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

  • Legislative update, UI, district happenings

    Legislative update, UI, district happenings
    “We wanted to bring the people to the legislators so they could hear our concerns.  We don’t want Waikiki to come to Kakaako Makai. I mean, it’s too late for Waikiki, but not too late for Kakaako Makai.”
    -Ronald Iwami, Save Our Kakaako

    Aloha Neighbor,

    Bill to build residential developments in Kakaako Makai dies in the House
    More than a hundred –keiki to kupuna—came to the Capitol steps to ask lawmakers to stop the proposal allowing the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to build high-density, high rise luxury towers in Kakaako Makai.  SB1334 would have exempted OHA from the current prohibition against building residential housing on its properties on the Kakaako shoreline makai of Ala Moana Blvd and allowed building 400-foot towers not allowed on the Makai lands.  OHA received 30 acres of prime oceanfront property in the area nine years ago, settling a decades-old dispute over ceded lands. At that time, the land was appraised as is (without residential towers) to be worth $200 million.  The House responded to the community by holding SB1334. For more info, click here.  The area legislators are hoping that OHA will work with others in the Kakaako and larger community that have embraced the shoreline as a meeting place for culture, history and the lifestyle of Hawaii by introducing resolutions to bring all the parties together to plan for Kakaako Makai’s future: SCR 216(which unfortunately did not get a hearing in the Senate) and HCR129/HR111 which is scheduled to be heard by the House Water & Land Committee on Tuesday, 03-23-21 at 8:30AM. See the notice. Send in your testimony.

    MORE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

    Bills and Resolutions are moving!  Continue to submit testimony:
    In addition to HCR 129, many bills are moving through their respective committees.  Below is a list of bills affecting the community with their updated status:

    • SB791 SD2 which authorizes the state to remove abandoned vessels in our harbors within 72 hours at the owner’s expense and criminalizes abandoning vessels. It is scheduled in the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, 03-23-21 at 2:00PM.
    • HB296, a bill introduced by Rep. Adrian Tam that limits the use of leaf blowers in Waikiki to specific hours is in the Senate Health Committee, moved to the Senate but has not been scheduled for a hearing yet.
    • SB799, requiring new development projects to increase the number of owner-occupants (from 50% to 67%) in new for-sale units. It is scheduled to be heard by the House Housing Committee on Tuesday, 03-23-21 at 10:30AM.  Three condo bills are now in the House (SB329, shortens the notice period from 60 to 30 days for removal of abandoned articles; SB784, allows association annual and special meetings to held remotely in state of emergency, both are in the Consumer Protection & Commerce (CPC) Committee.
    • SB838, on kupuna care and caregivers, passed the House Health Committee (HHH) and was referred to the Consumer Protection Committee.
    • HB490, a Kupuna Caucus bill which enhances penalties for offenders against the elderly passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and will be heard for third reading at a later date.
    • SCR217 requests the Office of Planning to convene a task force to review affordable sales guidelines for housing in Hawaii and has been referred to the committees on water and land and housing.
    • SCR76 asks the City to prohibit electric scooters from sidewalks and has been referred to the committees on transportation and public safety
    • SCR77 asks the Department of Health to convene a task force that will look at noise mitigation for commercial refuse pickup and has been referred to the committees on consumer protection and ways and means.
    • SCR75 requests that the Office of Planning convene an interdisciplinary task force to develop a framework for a sea level adaptation and resilience plan for the Waikiki District.  The Senate Committees on Agriculture and Environment PASSED the measure with amendments. It goes next to the House.
    • Of interest to some of you who have complained about the year-long continuing emergency proclamations there are a couple bills before my Government Operations Committee, HB103 on requiring approval of the legislature to extend 60-day emergency proclamation periods; and HB573, that allows the legislature to more closely examine how emergency federal funds are expended by the administration, including periods when the legislature is not in session. This bill will be heard on Tuesday, 03-23-21 at 3:00PM.
    • Two bills would create recognition days (not paid state holidays), SB83 designating November 28 as La Ku‘oko‘a, Hawaiian Recognition Day, and SB939 designating Juneteenth Day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States were passed by the House cultural committee.  SB939 will be heard by the Judiciary committee on Tuesday, 03-23-21 at 2:00PM.
    • A number of bills on state government efficiency and performance and expediting and improving procurement (SBs 788, 789, 1391, 82, 246, 1329, 1395, and 1035) heard in the Senate Government Operations Committee (GVO) passed the House Committee on Government Reform (GVR) and are moving in the House. SCR74 promotes transparency from the Department of Budget and Finance by urging the governor to require the Director of Finance to conduct a statewide program and budget performance review and report to the legislature in every odd-numbered year.  The Senate Ways & Means committee PASSED the measure unamended.

    Legislators need to hear from you on whether the measures address the problem or need (or not. We make decisions on your input so I encourage you to submit testimony on the Bills and Resolutions of interest or concern to you at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/.  If you are still unsure how to submit testimony, please let us know and we will be happy to help guide you.  Send an email to our Committee Clerk at k.vatalaro@capitol.hawaii.gov or give us a call at 586-6740 for further detailed instructions.

    DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

    Hawaii lawmakers decide not to change name of McKinley High School
    Yesterday, the House Education Committee decided not to change McKinley High School’s name back to “Honolulu High School.”  HCR 179/HR148 urged the DOE Superintendent not only to change the name, but also to remove President McKinley’s statue from the school grounds.

    Waikiki hotel debuts new pod travel packages
    his spring, Waikiki’s Ritz-Carlton hotel is catering to the rise of pod travel – close friends, families and loved ones traveling together – with the debut of its new “Pod Travel Concierge” program. With the influx of new nonstop flights to Hawaii coupled with COVID-19 entry testing and quarantine measures state-wide, this residential resort is perfect for travel pods seeking a vacation with some peace of mind. Find out more here.

    UNEMPLOYMENT UPDATES

    PEUC and ‘$300-plus-up’ unemployment benefits programs extended
    Thanks to the new federal relief funding signed into law on March 11, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), extends certain federally funded weekly unemployment benefits through Sept. 6. This includes:

    • PEUC (Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation) – paid after Regular UI has been exhausted.
    • PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) – paid to the self-employed and others not eligible for Regular UI.
    • FPUC (Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation or “plus-up”) – paid on top of a claimant’s other weekly benefit amounts.

    For more info, click here.

    New Covid relief law allows UI benefits to continue automatically without gaps
    The state labor department will automatically enroll claimants in the appropriate UI extension program with no gaps in week ending payments thanks to the new Covid-19 relief law. Once you receive a new monetary determination in the mail, you’ll be able to file weekly claim certifications. The new Covid relief package extends UI benefits until early September. Highlights in the federal stimulus can be found here.

    ‘Verification of Self-Employment Message’ from UI is not a glitch or random check
    The Continued Assistance Act of 2020 is a new law which imposes new verification requirements on claimants for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), the federally funded program for the self-employed and others not eligible for regular unemployment insurance. The program has been plagued by fraudulent claims nationwide, including in Hawaii. A message posted on the DLIR’s PUA homepage says “individuals who have filed a new PUA claim on or after January 31, 2021, or have requested payments after December 27, 2020, are being asked to submit additional documentation. Failure to provide documentation could result in denial of benefits.”  More here.

    STIMULUS CHECK
    First batch of stimulus funds rolls out from $1.9 trillion federal relief package
    Worth up to $1,400 per person, checks will continue rolling out in the coming weeks. Though not as speedy as direct deposit, paper checks and prepared debit cards will be sent out before the end of the month. Starting Monday, March 22, you can check the status of your payment using the IRS “Get My Payment” tool online here.  No action is required for most people to receive the money. Social Security recipients and those who receive Veteran Affairs benefits should also receive the money automatically even if they don’t file taxes.  The fastest way to receive the latest Economic Impact Payment (aka stimulus) is to electronically file your 2020. For more info, click here.

    New resource guide helps restaurants access federal funds
    Under the new America Rescue Plan Act, a new federal grant program guide is available to help Hawaii restaurants cover revenue losses due to the pandemic. Under the Small Business Administration (SBA), the new Restaurant Revitalization Fund will offer grants to cover payroll, rent, mortgage, utilities, maintenance expenses, supplier costs, and other operational expenses. Eligible businesses also include:

    • Caterers
    • Bars or lounges
    • Saloons, inns, or taverns
    • Food stands, trucks, or carts
    • Brewpubs, tasting rooms, or taprooms.
    The full resource guide is available here.
    MARK YOUR CALENDAR
    March 23, 6:30pm. Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board –See: Agenda
    Instructions for testimony submission and meeting participation via Zoom are on the agenda. View the agenda for all items to be discussed but some below may interest you such as:
    • Kalia Transit Plaza at Ala Moana
    • Ala Pono / Ala Wai Bridge
    • Ala Wai Watershed Flood Risk Management Project
    • Parking on Pensacola during peak periods
    • Ala Moana Transit Oriented Development Plan
    • Straub Hospital Redevelopment Project
    • Kaiāulu o Kakaako Master Plan
    • Kakaako Makai development
    • Resolution Kakaako streets Rehabilitation
    • Removal of crosswalk at Waimanu and Queen Street
    For more info, call (808) 768-3710 or email Spencer.johnson@honolulu.gov
    HAPPY WEEKEND

    March 20 – 21
    Stop, Drop and Chalk at Salt!
    Create your own temporary chalk art at Salt this weekend. Think of uplifting messages to share with the community and then stylishly scribble them all over the ground at the open-air space between Village Bottle Shop & Tasting Room and Moku Kitchen. Find out more here.

    March 20 – 27
    Ala Moana Drive-In Movie Fun!
    Park at Ala Moana Center (Makai between Neiman Marcus & Macy’s, Mall Level 2) and enjoy your favorite flick from the comfort of your own vehicle, but first buy your tickets here.

    March 20 – 31
    Blue Note Hawaii Always Rocks the House!
    Check out this popular Waikiki venue’s calendar lineup of talent here.

    Take care & stay safe!

  • Legislative update, COVID, Happenings

    Legislative update, COVID, Happenings

    Aloha Neighbor,

    IT’S ALL ABOUT LEGISLATION: HALF TIME UPDATE
    This past Thursday was “crossover” (meaning all bills that survive each house crosses over to the other house;and the vetting at hearings begins anew). The Senate passed 428 bills that cover the diverse range of concerns and interests from condos, affordable housing, homeless, kupuna, education, crime, sustainability….the list goes on and on.  This year, due to covid, the legislature will end a week early so the scurry of activity at the Capitol.  Only two of our district bills passed (SB791 and SB792) and one bill (SB1334) is problematic for the Kakaako shoreline. Below are highlights of the bills and resolutions that may interest you and those that will be heard this coming week.

    • SB791 SD2 authorizes the state to remove abandoned vessels in our harbors within 72 hours at the owner’s expense and criminalizes the abandonment of vessels
    • SB792 increases the penalty for noisy motorcycles and alterring mufflers. This bill is in the House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs committee awaiting a hearing
    • SB1334 exempts OHA from current prohibitions against building residential housing on its properties on the Kakaako shoreline makai of Ala Moana Blvd. The Senate (except for Senators Kim, Misalucha, Ihara, Riviere, Taniguchi and me) passed the bill. See deliberations here. The measure is in the WAL Committee awaiting a hearing.  You can also voice your concern at a “Save Our Kakaako” Rally sponsored by the Friends of Kewalos on Tuesday March 16 at the State Capitol Rotunda. For more details see Rally Flyer.
    • Because SB1334 also disregards the HCDA approved 2011 Kakaako Makai Master Plan, I introduced yesterday SCR 216, convening a task force to bring OHA and other community stakeholders to discuss future development plans for Kakaako Makai, including OHA’s exploring land exchange. Speaker Scott Saiki has a similar resolution(s) HCR129/HR111.  They have not yet been scheduled for hearing but you can follow at the status page.
    • Three condo bills are now in the House (SB329, shortens the notice period from 60 to 30 days for removal of abandoned articles; SB784, allows association annual and special meetings to held remotely in state of emergency, both are in the Consumer Protection & Commerce (CPC) Committee;  and SB799, increasing from 50% to 67% of for-sale units in a development project be owner-occupants.
    • SCR77/SR57 requests DOH to convene a task force to consider noise mitigation solutions to early morning trash collection. In CPC/WAM.
    • SCR217  request Office of Planning to convene a task force to determine  a uniform methodology and definition of “affordable” for-sale housing

    Hearings on Bills and Resolutions This Coming Week:

    • SB791 SD2,on abandoned vessels in public harbors, will be heard by the House Water & Land (WAL) Committee on Tuesday, March 16th at 8:30 A.M.
    • SB838, on kupuna care and caregivers, will be heard by the House Health Committee (HHH) on Tuesday at 9:30am.
    • A number of bills on state government efficiency and performance and expediting and improving procurement (SBs 788, 789, 1391, 82, 246, 1329, 1395, and 1035) heard in the Senate Government Operations Committee (GVO) are now in the House Committee on Government Reform (GVR) and will have a hearing on Wednesday at 10am.  See the agenda here.
    • Two other bills would create recognition days (not paid state holidays).  SB83 designates November 28 as La Ku‘oko‘a, Hawaiian Recognition Day, to celebrate the historical recognition of independence of the Kingdom of Hawaii; and SB939 designates Juneteenth Day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States and recognizes significant roles and contributions of African Americans.  Both bills will be heard in the Culture, Arts & International Affairs (CAI) Committee on Wednesday at 10:00AM.
    • SCR75 requests that the Office of Planning convene an interdisciplinary task force to develop a framework for a sea level adaptation and resilience plan for the Waikiki District.  This measure will be heard by the Senate Committees on Water and Land and Agriculture and Environment on Wednesday, March 17th at 1:05 P.M.
    • SCR74 promotes transparency from the Department of Budget and Finance by urging the governor to require the Director of Finance to conduct a statewide program and budget performance review and report to the legislature in every odd-numbered year.  This measure will be heard by the Senate committee on Ways and Means on Wednesday, March 17th at 10:00 A.M.

    Legislators need to hear from you on whether the measures address the problem or need (or not); we make decisions on your input so I encourage you to submit testimony on the Bills and Resolutions of interest or concern to you at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/.  If you are still unsure how to submit testimony, please let us know and we will be happy to help guide you.  Send an email to our Committee Clerk at k.vatalaro@capitol.hawaii.gov or give us a call at 586-6740 for further detailed instructions.

    Waikiki Virtual Town Hall: March 16 at 6pm
    The list above is only a small part of what’s happening at the legislature and at city hall. Join Rep. Adrian Tam, Honolulu County Council Chair Tommy Waters and me for our Virtual Town Hall on Zoom, Tuesday, March 16, at 6:00-7:30pm.  Rep. Tam & I will update you on the happenings at the Legislature and CM Waters will bring you up to speed on City matters.  Bring your questions and concerns for Q&A.  Click here to join the Zoom meeting on Tuesday.

    PANDEMIC UPDATES

    TIER 3: City further loosens COVID-19 restrictions
    This past Thursday Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced the county’s transition to Tier 3. Youth sports can start again on April 12 and adult sports on April 19, with modifications, such as mandatory facial coverings and no potlucks. Oahu bars can also reopen following restaurant orders with no more than 10 people in a group. Both restaurants and bars can now serve alcohol until midnight. Click here to view the amended emergency orders:

    Vaccinations to begin for ages 65+ and Phase 1C on Monday: March 15
    We will  be starting Phase 1C on Monday March 15, vaccinations for those 65 and older and those wit  high-risk medical conditions. People on oxygen support or dialysis, as well as those on chemotherapy or infusion therapy, will now be eligible. Hawaii clinics received about 62,000 doses this past week and are due to receive more. It is estimated it will take several months for Hawaii health providers to complete phase 1c inoculations. Starting next week, those newly eligible may register for an appointment at https://hawaiicovid19.com/ or directly with health care providers.

    CVS adds 7 new COVID-19 vaccination sites to Hawaii
    CVS Health will begin to administer COVID-19 vaccines to eligible populations at seven additional Longs Drugs locations on Sunday, Mar. 14. With the new additions, there will now be 17 Longs Drugs administering the vaccine in Hawaii. Appointments will be available for booking on Saturday, March 13. To register and/or check for vaccine appointment availability click here: https://www.cvs.com/.  You can also contact CVS Customer Service at (800) 746-7287. For more info, click here.

    Counseling hotline available to cope with pandemic
    A new crisis counseling assistance program will provide support to people experiencing challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.“Kū Makani – The Hawai’i Resiliency Project” offers counseling, education and resource navigation while promoting healthy ways to cope. Residents can access Kū Makani by calling 1-800-753-6879 and selecting option #1. Available times to call are between 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the weekends. For general crisis support services not specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, including mental health resources, substance use treatment services, or help with isolation and quarantine, call Hawaii CARES 24 hours a day, 7 days per week at 1-800-753-6879 or text ‘ALOHA’ to 741741.

    DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

    WAIKIKI
    As rising seas invade Waikiki resorts, state proposes adding more groins
    Waikiki’s shoreline, eroded by seawalls and battered by rising seas, sits on the brink of more upheaval that could either destroy its few surviving natural features or protect its disappearing beach for decades. A draft environmental impact statement (DEIS)is being prepared for a $12 million Waikiki Beach Improvement and Maintenance Program, proposed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources in partnership with the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association. It proposes constructing structures makai of the waterline, dredging sand and placing it on the shore; with the entire program area from the Kapahulu Groin to the Ewa end of Fort DeRussy Beach. One hotly debated section of the plan is to build three 200-foot-long T-head groins and a 3.8-acre beach out from the seawall fronting the Sheraton Waikiki and Halekulani resorts to help protect against coastal erosion and sea level rise.  To view the notice, click here.  Read more here.

    Homeless in Waikiki
    If you have any questions or concerns or referrals on homeless, you are invited to call the Institute of Human Service (IHS) general outreach number, (808) 447-2833. The outreach team works with HPD and will be able to collect information and offer services.  IHS is out there every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

    MOILIILI
    Affordable rental senior housing project in Moiliili scrutinized by City Council Zoning Committee
    Located on the corner of Algaroba Street and Makahiki Way, this 6-story building will consist of 105 studio and one-bedroom units, on-site parking and a community resource center. It will remain affordable for a minimum period of 60 years for those earning 30, 50 and 60 percent of the AMI or below. Rents will range from $553 to $1,243 a month and be restricted to kupunas ages 55 and older. Despite scrutiny before City Council Zoning Committee, the Council adopted a proposed draft to Reso 21-57 CD1, authorizing exemptions to developer Hookahua Development (HD) from certain requirements. View the Council meeting here. Construction is projected to start in July of this year and finish in 2023.

    MARK YOUR CALENDAR: OTHER HAPPENINGS OF INTEREST

    MARCH 13, 14, 19
    Honolulu Festival in Waikiki Goes Virtual This Year
    The annual, three-day Honolulu Festival will go virtual for the first time in its 27-year history. The festival celebrates the traditions, arts, and music of cultural groups from throughout Hawaii, the Pacific Rim, and nations around the world. The festival will be presented as a one-hour broadcast special on Hawaii News Now featuring past cultural performances.
    “Honolulu Festival: Pacific Harmony Through Cultural Exchange,” will premiere at 7pm Saturday, March 13 on K5; with encore presentations at 8pm Sunday, March 14 on KHNL; and 7pm on Friday, March 19 on KGMB. It will also be streamed online. For more info, click here.

    MARCH 16
    Waikiki Public Safety Conference
    This half-day conference on March 16 focuses on public safety issues that Waikiki residents and visitors face every day. Conference attendees will be able to tune in via Zoom from 8am-12pm. There is a $10 registration fee. To register and to view the agenda, click here.  Registration fees will be waived for government and nonprofit employees. Individuals that qualify for free admission should email to register: submissions@hawaiilodging.org . For more info, call (808) 923-9243.

    MARCH 17
    Honolulu City Council to Convene
    AGENDA:  https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/document-download?id=10093
    WATCH: Via Zoom. See agenda above on how to participate or watch live on March 17.
    TIME: 10:00am
    Discussion Topics:

    • Ala Moana Plaza Development (Reso 20-315 CD1)
    • Hawaii Ocean Plaza (Amending Resolution No. 17-175, CD1, to extend the deadline to obtain a building permit)
    • Hale Makana O Moiliili affordable rental housing project (Reso 21-57 CD1)

    MARCH 13 – APRIL 3
    Library System to Host Virtual Genealogy Workshops Weekly Series
    The Hawaii State Public Library System is hosting free virtual Genealogy Resources workshops on March 13th to April 3rd, Saturdays at 10am. Learn about different research resources, repositories and search strategies that can help you find your family history. Registration is required for these hour-long online presentations. Go to librarieshawaii.org to register.

    • March 13 and March 20:  Genealogy
    • March 27:  Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Sites
    • April 3:  Genealogy and Land Research

    For more information call 831-6878 or Email: lds@librarieshawaii.org

    ST. PATRICK’S WEEK FUN: MARCH 13 – MARCH 20
    Don’t party for just one St. Patrick’s Day! Enjoy the whole shamrockin’ week long with this exciting lineup of St. Patrick’s Day 2021 events in Honolulu. Opt for anything and everything to make the most of your green holiday. Learn to make St. Patty’s Day Chocolate Stout Cake and holiday-themed vegan dishes. Take a St. Patrick’s Day party cruise. Enjoy green beer at Tiki’s Bar & Grill. Discover your golden fun at the end of Hawaii’s rainbow     here.

    Take care & stay safe!