Category: Newsletter

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!

Aloha Neighbor,

Incident Commander Kenneth Hara, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, briefed the Senate Special Committee today on the COVID-19 Emergency Plan. It is a comprehensive plan that identifies clearly four levels of effort for the four levels of threat (from “no disruption” to “major disruption”). More information will be on the Senate website or at olelo.org. It was approved by the Governor and will be shared shortly with the Cabinet; and, if followed, will move more quickly towards important efforts in prevention & protection, public health & medical response, information & public outreach, and supply chain management.

In addition to planning the emergency response, it is working with Governor’s economic recovery team so that we can map  getting back to (a better) normalcy. In addition to planning efforts, HIEMA brings 1,300 national guard support to help in areas such as airport screening, contact tracing, call center, etc. wherever needed.

Enforcement of Governor’s Proclamation and Mayor’s Orders. General Hara urged everyone to follow these rules, especially social distancing.  This is the best way to “flatten the curve.” We still haven’t brought our numbers down: since yesterday (Tuesday) we have increased the number of positive cases by 13 to 530.  He said he sees violations and, because this is the only way, to overcome the virus and get to normalcy, the county police officers will be citing. If in violation you may be lucky to get a warning but if you are caught again, the maximum fine is $5,000 and/or a year in jail. The rules again: 6 feet apart while in public; no social gathering; and, more recently issued, wear a face mask.

HELPING RESOURCES
As we hear from folks who are waiting for their unemployment benefit check or paycheck, and need help,  there are a number of resources.  If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance for food or other social services call 211 or visit AUW211.ORG.

FOOD FOR OUR DISTRICT
Seeing the long line looped on Atkinson Drive last Saturday, I thought that some of you may have need or know of others who may need a free nutritious meal. Here are some in our district. You can stop by and get help or also kokua by donating:

St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen in Waikiki offers a free, hot, nutritious meal for anyone who cannot afford a meal. It’s open from 11 a.m. to noon Mondays through Fridays, excluding holidays.  You can also make a monetary donation by calling the parish office at 923-7024.

Nā Kūpuna Makamae Senior Center (a project of Pacific Gateway Center)offers free food for kupuna and the community on April 17th and on April 24th, 12-2:30pm at the corner of Keawe & Ala Moana in partnership with Aloha Harvest.

The Waikiki Community Center‘s emergency food pantry is open on Tuesdays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Please bring your government photo ID and proof of need.

GENERAL FOOD RESOURCES:

The Hawaii Foodbank stores distributes food to their partner agencies.  Click here to donate to Hawaii Foodbank.

The Executive Office on Aging provides the Aging and Disability Resource Center Food Resources Guide

The DOE continues to provide free breakfast and lunch to children.  For our district they are being offered at McKinley & Kaimuki High Schools.  For more information, click here.

Help is On the Way is a new non-profit for kupuna and others in need.  They will drive anywhere on Oahu to kupuna and others who are homebound. To request a delivery service or to find information about volunteering, visit https://hihelpisontheway.org, or call (406) 426-1013.

Foodpantries.org lists several Honolulu food pantries including food closets, food banks, soup kitchens, congregate meal locations, food boxes, vouchers, etc.

Mālama Meals provides food security to communities in need or at risk due to actions taken to contain COVID-19 by distributing nourishing, freshly made meals.  If you or your community’s food security has been impacted by COVID-19 see their website or call (808) 943-MEAL (6325).

Hawaii Meals on Wheels delivers meals for seniors and the disabled on Oahu.  Call (808) 988-6747 or check eligibility online.

The YMCA continues to offer free, healthy lunch to children M-F, 11:30-12:30 at grab-and-go sites.

Apply for SNAP (food stamps). First time applicants: you are invited to use the digital fillable/printable application form.  Once complete, you may print and sign, then mail it or drop it off at a processing center. Or, if able to place your signature on the page, you may scan or take a photo of the application and email it as an attachment to BESSD.StatewideBranch@dhs.hawaii.gov.

SUPPORT OUR FOOD SERVICES SECTOR:

Kakaako Farmers Market at 1050 Ala Moana Blvd. is open Saturdays from 8am – 12am

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) sells and delivers locally grown produce.

Oahu meal prep, delivery services bring food to you.

Foodland, Safeway, and Target deliver groceries directly to homes.

Restaurants in our district continue to offer takeout.  Please see our list of these restaurants.

GUIDANCE: The USDA offers this page for food safety information.

Take care & Stay Healthy!