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

  • Ocean aloha, job opportunities, Ala Moana-Kakaako Board Meeting

    Ocean aloha, job opportunities, Ala Moana-Kakaako Board Meeting

    Aloha Neighbor,

    We are in the peak of summer which means it is the optimal time to flock to beaches.  We want to use today’s message to raise awareness about practicing aloha in the ocean and being respectful to our neighbors who enjoy the ocean.

    PRACTICE ALOHA IN THE OCEAN: Playground for All
    Let’s “play well with others,” DLNR Aquatics Resources Administrator Brian Nielson urges as the number of fishers has escalated on the Ala Moana Park beach. “We’ve been seeing higher than usual fishing activity around the state, ever since April, when the governor allowed people to cross closed state beaches in order to fish.” See the press release here. Where fishers and swimmers have been using the same areas, we’ve seen the conflicts. No more aloha when swimmers claim that fishers have hurled rocks at them and lines and rusty hooks are left in the water and lines are twisted around turtles in the areas where fishers now congregate. Although only during the months when the fish run, these actions are hazardous so we are looking for a more respectful and accommodating solution to make sharing the waters safe and healthy for all users. It’s not happening now so if you have suggestions let me know. In the meantime, we will work with the State DLNR and City Parks & Recreation to find a way to swim and fish with aloha.

    CONNECTING KAMAAINA TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES
    Launched on July 22, the HawaiiIsHiring.com website is an exciting new one-stop online resource to connect to job opportunities, training programs and careers.  It offers a streamlined job board with access to Hawaii’s valued, in-demand and emerging industries, to sectors expecting to grow in the coming years, and simple access to training and education. Check out this new resource and share it with others. It may just be a beacon of hope for those hit by the pandemic. All this made possible by the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce and its community partners in the Workforce Development Council– American Savings Bank, Hawaii Executive Collaborative, UH Community Colleges and Upspring Digital.

    ALA MOANA-KAKAAKO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD MEETING: Coming up next Tuesday, JULY 28 at 6:30 pm
    The Board will be taking up a number of issues and projects that might interest district residents.  See agenda here. Among other reports, the Board will be getting an update on the 803 Waimanu Street project, the Pensacola Street Protected Bicycle Lane, and discussing comments on the Ala Moana development.
    WHERE: Mission Memorial Auditorium, 550 South King St.* (in person) OR
    REMOTELY: Video-Teleconference (Zoom)**: https://bit.ly/3fSfcLq 
    Meeting ID: 897 0962 7939
    Password: 450159  OR
    BY PHONE: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-669-900-6833
    *If you are attending the session in person:

    • Use facial coverings; it is mandatory even while speaking.
    • Remain 6 feet apart and sit only in seats marked with a blue tape.
    • Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise his/her hand, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair.
    • Speakers shall keep their comments to under 3 minutes.

    ** If you are participating by Zoom, please ensure that your computer or phone is muted unless you are speaking.

    Take care and stay healthy!

  • Emergency prep, open Kalakaua cancelled, fraud awareness, UV & COVID

    Emergency prep, open Kalakaua cancelled, fraud awareness, UV & COVID

    Aloha Neighbor,

    Today’s message covers warnings as we see the biggest spike in positive coronavirus cases… anticipate the coming of Hurricane Douglas…getting scammed…. Be careful. Be vigilant. Be safe. Care for each other.

    A REMINDER TO MASK UP! 
    “It’s the act of gathering and letting our guard down, not wearing a mask.”           
    –Dr. Sarah Park, Hawaii State Epidemiologist

    With today’s highest number of COVID cases in one day thus far—55—and the upcoming reopening of schools on Aug. 4, we must all mask up to prevent the spread. Of most concern, Dr. Park tells us, is people letting their guard down with acquaintances and friends congregating without physical distancing or masking up.  Her advice: whether outside or inside, wear a mask.  We can continue to reopen if we do it safely and practice social distancing, masking, and hand-washing.

    Even gym patrons must use their masks at all times while working out, per Mayor Caldwell’s amended July 2 emergency order, “…to the extent they can breathe comfortably while wearing a face covering…”  It’s a necessary inconvenience, but testimony to the importance of this small lifesaving barrier is the tragic passing of a Hawaiian Airlines employee who attended a training seminar where wearing masks was optional.

    BE PREPARED: HURRICANE DOUGLAS ON ITS WAY
    Warning of the impending threat of Hurricane Douglas, the Governor today signed an emergency proclamation authorizing emergency management and relief functions if we are hit.  Be safe and find out how to be prepared.

    “OPEN STREET KALAKAUA” CANCELLED THIS SUNDAY
    The City is cancelling this Sunday’s (7/26) upcoming Open Street Kalakaua due to the possible weather impacts from Hurricane Douglas and for the safety of residents.

    STATE WARNS OF NEW SCAM: Scamming Licensees
    The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) warns of scammers posing as state officials to intimidate potential victims into divulging personal information.  In the latest scam, a registered nurse received a phone call with the caller ID displaying the state office’s actual phone number. The caller pretended to be from the state Board of Nursing and told the nurse she was under investigation and requested confirmation of personal information, including bank account information. A person claiming to be a police officer also spoke on the phone in the effort to intimidate the nurse.  DCCA advises not to answer phone calls unless first getting a written notice from the state’s Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO). RICO will also never ask for private or sensitive information over the phone and doesn’t use police officers for its investigation. If you receive suspicious calls, DCCA advises to hang up before revealing any personal information and call 587-4772 directly to confirm if you are subject to a formal RICO investigation. Suspected scams may also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission online at https://www.ftc.gov/complaint.

    HAWAII’S FRAUD PREVENTION AND RESOURCE GUIDE: Update
    This Guide provides information on how to protect yourself against frauds and scams and federal, state, and local resources. You can download the Guide here. Hard copies are also available at the DCCA Office Building at 335 Merchant.  For more information on scams, find them here.  Below are more ways to protect yourself:

    • Do NOT click on email attachments from strangers or any suspicious email.
    • Shred mail with personal information before discarding.
    • Get written copies of anything you sign.
    • Always check and verify the person or organization calling you.
    • Always review your financial and medical statements.

    MAKING OUR WORKPLACES COVID FREE: Free Webinar on Energy Efficient Disinfecting Technology
    The Hawaii State Energy Office, Hawaii Energy, Waikiki Business Improvement District and Illuminating Engineering Society-Hi Chapter are co-sponsoring a webinar on  “Pulsed Light” — ultraviolet (UV) light energy efficiently delivered to disintegrate the COVID virus. It will quickly disinfect high touch surfaces as compared to the lower-level traditional UV light fixtures. The result: facilities can disinfect many more areas in a shorter period of time.  The free online webinar is next Thursday July 30 from 11 am to noon.  Register now at: bit.ly/dueling-uv-pulses.  If you have questions, call Karen Shishido, karen.shishido@leidos.com, 808-848-8535.

    Take care and stay healthy!