• Oahu Moves to Tier 3: Covid Restrictions Finally Loosened
• Looking to get Vaccinated? VaccineFinder Helps You Find A Vaccination Site Near You
• IRS and Unemployment Claims: What To Do if You are Overbilled on Taxes
• Federal Small Business “Paycheck Protection Program” Relief: Special Application Period
• Kupuna Care:  Bills supported by the Kupuna Caucus; Meeting this Friday March 5
• Bills affecting our community
• Kakaako Disputed Streets Update
• Proposed 400-Foot Height Limit Increase for OHA Residential Development
• Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) Monthly Meeting
• New Book, Music Store to Open Near Ward Village
• McCully Moiliili Neighborhood Board
• Mural of Moiliili History at Old Stadium Park
• Ala Wai Promenade Committee Meeting:  March 2, 6:00pm
• Virtual Consumer Education Fair:  March 1 to March 5, 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Oahu Moves to Tier 3: Covid Restrictions Finally Loosened
After more than four months in Tier 2, Oahu finally loosened up this past Thursday, Feb. 25. The following activities and operations are now allowed:

• Restaurants: groups of 10 people regardless of household/living unit. The capacity limit of 50% of legal occupancy is eliminated
• Social gatherings: groups up to 10 people
• Shooting and archery ranges: groups up to 10 people
• Certain real estate operations: groups up to 10 people
• Retail and service businesses: groups up to 10 people. The capacity limit of 50% of legal occupancy is eliminated
• Spiritual services: groups up to 10. The capacity limit of 50% of legal occupancy is eliminated
• Funerals: groups up to 25 people
• Gyms and fitness facilities: operate indoors at 50% capacity
• Indoor group physical activity classes: groups no more than 10 people
• Hawaii Golf Phase 3 to be issued by PGA Aloha Section shortly
• Other commercial attractions: indoor groups of 10. The capacity limit of 50% of legal occupancy is eliminated
• Commercial recreational boating: 50% capacity
• Helicopter tours: groups up to 10. The capacity limit of 50% of legal occupancy is eliminated

BUT EVERYONE MUST STILL FOLLOW SOCIAL DISTANCING. AND FACE-COVERING REQUIREMENTS. The Tier 3 Reopening Strategy can be found here.

Looking to get Vaccinated? VaccineFinder Helps You Find A Vaccination Site Near You
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has launched the VaccineFinder website, a new tool that finds vaccination sites near you. It also:

• Helps people find information about providers who offer select COVID-19 vaccines.
• Allows healthcare providers to list their vaccination locations in a centralized, searchable database and to track vaccine availability.
• Allows users to search by zip code or by vaccine manufacturer.

Find a vaccination location near you here: https://vaccinefinder.org/

IRS and Unemployment Claims: What To Do if You are Overbilled on Taxes
If you received a federal 1099-G that has you paying taxes on UI payments you haven’t received, contact the issuing state agency to request a revised form 1099-G showing you did not receive these benefits. Taxpayers who are unable to obtain a timely corrected form from the state should still file an accurate tax return, reporting only the income they received. A corrected form 1099-G showing zero unemployment benefits in cases of identity theft will help taxpayers avoid being hit with an unexpected federal tax bill for unreported income.

Federal Small Business “Paycheck Protection Program” Relief: Special Application Period
To give the smallest businesses a chance to secure a Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, SBA is making PPP loans available to businesses with fewer than 20 employees, from February 24 – March. 10.  Also good news for small businesses is the PPP revised requirements. to expand access for sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals; and eligibility requirements are expanded to include small business owners (1) with prior non-fraud felony convictions; (2) who have fallen behind on student loan payments; or (3) who are non-citizen lawful U.S. residents and have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). These revisions will take effect in the upcoming days so check the SBA website here.  For other resources, see Small Business Administration or U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship,or our local Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center, SCORE chapter, or SBA District Office.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The legislature is nearing “crossover” –our half-way mark–  when bills that have survived vetting in one  house crosses to the other.   Mahalo to those who have been following our district and other important bills and testifying to voice your support, comments and/or concerns. Bills and resolutions survive (or not) based on you! So… continue to follow and weigh in on bills and resolutions that you believe will improve our lives.  Here are some of the bills that are moving on:

Kupuna Care:  Bills supported by the Kupuna Caucus; Meeting this Friday March 5
Rep. Troy Hashimoto and I are co-chairs of the Senate-House Kupuna Caucus that vets and supports legislation to support kupuna. Unfortunately of the 10 bills introduced only three survived.  The Kupuna Caucus will meet on Friday, March 5 at 3pm on Zoom.  On the agenda is a presentation by the Wanda Anae-Onishi, Director, Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), on free health insurance information, education, counseling, and referral for those on Medicare.  We will also discuss Kupuna Caucus legislation status. You can join the meeting using this link.

Kupuna Caucus Bills:

• HB490 HD1 CRIMES AGAINST SENIORS – Protects kupuna by lowering the age at which enhanced penalties apply for crimes against seniors from sixty-two years of age to sixty years of age.  STATUS: committee on JHA, the final house committee, passed the measure with amendments.
• SB838 SD1 RELATING TO SERVICES FOR KUPUNA – Gives the Executive Office on Aging more flexibility to provide kupuna care and caregiving services to those in need.  STATUS: The committee on CPN passed the measure unamended and recommended that the measure passed on Third Reading.
•  SB839 SD1 RELATING TO HEALTH – Authorizes advanced practice registered nurses, in addition to physicians, to practice medical aid in dying in accordance with their scope of practice and prescribing authority.

Bills affecting our community
Mahalo to everyone who submitted testimony on the bills we included in last week’s email message.  Your voices are heard; our bills below are moving:

• SB792 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION – Increases the penalties for installation of a noisy, illegal muffler.  STATUS:  The Senate Judiciary (JDC) Committee recommended the bill be passed unamended. It is next going to the full Senate for vote.
• HB296 HD1 RELATING TO LEAF BLOWERS – Restricts the use of leaf blowers in the Waikiki special improvement district within a residential zone or near a residence to between the hours of 9:00AM and 5:00PM on any day except Sunday or a state or federal holiday and between the hours of 10:00AM and 5:00PM on Sunday or any state or federal holiday.  STATUS:  The House Finance (FIN) Committee recommended the bill be passed unamended. Next going to the full House for vote.
• SB800 RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY(HCDA) – Gives authority to State Legislature rather than County Councils to nominate members to the HCDA, the agency that oversees community development districts on State lands such as Kakaako.  STATUS: Passed second reading and referred to the Senate Judiciary (JDC) Committee.
• SB799 SD1 & HB272 HD1 RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS – Makes condominium laws regarding sales to owner-occupants inapplicable to time share units. Increases the minimum percentage of residential units in a condominium project that must be offered for sale to prospective owner-occupants in the thirty-day period following the initial date of sale of the condominium from fifty per cent to ninety per cent.  STATUS: SB799 passed in the Senate and now in the House, referred to its Housing (HSG) and Consumer Protection (CPC) Committees. HB272 passed second reading and referred to the House CPC Committee.
• SB784 SD1 RELATING TO ASSOCIATION GOVERNANCE – Allows annual and special meetings to be conducted remotely during states of emergency. STATUS: passed the Senate and referred to the House CPC Committee.
• SB1388 & HB1376 RELATING TO THE LANDLORD-TENANT CODE – Extends the period for a notice of summary possession from five days to fifteen. Requires landlords to provide notice with specified terms and enter into mediation. Delays when a landlord may seek possession of a dwelling unit if the tenant schedules or attempts to schedule mediation  STATUS: both measures passed their final committee in their respective chambers and will be voted on in third reading.
• HB286 HD1  RELATING TO REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS – Requires Real Estate Investment Trusts to be more accountable by reporting their assets and revenues to the Department of Taxation.  STATUS: The House FIN Committee recommended the bill be passed unamended. Next going to full House for vote.
• SB1179 & HB1025 SD1 RELATING TO FUNDING FOR DOCARE – Support for DOCARE to enforce our small boat harbors and other conservation areas.  STATUS: SB1179 passed third reading in the Senate and crossed over to the House. HB1025 passed Second Reading and referred to the committee on FIN
• SB791 RELATING TO VESSELS – Increases penalties for boat abandonment.  STATUS: Reported from WTL with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM/JDC.

Of concern to many:

• SB1344 RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – Allows the raising of the building height limit for two of the six parcels owned by the office of Hawaiian affairs in the Kakaako Makai area to four hundred feet. Lifts the current restriction against residential development in Kakaako Makai to allow residential development by the office of Hawaiian affairs or by third parties to which the office of Hawaiian affairs conveys the parcels. STATUS: The committees on JDC/WAM/WTL will hold a public decision making on 03-03-21 at 10:30AM.

Kakaako Disputed Streets Update
The ownership of the disputed Kakaako streets — all or part of Ward Avenue and Queen, Cooke, Cummins, Ilaniwai, Hustace , Kawaiahao, Clayton, and Waimanu —is all but decided by the court in its February 2 order. Rep Saiki and I followed up with our state attorneys and department of transportation, and the new city administration.  Good news for our long-beleagured community: the city will be repairing the large potholes that have not been made by KLC. And, by the way, so long as you follow the city parking laws, you are now able to park freely on these streets (until the city puts up parking meters…)

Proposed 400-Foot Height Limit Increase for OHA Residential Development
If one embattled legislative bill passes a Senate committee next week Wednesday, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) will be another step closer to lifting the current height restriction and increasing the building height limit to 400 feet for a residential housing development in Kakaako Makai. The fate of Senate Bill SB1334 SD1 lies in the hands of three Senate Chairs of the committees on Judiciary, Ways & Means, and Water & Land who will decide on Wednesday, March 3, 10:30am, whether to kill (defer) the bill for this session or pass it on Wednesday and allow it to cross over to the House of Representatives where the dialogue will continue to be vetted via hearings there. If the bill is killed in the Senate committee, it may be resurrected during the 2022 session. The issue has been such a point of contention, that an island-wide poll was taken, asking: “Should the residential prohibition on Kakaako Makai be lifted to enable the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to optimize use of its lands?” Click here for the results.  To view the hearing, click on the agenda here where you will find a link to “Senate Youtube.” The hearing won’t start until the scheduled time on March 3 at 10:30am.  Click here to view the bill SB1334 SD1.

Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) Monthly Meeting
Kakaako Development Projects Presentation Hearing:  March 3 – HCDA monthly meeting will be held virtually on March 3 at 9:30 am. See agenda here.  Developer Howard Hughes/Victoria Ward Ltd. Is presenting its Ulana Ward Village and The Park Ward Village mixed-use development projects on March 3 at 11am. The project consists of housing, open space, recreational, industrial and commercial space, and off-street parking. Click on the links below for the hearing notices, zoom links to participate, and to submit testimony:

• Ulana Ward Village Project
• The Park Ward Village

New Book, Music Store to Open Near Ward Village
The Friends of the Library of Hawaii (FLH) is opening the new Village Books & Music store starting Saturday, Feb. 27, where thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, games, works of art and more will be for sale. The store:

• Located at 1142 Auahi St. by the former location of Pier 1 Imports.
• Will remain open daily through summer 2021
• Will have inventory which will be rotated periodically and restocked daily.
• Sponsored by Ward Village and the Hawaii State Federal Credit Union.

For more info, click here.

McCully Moiliili Neighborhood Board
The board meets on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30pm on Webex.  On the agenda are Ala Wai Canal Dredging Update, Ala Wai Canal Pedestrian Bridge (Ala Pono), Ala Wai Community Park Mural, and Ala Moana Multimodal Mobility Hub Analysis.  To see the agenda and link to the meeting, click here.

Mural of Moiliili History at Old Stadium Park
A collaborative effort to paint a mural of Moiliili’s history is underway at the Old Stadium Park.  See the mural on a wall on the park’s mauka end. More than 600 residents and others offered their input on what the mural should include. Local muralist Luke Dekneef finalized the design. His team will install the mural and will follow up with a multi-generational design workshop. The workshop will include community members and keiki from Voyager Public Charter School. The project came together through the city, AARP Hawaii, Blue Zones Project Hawaii, Voyager Public Charter School, and Age-Friendly Honolulu. For more info, click here.

WAIKIKI

Ala Wai Promenade Committee Meeting:  March 2, 6:00pm
The Committee meets monthly to discuss improvements to the Promenade, a 1.9-mile walkway along the Ala Wai canal’s southwestern bank. It is now in talks with the new City administration to secure funds for these improvements. Click here for the agenda and link to join the meeting via zoom.

Virtual Consumer Education Fair:  March 1 to March 5, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
A free virtual consumer fair will be held in March to commemorate National Consumer Protection Week. The annual event is hosted by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). A series of live, hour-long workshops will be featured. The public is encouraged to attend these free online workshops to better inform and protect themselves against fraud. Topics and agencies participating in the workshop series include:

• Social Security Administration – Social Security Fraud
• Identity Theft Resource Center – Keep Your Identity Safe
• DCCA Office of Consumer Protection – COVID-Related Scams
• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – Medicare and You
• U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Mail Scams
• Participants can request a free Consumer Wise packet containing information about different consumer issues by sending their mailing address to education@dcca.hawaii.gov.
• For info on each workshop featured next week, click here: http://cca.hawaii.gov/ncpw/

It’s been a very hectic week for us at the legislature.  We had a deadline for all bills to be heard by the first committee (what we call the “first lateral” deadline). Most bills that did not get heard in a committee by yesterday must await another turn next session.  We have a number of bills we have been shepherding to help our community – many ideas have come from you.  As the bills move along, do follow and do testify. Legislators read and listen to your testimony in deciding on the bills so if you want to have bills passed, please do your share and make your voices heard. We encourage you to testify on these bills when they come up for their next hearing.  See below on how to submit testimony. If you have questions, feel free to email or call us. Here are steps to submit testimony:

1. Go to www.capitol.hawaii.gov
2. Click on “Testimony” in the center of the webpage.
3. Register with an email and password.
4. For detailed instructions, click here.

For a video that walks you through registering for an account on the website and submission of virtual testimony, visit the Public Access Room website. You can also call the Public Access Room by phone at 587-0478 and they will guide you through the process step-by-step.

We heard a number of bills that serve to increase government efficiency and effectiveness and we will continue to monitor these bills as they move to their final Senate committees.  If you would like to see a list of the bills we heard and passed within the GVO Committee, click here.  Below are bills that Representative Adrian Tam & I introduced to improve our community.  We will keep you updated as the session progresses.

SB837 & HB490 HD1 CRIMES AGAINST SENIORS
Protects kupuna by lowering the age at which enhanced penalties apply for crimes against seniors from sixty-two years of age to sixty years of age.  STATUS: SB837: referred to JDC, not yet scheduled for hearing. HB490 HD1: scheduled to be heard by JHA on Tuesday, 02-23-21 2:00PM.

SB838 SD1 RELATING TO SERVICES FOR KUPUNA
Gives the Executive Office on Aging more flexibility to provide kupuna care and caregiving services to those in need.  STATUS: The committee on CPN will hold a public decision making on 02-23-21 9:30AM

SB792 & HB288 HD1 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION
Increases the penalties for installation of a noisy, illegal muffler.  STATUS:  SB792: the committee on JDC will hold a public decision making on 02-25-21 9:30AM.  HB288 HD1: passed second reading and referred to the committee on FIN.

HB296 HD1 RELATING TO LEAF BLOWERS
Restricts the use of leaf blowers in the Waikiki special improvement district within a residential zone or near a residence to between the hours of 9:00AM and 5:00PM on any day except Sunday or a state or federal holiday and between the hours of 10:00AM and 5:00PM on Sunday or any state or federal holiday.  STATUS:  Passed second reading and referred to the committee on FIN.

HB286 HD1  RELATING TO REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
Requires Real Estate Investment Trusts to be more accountable by reporting their assets and revenues to the Department of Taxation.  STATUS: Referred to the committee on FIN.

SB800  RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Removes county councils as the nominating authority of the HCDA, which oversees community development districts on State lands, and allows the State Legislature to choose the representatives.  STATUS:  Passed second reading and referred to JDC.

Do you need to take a COVID-19 test before getting the vaccine?
You do need to know whether you have the disease, so get tested.  As soon as you find out that you do not have COVID-19, you can get vaccinated. If you currently have a COVID-19 infection or you are already recovering from it, you should wait at least 90 days before you can safely take the vaccine. For more info, click here.

What you need to know after you get vaccinated

• You still have to wear a mask after you’ve been vaccinated.
• Vaccines don’t work overnight ― and aren’t silver bullets.
• Mild side effects are common.
• Don’t take painkillers before getting the shot.
• The jury is still out on how long vaccine protection lasts.
• For more info, click here.

Mask Policies: Update

• CDC regulations change mask policy for TheBus and TheHandivan passengers.  Starting Feb. 15, all passengers using public transportation are required to wear a mask.  Only three types of face coverings will be allowed: double or triple layer cloth masks, disposable masks, or two-layer gaiters. Here’s what will not be permitted: bandanas, scarves, masks with vents or holes, or pulling your shirt over your face. Wearing only a face shield without a mask is also not allowed unless you have a medical exemption card. Passengers will also need to wear face coverings even while waiting at the bus stop. New signs are up at bus stops on Oahu reminding riders of the changes.

• Fake N95 masks: Here’s how to tell the difference.  Markings from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are your compass. The approval number on your mask should begin with “TC.” You can check for the approval number on NIOSH certified equipment list which can be found here.  It is fake if it:
  • has ear loops instead of head bands. Head bands are crucial to the N95’s tight fit.
  • claims to be approved for children. NIOSH does not approve masks for children.

See here for more tips on vetting masks.

Unemployment benefits start flowing again for many but not all
Those waiting on the second Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC-11) were finally able to file their claims on Feb. 15 after more than a month-long delay as the state scrambled to re-implement the federal extension program on its outdated computer system.  Many of  you are getting your monetary determination, which is a big step, but many people are still waiting on the actual payments and some are still waiting on the first round of PEUC: the first 13-week federal extension after exhausting regular state benefits (PEUC-13). For more info, click here.

Kakaako: Bill to let OHA build Kakaako Makai condos advances at the Hawaii State Legislature
The battle over Kakaako Makai development has flared up again as the Senate Hawaiian Affairs & Housing Committees heard and passed the latest measure (SB 1334) allowing the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to put residential housing on the shoreline. OHA aims to cash in on the $200 million, 30-acres of urban Honolulu to help fund grants, services and other programs designed to improve the lot for Native Hawaiians. In 2006, housing development in Kakaako Makai was prohibited by the state Legislature after Alexander &Baldwin Inc. proposed two condominium towers. But this past Tuesday’s advancement of SB 1334 would lift the current law that prohibits residential high-rises on parcels Makai of Ala Moana Boulevard.  The battle is not over as many continue to follow the bill as it goes to the Senate Judiciary Committee. You can follow the bill and weigh in.

Ala Moana: State Approves City Plan to Add Sand to Ala Moana Beach
The Board of Land and Natural Resources approved Honolulu’s application to add sand to the beach at Ala Moana Regional Park. The project involves dredging offshore sand to cover the shoreline from Magic Island to Kewalo Basin, restoring the beach to its 1957 profile. The city’s preferred source of sand was 4,500 feet (1,372 meters) offshore from a surf break named Courts. It suggested that sand at the Hilton Hawaiian Village beach could be used as backup. But the state Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands recommended the Hilton sand primarily be used because of its slightly coarser grain that’s a closer match to Ala Moana beach. For more info, click here.

Waikiki: Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Unveils $80 Million Transformation
Expansive resort grounds include three distinct accommodations: the Ocean Tower, the Pacific Tower and the Diamond Head Tower – a five-story oceanfront building that will be converted into 23 new rooms/deluxe suites, raising the count to 658. A strategic footpath called the ‘Ae Kai, runs the length of the resort and connects the property elements in harmonious balance. Find out more about this growing contemporary beachfront retreat here.

Farmers Markets Calendar: February 2021

• Hawaii Farm Bureau – Blaisdell Center: Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. EBT cards accepted. Free parking. For more info, call 848-2074.
• FarmLovers at Kakaako – Corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue in Kakaako: Saturdays, 8am-12pm. For more info, call 388-9696.
• Makiki Market – Parish of St. Clement, corner of Wilder Avenue and Makiki Street: Thursdays, 4:30-7:30 pm.  For more info, call 955-7745.
• Waikiki Beach Walk – Along Lewers Street: Wednesdays, 4-8pm. For more info, call 497-8110.

Hawaii State Public Library System Launches New LibrariesHI App
Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) patrons can now download HSPLS’s free, new patron-friendly app. Compatible with iOS and Android devices, the library’s updated app offers patrons the ability to: manage loans and holds on materials, find the nearest library, manage family library cards in one place, place holds on physical and digital books, self-check-out and more. Library patrons can download the app from their device’s app store or call or stop by their nearest library for assistance and more information. When visiting the library, all patrons will be required to follow basic health and safety protocols including wearing a face covering, which covers their nose and mouth. For more information, please visit  https://www.librarieshawaii.org/

Police warn Hawaii residents of gift card scams coming in the mail
The Honolulu Police Department is alerting the public of a gift card scam that has been targeting Hawaii residents. People are receiving a cashier’s check in the mail with instructions to cash the check, purchase gift cards from various stores, and complete a survey on their shopping experience. Participants are then instructed to take photographs of the gift cards and to email the information. As a reward, participants are told to keep a portion of the cashier’s check. Police urge those who receive these instructions in the mail to not participate.  Scammers use the gift card scheme because they are more difficult to track. If you are a victim, call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or send anonymous tips here.