Tag: hawaii state,oahu,honolulu,senator district 12,sharon moriwaki

  • Covid and other news

    Covid and other news

    September 2021 is Suicide Prevention Month

    The pandemic has not only taken a toll on the physical health of Hawaii residents, but also on our mental health. There has been an increase in anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges during this pandemic. Some of this is the result of isolation and disruptions in our relationships and our usual way of doing things. With the eviction moratorium and federal unemployment support ending, many are worried about how they will put food on the table for their family and if they will join the ranks of those without homes. View tips below on what to do before the unthinkable happens.

    Suicide is Preventable with the Proper Social Supports and Access to Professional Help

    • Recognize when someone is in severe emotional pain, such as feeling consistently depressed or sad, hurting themselves, or thinking frequently about suicide or ending their life.
    • The best thing you can do to help someone is to be a good listener, acknowledge their pain, make sure they are in a safe environment, and encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional.
    • Don’t be afraid to bring us the topic of suicide with someone who you are worried about – it is often best to ask directly so you can know how to help them.
    • Get help right away. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room, as severe suicidal ideation can become a life-threatening concern. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact Hawaii CARES, a locally-based program jointly run by the Hawaii State Department of Health and the University of Hawai‘i that provides immediate intervention and support through crisis, treatment, and recovery. On Oahu, call (808) 832-3100.

    CONTENTS

    SAFE ACCESS OAHU AND THE SMART HEALTH CARD

    Getting to Know “Safe Access Oahu”
    “Safe Access Oahu” is now in effect for at least two months. Activated this past Monday, the city program requires many Oahu businesses to now operate with new restrictions, requiring all employees, businesses alongside other establishments to show proof of vaccination. You may want to know more:

    • Acceptable proof of vaccination.
    • “Full vaccination” and what it means.
    • The types of businesses that need to ask for proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
    • The types of entertainment and recreational settings that are required to comply.
    • The types of restaurants and bars that are required to comply with the emergency order.
    • Types of fitness establishments and group physical activities that are required to comply.
    • Can a business that is not covered by the requirements of the Safe Access Oahu program still participate?
    • Does a food retailer such as a grocery store, food court, or other food market need to check proof of vaccine?
    • Does the emergency order apply to indoor dining, entertainment, and fitness settings in residences or offices?

    Find the answers here: https://www.oneoahu.org/safe-access-oahu/#top

    HPD Spot Checking Kakaako Restaurants Reveal No Violations of Safe Access Oahu
    The Star-Advertiser reported Honolulu police have found no violations while spot checking Oahu restaurants — particularly in Chinatown and Kakaako — for compliance with new COVID-19 vaccination and testing rules for employees and customers that went into effect on Monday.  And there have been no calls to 911 reporting violations of the Safe Access O’ahu program that’s scheduled to be in effect for another 56 days.  So you can rest assured that it is safe to visit restaurants in our district while HPD enforces the new rules.

    Hawaii SMART Health Card Participation Expectations
    There have been over 100,000 successful uploads to the Hawaii SMART Health Card application since its launch on Friday. This is about 75% of all attempts to create the Hawaii SMART Health digital card from Friday, Sept. 10, 2 a.m., to Thursday, Sept. 16, 2 p.m. and it is the success rate expected. Both the City and County of Honolulu’s Safe Access Oahu and Maui County’s Safer Outside programs are accepting the Hawaii SMART Health Card as proof of vaccination. Here’s how to sign up:

    1. Go to the Hawaii Safe Travels Digital Platform at travel.hawaii.gov.
    2. Create an account or use your existing account.
    3. Take a picture of your COVID-19 vaccination card.
    4. Click on the SMART Health Card logo.
    5. Select “Create or View Hawaii SMART Health Card.”
    6. Enter your vaccination information and upload your vaccination card photo.
    7. Sign the authorization to release and disclose COVID-19 vaccination information.
    8. Once validated by the system, you will receive a QR code to present to businesses and establishments that require proof of vaccination status. Your QR code will be available for display in the Hawaii SMART Health Card section of the Safe Travels platform. If people are experiencing issues with completing their Hawaii SMART Health Card application process while using their mobile device, it is recommended that they try using their laptop or computer.
    STATE LIBRARY COVID REQUIREMENTS AND
    SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN COVID TESTING PROGRAM

    State Public Libraries Now Require Vaccinations or Negative COVID-19 Test Result
    On September 13, all public libraries and offices in the Hawaii State Public Library System began requiring visitors 12 years and older to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result issued within the last 72 hours and a valid photo identification. Visitors 5 years old and older must also wear a face mask covering their nose, mouth and chin at all times while in a library. Visitors must also remain physically distanced from others and practice hand hygiene.

    Will Students Be Screened for Covid at School Campus Libraries?
    In that case, students of any age enrolled at the school could visit the library during school hours without proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test for the disease. Enrolled DOE students at these campuses are exempt from the vaccination and testing requirement during the school day. During visits to the library outside of normal school hours, the vaccination and testing requirement would apply to students age 12 or older. Gov. David Ige’s Executive Order No. 21-07 (Access to State Property), which took effect Monday, restricts contractors’ and visitors’ access to state facilities unless they are vaccinated against COVID- 19 or have recently tested negative for the disease. The order’s definition of visitor excludes individuals under age 12 — who are not eligible for COVID- 19 vaccination. As of Monday, Hawaii’s public libraries and support offices have required visitors 12 and older to provide valid photo ID and proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result issued within 72 hours of the visit, according to the system’s website, www.librarieshawaii.org

    Hawaii Schools Signed Up for Federal COVID Testing Program
    Options for school Covid testing are growing. There are now well over 100 schools that have registered for a federal program called Operation Expanded Testing (OET) to offer some degree of screening testing within their campuses. The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) released a list of schools that signed up for a federal COVID-19 test program on Wednesday, Sept. 15. The list can be found here.

    CITY: RENTAL RELIEF APPLICATIONS, REAL PROPERTY TAX CREDIT PROGRAM,
    AND LIFEGUARD TOWER CLOSURES

    Oahu’s Rental and Utility Relief Program reopens for new applications
    The Rental and Utility Relief Program plays a major role in our recovery strategy: help struggling families and businesses get on their feet, build a more diverse and resilient economy, and invest in an equitable recovery, So far, the program has helped nearly 8,000 Oahu households and distributed nearly $70 million to landlords and utility companies. The program started five months ago. City officials expect to invest $200 million to help renters and landlords during the pandemic. The city is accepting new applications for its Rental and Utility Relief Program. Renters who have faced financial issues from the COVID-19 pandemic can apply at https://www.oneoahu.org/renthelp

    Real Property Tax Credit Program now accepting applications
    In a continued effort to provide financial relief for qualified homeowners on Oahu, the City and County of Honolulu is now accepting applications for its Real Property Tax Credit Program for the 2022-2023 tax year.  The City offers a real property tax credit for homeowners who meet certain eligibility requirements. The deadline to apply for the Real Property Tax Credit Program is May 10, 2022.
    The eligibility requirements for the City’s Real Property Tax Credit Program are as follows:

    • The homeowner must have a home exemption in effect at the time of application and for the subsequent tax year
    • Any of the titleholders do not own any other property anywhere
    • The combined income of all titleholders cannot exceed $60,000
    • Applicants eligible for the 2022 Very Low-Income Tax Credit must meet the gross income of $51,000 or less for all titleholders.
    • All applicants are required to submit their 2022 application and their 2020 Federal and State of Hawai‘i Income Tax Returns to qualify.

    View the program brochure here.
    To apply for the real property tax credit click here.

    Honolulu Ocean Safety Advises Public of Possible Lifeguard Tower Closures
    The Honolulu Ocean Safety, a Division under the Honolulu Emergency Services Department (HESD), is informing the public of the possibility of temporary or intermittent closures of lifeguard towers.
    The closures are a direct result of staffing availability as Ocean Safety steadily increases its daytime coverage as part of a 2019 legal mandate requiring a “dawn to dusk” lifeguarding program in the City & County of Honolulu. When there are scheduled closures, an announcement will be made in the morning through the city’s HNL.info app. Members of the public are advised to seek beaches where towers are staffed from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The closures will be done strategically and sparingly, and occur where there is the least amount of ocean activity expected for the day.

    DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

    McCully-Moiliili Library Renovations Delay
    The Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) indicated the original timeline for completing the McCully-Moiliili Library renovations was affected by problems with bid documents and they were unable to proceed this past summer as planned.  However, late last week, bids were received and the low bidders met all State procurement requirements. HSPLS is not able to guess a completion date at this time – a lot will depend on how quickly the contractors can perform their work, and how many delays they encounter when ordering parts and supplies.  On a positive note, the summer delay allowed HSPLS to address other issues including increasing an order for new furniture for public seating and computer use.  During this time, the State Librarian was also able to work with The Friends of the Library of Hawaii to secure funding to upgrade and transform the children’s and circulation desk areas.  HSPLS appreciates the community’s patience as they navigate through some difficult issues to make improvements to our libraries.

    Helpful Hawaii Condo Living Guide Available
    Attention all condo owners, there’s a guide especially for you.  “Hawaii Condo Living Guide.” Just completed, the 15 episodes can be viewed on the website of the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs (DCCA) here.

    Queen Street BWS Waterline Construction Update
    In case you missed it, the video of the virtual Town Hall regarding the Queen Street Improvement project is available on Speaker Scott Saiki’s YouTube Channel.  Watch the recording here.

    Howard Hughes Developer Releases Renderings of Ulana Ward Village Tower Project
    The Howard Hughes Corp. released Friday new renderings for Ulana, its planned ninth mixed-use development in Ward Village. Ulana, planned for the Ewa side of Ward Avenue, is to have about 697 reserved housing units of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom varieties. Ulana’s development includes the adjacent 30,000-square-foot Ka Lai o Kukuluaeo Park. That’s to go with 6,916 square feet of commercial space and 34,510 square feet of light industrial space facing Pohukaina Street. Ground-level amenities are to include the Ulana Lawn, a keiki play area, a barbecue area and indoor-outdoor gathering spaces. The Ulana renderings can be viewed here.

    Blaisdell Arena Drive-Through Covid Testing: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    For the Binax Now rapid antigen test, results are in an hour. For the PCR nasal swab test results are within 24 to 48 hours. Registration online is required to book an appointment, which will be available in 5-minute increments. Registrants receive a QR code that they should bring to their appointment, along with a valid ID.  Insurance cards are not required but can be used. Walk-ins not be permitted. Sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu in partnership with Nomi Health. The drive-through is in the arena parking area, with the entrance on Kapiolani Boulevard at the rear of the arena. Results are texted to the cell phone provided upon registration, or those who chose the Binax Now rapid antigen can wait for results and speak to a clinician if they have any questions. To register click here.

    MARK YOUR CALENDARS

    Sept. 22 Virtual event: Lanakila Meals on Wheels Celebrates 50 years Feeding Kupuna
    This year marks the Lanakila Meals on Wheels’ 50th anniversary of feeding kupuna in Hawaii. To thank the community that has been with them every step of the way, Lanakila Meals on Wheels is hosting a live virtual bingo event which will be held from Sept. 22 to Oct.1. For more details, visit https://www.lanakilapacific.org/seniorservices

    Sept. 24: Townhall with HTA on Tourism Management
    Join Rep. Adrian Tam and I virtually for a discussion on managing tourism in Hawaii.  Invited guests from the Hawaii Tourism Authority include President and CEO John De Fries, Chief Administrative Officer Keith Regan, and Chief Brand Officer Kalani Kaanaana.  Join on Zoom with this link:
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83398673727?pwd=OWx1dFU2WHFFSS9vT0dwTlRWS3FBQT09

    Sept. 27: HCDA Townhall on Kakaako-Makai
    Please register now to join Speaker Scott Saiki and I for our next virtual town hall with the Hawaii Community Development Authority on September 27 at 5:00 p.m. to learn about development plans for Kakaako. HCDA will be discussing its plans, including the conceptual plan for the Makai parcels.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

    Sept. 17 – Oct. 1: Hawaiian History Month Virtual Events
    Hawaii Ponoi Coalition is proud to present Hawaiian History Month in 2021! in celebration of Queen Liliuokalani’s 183rd birthday. Enjoy five weeks of virtual events that include perspectives on Infectious Diseases in Hawaii, Youth Opera, theatre, plays and historical turning points during the Hawaiian monarchy. Click here for more info.

    WEEKEND WAYSIDES

    Sept. 18:  “Celebrating Inoa Aina: Hawaiian Place Names” Virtual Talk Story, 10:30 a.m.
    Join a free SALT Talk Story, featuring Kumu Hula Manu Boyd virtually via zoom.  Celebrate Hawaiian History Month and learn about Kakaako’s and Oahu’s past and Hawaiian place names through stories, chants, and songs.  Honor the 183rd birthday of Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last sovereign monarch.  For more information, visit the event site, or https://saltatkakaako.com/events/.

    Sept. 18: The Royal Arcade Comedy Forum, 7:00-8:30pm
    Join comics from all over the globe, for a fun interactive evening. After the comedians do what they do best by making you laugh, join them for a question-and-answer session as they discuss their jokes, along with current topics of the day. Hosted by Comedian Pepper Lamb. Location: The Manifest, 32 North Hotel Street, Honolulu, HI 96817. Presale tickets are just $10, $15 at the Door. Reserve your spot as seating is limited due to Covid 19 restrictions. Also remember to bring your proof of vaccine. Get your tickets here.

    Sept. 18: “Altered States” Exhibit at the Hawaii State Art Museum, 10am-4pm
    Highlighting unique and alternative visions of the world through artworks from the Art in Public Places Collection of the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. ⁠Location: Hawaii State Art Museum, 250 South St., Honolulu, HI, 96813. Additional dates available. For more info. Click here.

    Sept. 19: Vegetarian/Vegan Cooking Workshop, 1:30-3:30pm (VIRTUAL)
    Visit the Greek Isles!  Join in from your home kitchen for a vegetarian food adventure through the magic of Zoom. By the time you finish this cooking workshop, you will have lovingly prepared a meal for four people!  For more info., click here.

    Take care & stay safe!

  • 9/11

    9/11

    A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
    SEPT. 11, 2021

    The National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City commemorates the September 11, 2001 attacks, which killed 2,977 people. The memorial is located at the World Trade Center site, the former location of the Twin Towers that were destroyed during the September 11 attacks. We remember the lives of those who sacrificed so much for so many.

    The Day the Towers Fell
    A sad day for America, as rejoicing rang from hell
    Waking a mighty giant, the day the towers fell
    Our hearts were saddened, as we watched this vicious act unfold
    As innocence met a fiery death, and seeds of war were sowed…
    America just sort of glides along, so don’t step on her toes
    For her belief in right and justice, will stomp out freedom’s foes.

    -Author Unknown

    CONTENTS

    BUSINESSES TO REQUIRE PROOF OF VAX, VACCINE GOES DIGITAL,
    MEDICAL WORKERS GET A BREAK

    ‘Safe Access Oahu’ Program Activates Next Week
    Next week Monday, Sept. 13, workers and customers at gyms, restaurants and movie theaters will be required to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test under the Safe Access Oahu program where certain businesses will be required to create their own guidelines to verify the vaccination status of employees and customers. The only vaccination exemption will be a negative COVID test taken 48 hours prior for customers and weekly testing for employees. However, restaurants operating without dine-in seating are not required to follow safe access rules. The city is working on additional programs to support businesses with expenses connected to COVID mitigation, but for now they are advised to keep track of the costs. The employer will have to pay the cost of the test and will have to pay for the time. It is recommended that employers be clear about their guidelines. Employers are advised to tell their employees that if they don’t comply with your vaccine policy, that you are going to put them on leave, and will be reinstated once they get vaccinated, unless or until you find somebody to replace them. The City’s Office of Economic Revitalization hosted an informational webinar where many questions were asked by business owners and community members. The recorded webinar can be found here.

    Digital Vaccine Verification Launches
    Is your vax card crinkling at the corners? Hopefully the data is still legible so you can capture what’s left of its crispy look via the Hawaii Smart Health Card which hopes to bring a new, simple way to provide vaccine verification by going digital. This is just before many businesses require proof of vaccination. Starting Friday, Sept. 10, those vaccinated in Hawaii will be able to upload a photo of their card to the Hawaii Smart Health Card section of the Safe Travels website which can be found here.  Once verified, they will get a QR code on their phone to show a restaurant or gym to prove they are vaccinated. Anyone with a smartphone would be able to pre-verify their status, eliminating the need to carry around a hard copy. Businesses can also download the Smart Health Card Verifier app to scan the QR code for verification. It only works for those in Hawaii’s database. Verification for visitors is limited to those from states using the national standard. Any restaurant that is looking at verifying Hawaii vaccinations will also probably be able to verify California and New York vaccinations as they use the SMART Health Card standard. The program is voluntary — people can still use their physical vaccination card or other acceptable test documents. The state is hoping to expand the platform to include negative COVID results soon. Beginning Monday, Sept. 13, customers will need to show their vaccination card (or a photo of it) at the door or a negative COVID test results within the last 48 hours to get into certain businesses as part of the Safe Access Oahu program. They will also be able to use their SMART Health Cards. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said it is the best way to avoid another lockdown and warned that businesses will be fined if they do not comply.

    Hotels for Healthcare Heroes’ Program Provides Staycations for Medical Workers
    Thank you, frontline medics! The recent slow-down in tourism has left many hotels with empty rooms. Now, dozens of properties are offering free staycations to Hawaii’s worn-out frontline medical workers. The program is called “Hotels for Healthcare Heroes” and was launched by the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association. It will start on Sept. 17 and will run every weekend through the end of October. A similar initiative was launched last year using state funding, but this time around, participating hotels are footing the bill. More than 50 hotels across the state have signed up to donate free two-night staycations on Fridays and Saturdays to Hawaii doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff. The hospital and clinics will provide a list and then we will take that list and basically match them up with a hotel or resort on that island. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been more than 3,500 COVID hospitalizations and 633 deaths. Many healthcare employees have been working longer hours, extra shifts and holidays to continue providing care. This initiative comes at a time when Hawaii’s hotel industry is still hurting. The recent drop in visitors has led to the cancellation of tens of thousands of room nights.

    COVID COMBAT TOOLS: ANTIGEN TESTS & ANTIBODY TREATMENTS

    City’s Airport Mobile Lab to Offer Free Antigen Tests on Oahu Starting Sept. 13
    The City will be providing free point-of-care antigen tests to Oahu residents at the City’s Mobile Lab at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport starting next week Monday, Sept. 13. Antigen tests are commonly used in the diagnosis of respiratory viruses. They can identify SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that leads to COVID-19 and has a 88.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity rate. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for its use. Antigen test will be accepted for employees who qualified for a medical or religious exemption from the City’s vaccination requirement. Residents must bring a valid state ID and pre-register under the City pre-paid section at https://oahucitypass.lumisight.com/
    No walk-ins will be accepted at the airport testing site.

    Testing Site:
    Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
    Diamond Head Tour Group Area (just past baggage claim 31)
    Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Open 7 days a week, including holidays.
    For more info. on this testing program, please call (833) 560-0997 or email covidresponse@kidneyhi.org or visit https://kidneyhi.org/covid-19-testing-screening

    Antibody Treatments Are Another Tool to Combat Covid Infection
    The antibody treatments are for those who just tested positive for COVID-19. Also called “monoclonal antibody treatments,” they help the infected body make antibodies for itself and reduce the risk of hospitalization. Hospitals are working to expand access to monoclonal antibody treatments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for mild to moderate COVID illness in adults and children 12 and up to keep high-risk patients out of hospitals. Hawaii Pacific Health facilities have treated 300 patients with monoclonal antibodies since November 2020, and 200 of those treatments have taken place since late July 2021. The ER tent outside of the Kaiser Permanente Moanalua location is being used for the antibody treatment. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii said it is aware of 12 sites across the state providing the treatment. Doctors said treatment should be given early, within five days from testing positive for the virus. It is a one-time treatment, either through IV or a short needle injection just under the skin.

    HOMELESS VACCINATIONS, FLU VS. VAX SHOTS, COVID COUNSELING

    Can a Homeless Person Without an ID Receive the COVID Vaccine?
    If you’re one of the empathetic wondering how the homeless are faring in our race to get as many people vaccinated as possible, thank you for your concern. Actually, many homeless do want the vaccine, but have been denied because they have no valid ID due to robbery or muggings. Fortunately, there are places for them to go to get vaccinated. DOH works in partnership with organizations, such as Project Vision Hawaii or the University of Hawaii’s HOME Project, to provide COVID-19 vaccinations for unsheltered individuals who are unable to provide proof of government-issued photo identification. If you would like to provide vaccine assistance to an unsheltered individual, contact Project Vision Hawaii directly at 808-201-3937 or visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/ The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the lack of a government- issued ID should not prevent COVID-19 vaccination.

    Can You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine and Flu Shot on the Same Day?
    The CDC says yes. Initially, the CDC had advised that COVID-19 vaccines be administered alone, at least 14 days before or after other vaccines. The guidance changed not due to any known safety or immune response concerns but out of “an abundance of caution.” The CDC recommends that everyone eligible for COVID-19 immunization be vaccinated as soon as possible. Read more here. As for the flu shot specifically, the CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for people ages 6 months and older, unless they have contraindications. Ideally, nonpregnant adults should receive the flu shot by the end of October, but no earlier than Sept. 1, the health agency says, to maximize protection during the worst of flu season. Read more here.

    Free, Anonymous COVID Counseling
    Have you or your loved ones been impacted by the pandemic?  Ku Makani by Hawaii Cares offers free, anonymous counseling and connections to local support and resources.  This Hawaii initiative works to support individuals and communities who have felt the effects of COVID-19 and promote resilience, recovery, and empowerment.  For more information visit their website at http://www.kumakani.org or call 1-800-753-6879 for counseling services.

    DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

    Alohilani Hotel in Waikiki to Implement Mandatory Vaccination Policy
    Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach announced on Wednesday it will be the first hotel in the state to require proof of full vaccination for all employees, guests, and patrons effective October 15. The hotel will be developing a portal and sending out new confirmations to its guests and travel partners where they can upload a copy of their vaccination passport to their reservation. Once the guest arrives, the hotel will have new keys which will mean that their vaccine passport has been checked. Once at the hotel they just have to show their new keys. At least 80-percent of the staff are already vaccinated and its goal is to reach 100-percent.

    MARK YOUR CALENDARS

    Sept. 11: Blood Bank of Hawaii to Host Blood Drive at Ala Moana Center, 9am – 3pm
    Ala Moana Center and the Blood Bank of Hawaii will be hosting a blood drive on Saturday, Sept. 11. The blood drive will be located on Street Level 1 in the Diamond Head Wing, next to Goma Tei. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Blood Bank of Hawaii is in need of all blood types due to the rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations. People who want to donate blood can call (808) 848-4770 or schedule an appointment online here.

    Sept. 11: Free Mobile Vaccine Clinic at Ala Moana Center, 11am – 4pm
    Ala Moana Center, in partnership with Hawai’i Pacific Health (HPH) is hosting a COVID-19 mobile vaccine clinic on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. HPH’s COVID-19 Vax Squad will be located in the Ala Moana Center Kona Street Depot, according to Ala Moana Center. Individuals interested, are advised to schedule an appointment by calling 808-462-5460 or at HawaiiPacificHealth.org/COVIDVaxSquad Walk-ins are welcomed. HPH will provide the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and over, the Moderna vaccine for ages 18 and over, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for ages 18 and over. All vaccines are free to the public. No insurance is needed. There will also be third doses of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine available for immunocompromised individuals. The entrance to the mobile vaccine clinic will be at 1555 Kona Street, in front of the Sears Appliance and Mattress Showroom.

    Sept. 16: Makiki-Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
    Meeting Link (WebEx): https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m4f9ba7d4a74f005f8b1f5440d0b502fc
    Meeting Number: 2497 581 5328
    Password: NB10 (6210 from phones and video systems)
    Join by Video System: Dial 24975815328@cchnl.webex.com
    Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
    For the full agenda, click here.

    WEEKEND WAYSIDES

    Sept. 10 – Sept. 24: Live Hawaiian Music by Hui Mele at Kani Ka Pila Grille, 6-8pm
    Hui Mele plays music from groups like Haleakala, Surfers, Alii’s, Makaha Sons, Peter Moon, and more. Kani Ka Pila Grille celebrates the local tradition of “kanikapila” (“let’s play music!” in Hawaiian). Named after the famous backyard jam sessions of the legendary Pahinui family, masters of Hawaiian slack-key guitar, the venue continues this tradition featuring award-winning contemporary musical performers with the comfort of ono (“delicious”) food and company. Listen to the sounds of Hui Mele, Poolside at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, 6 PM – 8 PM. For more info., click here.

    Sept. 11 – Sept. 12:  The Waikiki Artfest at Kapiolani Park, 9am-4pm
    The Waikiki Artfest will be hosting approximately 50 fine artists and handcraft artisan days. Located in Kapiolani Park at the diamond Head end of Waikiki, all pieces displayed are for sale and are handmade by the artist/artisan who is present. The event includes casual Hawaiian music and great shave ice for your enjoyment as well. Celebrate the Arts of Hawaii. For more info, click here.

    Sept 11 – Nov 14:  Island Crafter’s Market at the International Marketplace, 11am-5pm
    Browse dozens of locally made products such as apparel, candles, laser etched home goods, papala (hala tree leaves), hand sewn totes, baby items and Hawaii’s favorite local snacks too! Located on the second level of the International Marketplace, right next to Mitsuwa’s Marketplace, you’ll find 3 inline spaces filled with Hawaii’s favorites! Just look for the balloon arches! Visit all three, get your event passport stamped and enter to win prizes! For more info., call 808-689-9091, email islandcraftfairs@gmail.com or click here.

    Sept.12 – Dec.26: Waikiki Crafters’ Market at Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, 10am-4pm
    Our island’s favorite vendors pop up twice a month at the Royal Hawaiian Center with their companies’ best products for local residents, national and international tourists. Support local small business vendors who will feature a wide array of local snacks and goodies including poi mochi, handmade jewelry and crafts with local themes, souvenirs, and other products showcasing the beauty of the islands. Meet the artists, have a custom keepsake piece made just for you (sunrise shells found only on certain Hawaiian beaches, custom jewelry, artwork). For more info., call (808) 479-5525 or click here.

    Take care & stay safe!