they contribute a minimum of $10 towards the purchase price.
    • Participating Hawaii internet service providers include: Aloha Broadband, American Broadband and Telecommunications Company, AT&T, Boost Mobile, Charter Spectrum, Cricket Wireless, enTouch Wireless, good2go mobile, Hawaiian Telcom, Metro by T-Mobile, PCsforPeople, Q Link Wireless, Ready Wireless, Sano Health, Selectel Wireless, Standup Wireless, T-Mobile, Truconnect, Verizon.
    • Eligibility details can be found here: broadband.hawaii.gov/ebb

    Still Receive Child Tax Credit Even with No Income
    Changes to the Child Tax Credit will help many families get advance payments. Even if you don’t owe taxes or have no income, you can still get this full tax credit. Just fill out the IRS Non-filer tool here.  More info can be found here.

    BACK-TO-WORK TRAINING, RENTAL AID, SCAMS

    Back-to-Work-Training for 500 Oahu residents Available at UH
    Need to get back on your feet? This free training gives people on Oahu an opportunity to learn new job skills or find a better career path. Here’s what you need to know:

    •  Oahu Back to Work is a rapid response employment training program that runs from August 16 to December 17, 2021.  It will be training at least 500 residents to prepare for jobs that are now available
    • Classes will be primarily online in these career fields: Business and Technology, Healthcare, Human Services, and Trades. Besides free classes, the program offers access to loaner laptops and mobile hotspots for online classes and, in some cases, paid internships.
    • Participants on Unemployment Insurance may also be eligible for a waiver from job search requirements while in training.
    • Recent high school or college graduates who have been unable to secure full-time employment due to the pandemic are also eligible.

    To learn more, view available courses, or apply, please visit the Oahu Back to Work website.

    Can You qualify for City Rental Aid Even if You are Back to Work?
    Yes, if the household qualifies for the program—current unemployment is not the sole criteria for eligibility. Eligible households can use Honolulu County’s Rental and Utility Relief Program to pay past-due rent (dating back to March 13, 2020), upcoming rent or both. The program also covers certain utility bills, such as electricity, water, sewer, and gas. People who have gone back to work can qualify if they meet income limits and can show their household has been financially affected by the pandemic: loss of income or higher household expenses. If your application was declined in an earlier round, you can reapply if their financial situation has changed. Their best option is to reach out to the case manager who handled their original application. Only one member of any household should apply. The program reopened to new applications on Thursday. Click here for more information.

    Consumer Alert: Avoiding Rent and Credit Scams
    The thing these scams all have in common is an upfront fee. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says be wary of quick credit repair services. They promise a quick turnaround of the user’s score if they pay an upfront fee. Also, do not be tempted by “guaranteed loans,” or services like “removing bankruptcies from your credit report.” Scammers promise you things they legitimately cannot do. The reality is you can take the proper steps yourself for free. There are approved credit repair services, but the BBB says they take time. For more info, contact the Hawaii BBB office here. For legitimate rental payment assistance, click here.

    DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

    New Tenants at Ala Moana Center
    Ala Moana Center has announced five new tenants that will open for business later this year. Here’s a brief intro to these new kids on the block:

    • Himalayan Kitchen – Everything at Himalayan Kitchen is made from scratch, using fresh vegetables and catch from local vendors. The food is a mix of Nepali, Indian and Tibetan cuisines.
    • HUBLOT – The Swiss luxury timepiece manufacturer will open its first Hawaii boutique at Ala Moana Center
    • Illy Cafè – The cafe offers classic Italian inspired coffee drinks, a cup of Dammann Frères tea, or a nitro-style Cold Brew ARIA paired with an array of sweet and savory treats.
    • LOEWE – A major luxury house, offering seasonal collections of ready-to-wear, bags and small leather goods for men and women.
    • Surfers Bakery – The bakery offers a variety of Korean-style freshly baked products, including bread and gift set cookies, shaved ice with a special recipe of South Korea’s 7th Confectionery Master.
    • Wahlburgers – A casual dining restaurant & bar founded by brothers Mark, Donnie and Chef Paul Wahlberg. Menu items include fresh ground beef burgers, salads, tasty tots and frothy frappes. For more info on the above, click here.
    MARK YOUR CALENDARS

    AUGUST 21, 28: Climate Ready Oahu Community Events
    Draw, paint, and talk story about your experiences with climate change and ideas for creating a more resilient and sustainable Oahu. Join the events at these locations:

    • Aug. 21 – Honolulu Zoo, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    • Aug. 28 – Bishop Museum “Sea’s the Day,” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    For more info, click here.

    AUGUST 24: Ala Moana Kakaako Neighborhood Board
    Topics of discussion include:

    • Nightmare and Winter Wonderland Pop-Up bars at Ala Moana Center
    • Ala Moana Plaza Update
    • Ka Poʻe O Kakaako houseless community Update
    • Resolution Regarding Ala Wai Promenade
    • Ala Moana Transit Oriented Development Plan
    • Resolution Regarding Covid-19 Pandemic Response

    For the link to join the virtual meeting, click on the agenda here.

    AUGUST 24-26: City Council Committee Hearings
    City Council agendas can be found on the calendar here.

    August 24:
    9:00am – Transportation, Sustainability & Health Committee10:30am – Housing and Economy Committee
    1:00pm – Executive Matters & Legal Affairs

    August 25:
    9:00am – Budget Committee
    1:00pm – Public Infrastructure & Technology Committee
    2:30pm – Public Safety Committee

    August 26:
    9:00am – Zoning & Planning Committee
    2:30pm – Parks & Community Services Committee

    August 26-27: Special Session Judiciary
    The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the Governor’s new nominee to the Intermediate
    Appeals Court Sonja McCullen on Wednesday, August 25.  The agenda will be posted here at least 72 hours prior to the hearing and you can submit testimony to the committee prior to the hearing.  On Thursday, August 26 at 10:30, the Judiciary Committee will vote on whether to recommend advise and consent.  Finally, on Friday August 27, the full Senate will hold floor session at 11:00 am to determine whether to advise and consent the appointment.

    August 28: Mobile Vaccinations Coming to Ward Village!
    Visit the Covid Pau mobile clinic to get your vaccination on August 28 from 8am-noon at Victoria Ward Park. Schedule your mobile vaccine appointment by visiting www.HawaiiPacificHealth.org/COVIDVaxSquad

    WEEKEND WAYSIDES

    August 21:  Live Performance at the Kakaako Farmers’ Market, 9:00am – 11:00am
    Enjoy live music on the makai side of the Kakaako Farmers Market featuring the live music of Nuʻu. Check out his sounds here on YouTube.  For more info, click here.

    August 22:  Natural Vibrations at Shorefyre Fresh Grill & Bar, International Marketplace, 6:00pm
    Natural Vibrations is a reggae band with rock and pop influences. Originally from Kahaluu on Oahu, they are now based out of San Diego, California. Natural Vibes for short, and also known by their fans as Natty Vibes, the group has received several awards, including three prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. For more info, click here.

    August 22:  Free Self-Defense Seminar, International Market Place, Queen’s Court, 10:00am
    Self-defense is a great skill to have in those “what if” scenarios. By attending this class, you will get 25% off your purchase at Fabletics and free parking validation. Bring a friend! You may require a partner for certain times during the class. If you don’t have a partner, instructors will pair you with someone. Due to the pandemic, please participate at your own risk. Find out more here.

    Take care & stay safe!

  • Covid, relief and happenings

    Covid, relief and happenings

    Congratulating
    The University of Hawaii Cancer Center
    for 50 years of Research Progress

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the UH Cancer Center in 1971. It is one of 71 National Cancer Institute designations to receive special grants for cutting-edge research. Recognizing the UH Cancer Center acknowledges the progress made in fighting the disease challenging so many, and, as importantly, the people of Hawaii and the Pacific who play a major part in the research of this disease which has plagued humanity for 250 years. Let us extend our warmest aloha to this urban gem located in the heart of Kakaako, and best wishes for many more years of cancer abatement, quality survivorship — and eventually a cure.

    FEMA FUNDS FOR HAWAII, CAREGIVER HELP ON THE WAY,
     50% CAPACITY RULES

    Feds Grant Hawaii $24.7M to Mitigate Economic Impacts of Covid-19
    Hawaii has received more than $24.7 million in federal grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to aid in mitigating some of the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The funds come from FEMA’s $3.46 billion Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) Resilience Branch will be working with FEMA on the funding process and program requirements. The funds will reduce economic vulnerability and will directly combat the economic loss of Covid-19 by contributing to local job creation and building greater resilience for Hawaii’s counties.

    Caregiver Help is On the Way from the Mainland Starting this Weekend
    Once again Hawaii’s hospitals are being pushed to their breaking point. Triage tents have started popping up at some facilities across the state. The surge in admissions is leaving frontline caregivers exhausted. There are currently 246 people hospitalized throughout the state with COVID-19, 92.3% of whom are unvaccinated, Local health leaders have teamed up with FEMA. Their goal is to bring in 550 medical staff from the mainland — mostly nurses. The first 50 are expected to arrive this weekend. A second wave of healthcare workers is expected to touch down by Aug. 23, consisting of hundreds more staff who will be deployed across the state. A third wave of reinforcements is expected around Sept. 1.

    Reinstatement of 50% Capacity Rules for Restaurants, Bars and Gyms
    The updated restrictions come as cases of Covid-19 have increased in the Islands in recent weeks. During a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. Because of the current seven-day average of more than 500 cases. Governor Ige has mandated a new executive order which includes the following:

    • Indoor social gatherings are limited to 10 people; outdoor gatherings, to 25 people.
    • Bars, restaurants, gyms, and other social establishments must reduce their capacity by 50%.
    • Patrons in social establishments must remain seated, with 6 feet of distance between parties. No mingling is allowed, and masks must be worn at all times.
    • Professionally sponsored events, such as weddings, meetings, banquets, and conventions, must submit mitigation plans detailing safety plans to the respective counties for approval.

    The Governor’s newest executive order can be found here.

    COVID-19: Booster Dose, Pregnancy,
    Aloha Stadium Testing Site, Self-Checker

    FDA Says Extra Covid Vaccine Dose Ok for Those with Weak Immune Systems
    The Food and Drug Administration announcement applies to those who are especially vulnerable because of organ transplants, certain cancers, or other disorders. It is harder for vaccines to rev up an immune system suppressed by certain medications or diseases, so those patients do not always get the same protection as otherwise healthy people. The decision only applies to this high-risk group, about 3% of U.S. adults. It is not an opening for booster doses for the general population.

    CDC Endorses Vaccination for Pregnant Mothers
    The CDC encourages pregnant mothers, those who are thinking about becoming pregnant, and those breastfeeding, to get vaccinated to protect themselves from COVID-19.  The increased circulation of the highly contagious Delta variant, the low vaccine uptake among pregnant people, and the increased risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications related to COVID-19 infection among pregnant mothers make vaccination for this population more urgent than ever. More CDC data can be found here.

    Free Covid Testing at Aloha Stadium 4 days a Week
    The Aloha Stadium will offer free Covid-19 testing four days a week, starting Saturday, Aug. 14, and end on Aug. 31. The testing is offered in partnership with the Honolulu Fire Department and Hawaii National Guard. Individuals who are symptomatic as well as those who have been exposed to a positive case —regardless of vaccination status— should get tested. However, those under a currently active quarantine order should not leave to get tested. The Aloha Stadium testing will be available at the following times and locations:

    • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
    • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
    • Testing will take place in the Aloha Stadium bus lot. Enter through the main stadium entrance on Salt Lake Boulevard and follow the “COVID-19 Test” signs. Parking is free.

    For more COVID-19 testing options, visit hawaiicovid19.com/testing-isolation-quarantine.

    City’s free COVID-19 testing extended through Saturday, Aug. 21
    The City is extending its free COVID-19 testing to all Oahu residents through Saturday, Aug. 21. Those eligible can take advantage of test kits being made available at the City’s Mobile Lab at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. All clients must pre-register under the City pre-paid section at https://oahucitypass.lumisight.com/. Those who pre-register for a test will receive a QR code upon completion of registration. For more information on this testing program click here, call (833) 560-0997 or email covidresponse@kidneyhi.org. Additional details can also be found at kidneyhi.org/covid-19-testing-screening.

    Not Sure Whether to Seek Testing or Medical Care? Try the CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker
    The Coronavirus Self-Checker is an interactive clinical assessment tool that will assist individuals ages 13 and older, and parents and caregivers of children ages 2 to 12 on deciding when to seek testing or medical care if they suspect they or someone they know has contracted COVID-19 or has come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19. The online, mobile-friendly tool asks a series of questions, and based on the user’s responses, provides recommended actions and resources. Get started here.

    CITY RENT RELIEF PROGRAM NOW OPEN,
    EVICTION MORATORIUM FEDERAL EXTENSION, REMOTE WORK OPS

    City Rent Relief Program Reopens, Now Accepting 5,000 More Applications
    The city’s highly sought-after rent and utility relief program reopened on August 12, ready to receive 5,000 more applications being accepted for renters struggling from the COVID-19 pandemic. Households making at or below 80% of Oahu’s median income can apply ― for example, a household of four means up to $100,700 a year. A household must show it is struggling financially due to the pandemic with at least one member at risk of losing housing.  Additionally, members can qualify if at least one person in the household has been unemployed for 90 days. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.oneoahu.org/renthelp

    Feds Extend Hawaii Eviction Moratorium; Notify Your Landlord with Declaration
    Hawaii’s eviction moratorium has been extended through Oct. 3 under a new CDC order. Gov. David Ige issued a press release on August 6, confirming that a 19-page order issued earlier last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding evictions applies to almost the entire state of Hawaii. The CDC’s order halts evictions in all counties that are experiencing heightened levels of community transmission. CDC stated that the order is intended to target specific areas of the country where cases are rapidly increasing, which would likely be exacerbated by mass evictions.·See the new CDC order here.·To notify your landlord of the new order, print, fill out, and give to your landlord this Eviction Protection Declaration.

    New Website Launched for Remote Work Opportunities
    Looking to work from home? The state has launched a new website with programs for residents looking for remote work opportunities and for employers looking to hire Hawaii residents for remote work. The website provides residents with direct links to partners of the Hawaii Remote Work Pilot Project and the local American Job Center. Here are employers currently providing opportunities for Hawaii’s residents:

    • Instant Teams – Remote Ready Hawaii Project, building a team of locally based workers who are qualified residents, to address remote customer service needs through paid training, internship, and placement on a team.
    • Nexrep – Selecting workers from Hawaii to provide customer service solutions.

    For more information on the remote work website, click here.

    DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

    Hawaii App Offers Parking Solution in Waikiki and Urban Honolulu
    Tired of circling the parking lot hunting for a parking stall, or flagging down a person about to leave their parking stall? There is an app for that! Parklinq is an app that connects parking stall hunters with stall owners in Urban Honolulu. Currently, it has a few hundred parking stalls in its database from businesses, hotels, churches, and private street owners in about 20 different locations in Waikiki and the surrounding area. Customers can pay hourly, daily, or monthly. Find out more on the app’s website here.

    Like Like Drive Inn Plaza Sells for $15.3M
    The plaza, which was home to Like Like Drive Inn for almost 70 years, has been sold for more than $15.3 million. Sold to the buyer, JL Ala Moana LLC, a Honolulu-based investment and private equity firm, the 21,303 square-foot retail center lost its largest tenant in the Like Like Drive Inn after the owners of the much-loved local restaurant decided to close following Governor Ige’s extension of emergency lockdown orders back in April of 2020.

    Governor Ige Releases More CIP Funding for the District
    The following are district projects that will get a bit of state help:

    • Ala Wai Elementary School – $3.9 million to continue with design and construction of a covered playcourt.  Estimated Completion Date: March 2023
    • Waikiki Beach Master Plan – $500,000 was recently released for Halekulani and Fort DeRussy improvements for beach preservation and protection from sea level rise.
    MARK YOUR CALENDARS

    Aug. 17-18: Senate Virtual Procurement Info Briefings

    • Aug. 17, 10:30 am: The Department of Transportation, Airports Division (DOT Airports), will brief the Senate Special Committee on its procurement and contracting procedures. Click here for the agenda.
    • Aug 18, 1:00 pm: The Department of Health (DOH) will brief the Senate Special Committee on its procurement and contracting procedures. Click here for the agenda.
    • Watch the hearings live or recorded here on the Senate YouTube Channel.

    Aug. 19: Makiki Neighborhood Board
    Topics of discussion include:

    • ALOHA Homes – Senator Stanley Chang
    • Hawaii Foodbank – Marielle Terbio
    • Tourism and Economic Diversification
    • Complete Streets Updates – Sidewalks, Bicycle Lanes, and Road Infrastructure.
    • Planned Chic-Fil-A location on South Beretania St. – Concerns Related to Traffic.
    • Signage and No Parking Hours on Kinau Corridor from Ward Avenue to Piikoi Street.
    • Dominis Street and Poki Street Intersection – Concerns Related to Safety.
    • Victoria Street Parking Stalls.
    • Eviction Moratorium, Rental Assistance, and Mediation.

    If you would like to attend the meeting virtually, find the virtual (webex) link on the agenda here.

    AUG 25: Kakaako Improvement Association (KIA) Meeting, 11:30am
    This meeting will feature three speakers offering information of interest to those who work, live, and play in Kakaako. On Wednesday, August 25th starting 11:30am, the following will speak:

    • Dr. Jerris R. Hedges: Dean of John A. Burns School of Medicine.
    • Dr. Joe W. Ramos: Interim Director for the UH Cancer Research Center
    • John T. Leong: Cofounder for Kupu Hawaii, an organization that cultivates positive environmental impacts.

    Note – Although the KIA meeting is for members only, individuals interested in attending, may send an email to sgoyallc@aol.com.)

    WEEKEND WAYSIDES

    Aug. 14: Food Drive Day Goes Virtual!, 8:00am – 2:00pm
    The annual Food Drive Day will go virtual this year. While saddened its organizers cannot hold its flagship fundraising event in-person this year, they are excited to offer three easy ways for you to help. Find out here.

    Aug. 14: Virtual Songfest Tribute to Kamehameha III, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
    Each year, Kamehameha Schools (KS) honors Kamehameha III (Ka Lani Kauikeaouli) through an ‘aha mele (concert) celebration and by highlighting an organization that extols the virtues that he lived and loved –– community and education. This year KS is proud to partner with Hawaiian Civic Clubs whose mission is to effectively advocate for the educational, civic, health, cultural, economic and social well-being of Hawaiians. Learn more here.

    Aug. 16-17: Better Business Bureau Web Series for Senior Protection
    Seniors are often the targets of scammers and frauds. The webinars below may just help you or your elderly loved one avoid becoming a victim:

    • Aug. 16, 10:15 – 11:00am:  Go-Getter’s Guide for Protecting the Whole Ohana Mon., Roseann Freitas, Public Relations and Communications Manager / Better Business Bureau – Great West and Pacific
    • Aug. 17, 10:15 – 11:00am:  Get the latest on Medicaid Scam News with Timothy Tate, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit / State of Hawaii Department of the Attorney General. Please find the SMP Hawaii 20/21 Webinar Series for Fall-Winter to learn more about protecting yourself, your family and friends from healthcare and other types of scams and fraud. The Zoom link is valid for all presentations with Q & A each to follow. For more info., visit www.smphawaii.org, call: 808-586-7281 / Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422, or Email: info@smphawaii.org

    AUG. 21 Streetlight Cadence Band at Waikiki’s Blue Note Hawaii, 9:00pm
    They’re back!!! You might have seen them on the sidewalks of Waikiki…or in their Emmy®-nominated show, Will Play For Food! Either way, the boys in Streetlight Cadence will amaze you with their warm spirit and electric sound. The band pleasingly mixes acoustic vibes with hints of classical and bluegrass and will get you hopping on your feet before the evening’s end. Their music is intimate, and their show is fun. Limited engagement – ONE NIGHT ONLY! With the 6:30pm sold out, you’ll want to grab your tickets quick. Cost $25-$35 per ticket. Get them here. For more about the band, click on their website here.

    Take care & stay safe!