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

  • City News, Consumer Akamai, Upcoming Events

    City News, Consumer Akamai, Upcoming Events

    November is Diabetes Awareness Month

    Today, approximately 142,000 people in Hawaii, or 12% of the population, have diabetes.  This month, we are making an extra effort to educate those who may be at risk and find resources to ensure those around us are aware of their risk, too.  For the millions of people living with diabetes, this month is a chance to share their stories and lift each other up through shared experiences.  The American Diabetes Association can provide resources for you and your family about diabetes as well as information for caregivers and others who are affected indirectly.  For virtual events and informational sessions throughout the rest of the month, click here.

    Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov 13-21)
    Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is an annual program where people come together across the country to draw attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness.  Mahalo to all our hard-working homeless service providers and community volunteers who are dedicated to providing shelter and essential services to those in need.  Your selflessness never goes unnoticed.  For more information on hunger and homelessness and resources to get involved, click here. For an informative video that the Governor’s Coordinator on Homeless put together to show some of the efforts that state agencies and volunteers have collaborated on over the past year, click here.

    Spotlight on Jefferson Elementary School Teacher Jessica Barbera and Kindergarteners:  Building Outdoor Classrooms

    Mahalo to Jefferson Elementary school teacher, Jessica Barbera, for her leadership and commitment to her students and community. She and her students with many partners have several innovative solutions.  One that would be a model to many other schools during these COVID times:  outdoor learning.  Jessica and her students are building a safe learning environment by building an outside classroom where they can also learn about surrounding nature.  Our office will continue to work with Jefferson Elementary staff to make this vision a reality.

    CITY & COUNTY NEWS

    Ala Wai Watershed:  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City & County of Honolulu convening virtual public scoping meetings
    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu, held a pair of virtual public meetings Nov. 10 and Nov. 13 to introduce the Ala Wai Flood Risk Management (FRM) General Reevaluation Study. Approximately 110 community members participated during the Nov. 10 workshop and 45 participated on Nov. 13.

    The final round of meetings in 2023 will review the Recommended Plan prior to release of the Final Report. Additional details on further opportunities for public involvement will be announced by Dec. 12. Overall, the study will take no longer than three years and will follow a process similar to that of a USACE feasibility study.

    Recordings of these virtual meetings and additional information regarding the study are currently available here. Input received at the public meetings will be available at this site at a later date.  Those who were unable to attend may still participate and provide input. The team will continue to accept additional comments submitted to Crowdsource Reporter through Dec. 12, 2021 here.

    City urging residents to use its free service to tow junked vehicles
    The City’s free Junked Vehicle Program is critical to ongoing efforts to reduce the number of abandoned vehicles in Honolulu.  Junking a vehicle requires turning in a junking form, the license plates, registration and title to a satellite city hall.  The vehicles must be free of trash, accessible by a tow truck and have at least two inflated tires for it to be towed.  For more information, click here.

    Municipal golf courses to restore in-person stand-by/walk-in play
    Effective Monday, November 22, 2021, all City and County of Honolulu municipal golf courses (Ala Wai, Ewa Villages, Kahuku, Pali, Ted Makalena and West Loch) will resume stand-by/walk-in play for golfers. Stand-by/walk-in golfers will be required to follow the Golf Course Division waiting list protocols and continue to follow the safety guidelines for Oahu golf courses under the Safe Access Oahu program.  For more information, click here.

    CONSUMER AKAMAI

    Utility scam awareness
    November 17 was marked as Utility Scam Awareness Day, a national event created to spotlight rip-offs aimed at utility customers.  With scam calls, phishing, and more elaborate schemes on the rise, Hawaii utilities are asking customers to remain vigilant as scammers ramp up their activity during the holidays.  Scammers target residents and businesses who rely on essential services such as electricity, water, gas and telecommunications.  The utilities offer the following tips:

    • If the caller says your utility account is delinquent and threatens to shut off service immediately unless payment is made, it’s a scam.
    • If someone calls from a utility demanding immediate payment over the phone, via gift cards, money transfer, prepaid debit cards or by Bitcoin, it’s a scam.
    • If the caller asks to meet the customer in person to pick up a payment, it’s a scam.
    • If you receive an email from your utility urging you to click on an embedded link or attachment to resolve a utility issue or pay a bill, think before you click. It’s likely a scam.
    • If a utility worker shows up at your home or place of business, ensure that person is wearing official attire with a logo, driving a properly labeled vehicle and carrying company identification. When in doubt, call the utility’s customer service center that the person is claiming to be from.

    Holiday Restaurant Card
    Nearly 37% of restaurant owners recently reported their revenue dropped more than half in September and October, compared with prior months.  You can support struggling restaurants and food establishments by buying Hawaii Restaurant Card (HRC) Business Holiday Card sponsored by the Hawaii Restaurant Association and American Savings Bank.  For more information on how your business or organization can support local eateries and to put in a Restaurant Card order form, click here.

    T S Restaurants: Thanksgiving Takeout Meals & Support Hawaii Foodbank
    If you dine in or takeout at any T S Restaurants –two in our district are Duke’s Waikiki and Hula Grill Waikiki.— this Thanksgiving will have the opportunity to make a donation to Hawaii Foodbank.  Through its Legacy of Aloha Foundation, the company will match donations up to $5,000 per restaurant location.  Take-out Thanksgiving meals for one or four can be pre-ordered now through Monday, Nov 22, and picked up hot on Thanksgiving Day. For more information on how to preorder and donate, click here.

    MARK YOUR CALENDARS

    Nov 22 Webinar: Hear from the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness
    The Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness convenes monthly webinar sessions on homelessness and behavioral health, including topics specific to providing these services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The monthly webinars are an extension of the Behavioral Health and Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group (BHHSURG). For more information, please contact Special Assistant Jason Kasamoto at 808-208-3712 or by e-mail at jason.s.kasamoto@hawaii.gov. To view past webinars, please visit: http://homelessness.hawaii.gov/monthly-webinars/.  To register for the event and receive a virtual link, click here.

    Nov 22: Kokua Council Public Meeting on Legislative Priorities
    The Kokua Council, comprised of community advocates for the elderly, seeks to inform, educate, improve laws, policies, and practices impacting the well-being of seniors, their families, and our community.  On Monday, Nov 22 from 11:30am-1:00pm, the council will meet for a moderated discussion to finalize Kokua Council’s legislative priorities for 2022.  Rep. Troy Hashimoto and I have been invited to brief the Council on priorities as co-convenors of the Legislative Kupuna Caucus.

    Zoom meeting details: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4888150875
    Meeting ID: 488 815 0875

    Or, watch the program live on Facebook at Facebook.com/KokuaCouncil.  Later, the full video will be uploaded onto Kokua Council’s YouTube page and distributed via social media.

    Nov 23:  Coffee with a Cop, 8:00am – 10:00am
    Join your neighbors and HPD for a cup of coffee and good conversation at the Kuhio Starbucks Reserve (2255 Kuhio Ave. #101)! No agenda or speeches.  Just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the community leaders in your neighborhood!  In addition, Starbucks Reserve is also doing a book drive for its Books for Keiki event.  If possible, please bring pre-k level reading materials to donate.  Questions?  Contact the District 6 Community Policing Team at (808) 723-3349.

    Nov 23: Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board, 6:00 pm
    The Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board will convene on Tuesday, Nov 23 at 6:00pm via Zoom.  Some of the topics up for discussion include community noise issues around 956 Kawaiahao St., Keeaumoku Complete Streets Project, and battery electric bus acquisition and service area expansion.

    Meeting Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82957459669?pwd=UURHUWhhWjZPTjZkYlhlZFVqOHkyQT09
    Meeting ID: 829 5745 9669
    Passcode: NB11 (or 284113 by phone)
    Join by Phone: +1-253-215-8782 or +1-346-248-7799
    Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kcawJFlboz

    Nov. 25: Happy Thanksgiving!
    As we look forward to sharing time with family over the dinner table, the Department of Health shares with you five food safety tips for enjoying holiday meals.

    Dec 2: Hawaii Community Development Authority Community Meeting
    The Hawaii Community Development Authority (“HCDA”) is considering amendments to the current Kakaako Community Development District Mauka Area Rules and wants to hear from you. The first community outreach meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. To register, click here.  If you are unable to participate but would like to provide input, HCDA is also accepting written comments at: CHAPER.217.MAR@GMAIL.COM

    WEEKEND WAYSIDES

    Nov 20: Weekly Kakaako Farmers Market Kakaako Farmers Market continues on Saturdays from 8am-12 pm at 919 Ala Moana Blvd & 210 Ward Ave.  Park at the old lot, 1050 Ala Moana Blvd or at Fisherman’s Wharf.  For more information on the vendors and location/parking, click here.

    Nov 20: Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii Craft & Collectibles Fair
    The Japanese Cultural Center Craft Fair features local vendors specializing in jewelry, dish towels, baked goods, antiques and more.  The event will run from 9am-1pm in the 1st Floor Courtyard & Breezeway.  For more details and the registration link, click here.

    Nov 20-27: Park West Gallery Grand Opening Week Park West Gallery at 226 Lewers Street in Waikiki is celebrating its grand opening with week-long festivities including art giveaways, free tours/seminars and special deals on artwork.  For more information on the events throughout the week and hours of operation, click here.

    Nov 21: Honolulu Museum of Art Family Sunday
    This month’s theme for Family Sunday at the Honolulu Museum of Art (HOMA) is Color in Focus and will consist of in-person activities and Storytime.  Museum admission is free for kamaaina on November 21, 2021, from 10am-6pm.  If you’re unable to attend, there are virtual activities you can find at the HOMA Website.

    Take care & stay safe!

  • Kakaako Town Hall and Other News

    Kakaako Town Hall and Other News

    November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

    Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.  It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment.  Find resources with Alzheimer’s Association, Hawaii Chapter, or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
    Speaker Scott Saiki and I invite you to join us at another townhall meeting to learn about plans for Kakaako Mauka.  Hear from HCDA Executive Director Deepak Neupane about its plans for Kakaako Mauka and from Howard Hughes Corp. (HHC) on its Ward Village updates. We will have ample time for you to get your questions answered on HHC’s current work and future plans. Click here to register.

    CONTENTS:

    Senate Committee on Health joint Informational Briefing with the House Committee on Pandemic & Disaster Preparedness
    On Wednesday, Nov 11, the Senate committee on Health conducted a joint informational briefing with the House Committee on Pandemic & Disaster Preparedness to discuss vaccinations for children 5-11 years old, booster shots, testing updates, how to celebrate safely during the upcoming holidays, and other health-related topics.  For a recorded stream of the briefing, visit the Senate YouTube Page here.

    Vaccine location information website
    The hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine website has an interactive map to find a vaccination site in your community.  Parents and guardians of children 5-11 should contact the provider ahead of time to ensure that vaccines are available.  Please note that all sites may not be included on the map.  Visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine and scroll down to “Step #2 Locate a vaccination site” to access the map. If you can’t find a location, visit Honolulu’s OneOahu.org website or use the CDC Vaccine Finder to locate a pharmacy or retail location in your neighborhood.  You may also text your ZIP code to 438829.

    Latest Department of Health COVID Updates
    Here are the highlights of the most recent updates from Nov. 1 – Nov. 7. The DOH response to the pandemic continues to evolve as new information becomes available daily. DOH hopes you find these online updates useful, and encourage you to share information with your family, friends, and coworkers.

    International travel questions can be found at hawaiicovid19.com/travel/faqs with answers for questions such as ​”What are the new CDC requirements?” and ​”What travel category do I fall into?”

    State launches savings program for qualifying disabled individuals
    Governor Ige announced the launch of the Hawaii ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program, which allows eligible individuals with disabilities to save money without jeopardizing their federal or state disability benefits.  ABLE accounts are federally established and managed at the state level. For the full press release from the Governor, click here.  For more information including program eligibility and benefits, visit the Hawaii ABLE Savings Program website here.

    Motorists reminded to move over for responders during crash responder safety week, Nov. 8-14
    The Hawaii Department of Transportation and its federal, state, county and community partners remind Hawaii motorists to move over or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles during Crash Responders Safety Week, Nov. 8-14.  The first initiative to raise awareness of the need to give responders space to safety work on the side of the road was declared by the Federal Highway Administration in 2016.  More information on National Crash Responder Safety Week can be found here.  A PSA YouTube video that can be shared to spread the word can be found here.

    Hawaii administrative rules changed to allow electric vehicles to use HOV lanes
    The Hawaii Department of Transportation announces that Hawaii Administrative Rule (HAR) 19-108-7 has been amended to allow Elective Vehicles (EVs) with EV license plates affixed to them to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes regardless of the number of people in the vehicle.  Full text of the rule can be found here. EV use of HOV lanes is supported because of the reduction in transportation related pollution and reduction in fossil fuel dependency.  In general, HOV lanes are designated to remove vehicles from normal lanes by incentivizing carpooling or use of public transportation.  A list of HOV lanes on state highways can be found here.

    City Council Bill 43 relating to amplified sound in Waikiki advances
    The purpose of Bill 43 (2021) is to preserve the tranquility of Waikiki against noise disturbances by regulating amplified sound from public property in that area.  This bill was introduced Nov. 3 by Council Chair Tommy Waters.  It passed first reading on Wednesday and will next be heard by the Committee on Transportation, Sustainability, and Health.  The bill’s status page is here.  To see the full bill, click here.

    REAL ID preparation for Oahu drivers
    An estimated 84 percent of Oahu motorists now have a travel-compliant REAL ID driver’s license to board a domestic flight—indicated by a small star inside a gold circle in the upper right-hand corner of your driver license.  Only about 16 percent of driver’s licenses on Oahu are not ready for the full implementation of the Real ID Act, set to take effect at U.S. airports on May 3, 2023, when every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints.  Appointments for obtaining a Real ID-compliant driver’s license can be scheduled at www.AlohaQ.org.  For more information, click here.

    City adds Saturday hours for renewing driver’s licenses and state IDs
    The two largest driver licensing centers in Honolulu will open on Saturdays for the rest of the year, starting Nov 6.  The Kapalama Driver Licensing Center and the Kapolei Driver Licensing Center will take customers with appointments or on standby for all services – except a road test- from 8:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday.  To make an appointment, go to AlohaQ.org.  Stand-by service is offered to offset customer cancellations and an estimated 30 percent no-show rate.  For more information, click here.

    New Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Website
    In conjunction with the start of the new Ala Wai Flood Risk Management General Reevaluation study, the City has launched a new website to provide regular project updates.  The project website will contain the most up-to-date, timely, and accurate information for the project. Go to www.honolulu.gov/AlaWai.

    Keeaumoku All-Way Pedestrian Crossing 
    You may have noticed that one of our busy Honolulu intersections has some new features. The intersection at Keeaumoku and Makaloa Streets is now a “Barnes Dance”! These type of crosswalks, also known as pedestrian scrambles, allow people to cross the street in any direction, including diagonally. They also separate pedestrian and vehicular movements, so there are no conflicts. The installation will enhance pedestrian safety AND improve traffic flow. The Barnes Dance was funded, designed, and installed by the developers of the adjacent Azure Ala Moana condominium.  Visit  the Keeaumoku Complete Streets webpage to learn more about other upcoming safety improvement projects.

    MARK YOUR CALENDARS

    Nov 14 (1:00-1:30pm): Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Study
    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu, is scheduled to hold a pair of virtual public workshops to gather input for the Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Reevaluation Study.  The goal of the study is to identify a plan that will minimize potential flooding to communities within the Ala Wai watershed in a cost effective, economically justifiable, technically sound, and environmentally acceptable manner.  For more information and for the WebEx sign-in information, click here.  For an overview and more information on the Ala Wai Flood Risk Management study, click here.

    Nov 14 (5pm): McCully-Moiliili Citizens Patrol
    Mahalo to McCully-Moiliili neighborhood board member, David Hioki, for leading in the formation of a Citizens Patrol for the McCully-Moiliili community.  Please see his announcement regarding the first citizens patrol event below:

    “My name is David and I am going to lead us in forming a Citizens’ Patrol for our neighborhood.  It’s encouraging to see such good interest and it will be a great way to get some air and talk story.  Let’s see who can walk our first patrol! Let’s meet at the CPB parking lot (McCully and King) at 5PM Sunday the 14th.  To participate everyone will need to sign a waiver form for HPD (I’ll bring copies for everyone). Plan on having a short meeting/intro at 5 then 30-45 min walk around the area.  Bring a flashlight and a water bottle!”

    David posts McCully-Moiliili community updates on the NextDoor app/website.  You can create an account with an email and password.  If you have any questions about the upcoming patrol, please email David at davidhioki@yahoo.com.

    Nov 16: Keeaumoku Complete Streets Virtual Meeting
    The City’s Department of Transportation Services is hosting an online community meeting for the Keeaumoku Complete Streets Project on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Complete Streets is the City’s policy to design streets for all roadways users.  Keeaumoku Street provides mauka-makai connections between Makiki, Ala Moana, and the future Honolulu Rail Transit station. The purpose of this project is to implement critical safety improvements along Keeaumoku Street to better serve everyone using the street, whether they are walking, using a wheelchair or stroller, on a bike, riding transit, in a car, young or old. The changes will be incorporated into an upcoming roadway rehabilitation and repaving project.  The City requests those who live, work, play and travel along Keeaumoku Street to participate and provide input into what improvements are most important for this particular street and community. The meeting will be held virtually and those wishing to participate may register at https://rebrand.ly/Keeaumoku. Comments are also being solicited on the project website at here, and comments and questions can be sent via email to: completestreets@honolulu.gov.

    Nov 25: Thanksgiving – Restaurant Menu Guide
    Make reservations now if you’re planning to dine out.  See this guide by Honolulu Magazine to dine-in and take take-out menus.

    WEEKEND WAYSIDES

    Nov 13: Malama Aina Community Clean Up & Environmental Fair

    • Clean Up – Saturday, Nov. 13, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
    • Environmental Fair – Saturday, Nov. 13, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    • Kokua Drive – Sat. & Sun., Nov. 13 & 14, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

    Our Kakaako, Waterfront Plaza, and Surfrider Foundation invites the Kakaako community to join in at the Malama Aina Community Clean Up and Environmental Fair to help keep our neighborhood clean.  You will need to show your ID and proof of vaccination to participate.  Additionally, volunteers must sign two waivers, one for Our Kakaako and one for the City and County of Honolulu, to participate.  For more information and registration waivers, click here.

    Nov 13: McCully Shopping Center Open Market 7:30am – 10:30am (Every Saturday)
    To help local businesses and farmers McCully Shopping Center has created a small open market to support local businesses. Shop local, buy local.  To read more about the open market, visit the McCully Shopping Center website here.

    Nov 13-14: Made in Hawaii Festival, Sat: 10am-9pm / Sun: 10am-5pmThe Made in Hawaii Festival showcases thousands of locally-made goods including art, clothing, jewelry, food and more.  Over 300 vendors will converge at Ala Moana Center and are eager to greet and service customers in-person.  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Made in Hawaii Festival website.

    Nov 13: AARP HI Giving Care, A Poet’s Caregiving Journey, featuring Frances Kakugawa (Zoom)
    Frances Kakugawa, an award-winning author/poet of 16 books, will be sharing her poetry and experiences about how she rose above the burden of caregiving and found meaning and dignity in caring for her mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease.  There will also be an optional online writing workshop with the guidance of Frances. To register and receive the Zoom link, click here.

    Nov 14: Royal Hawaiian Center Crafters’ Market
    Every 2nd and 4th Sundays in the Royal Hawaiian Centers Royal Grove, 35+ of the island finest curated vendors pop up with their best products made in Hawaii, the latest trends, direct sellers and great omiyage to bring back home.  Validated 3 hour parking with any $10 purchase (Kamaaina and Military).

    Take care & stay safe!