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

  • Legislature reconvenes to address COVID

    Legislature reconvenes to address COVID

    Aloha Neighbor,

    LEGISLATURE CONVENES FOR 3-WEEK SESSION
    Today (Monday) the Legislature reconvened and will be meeting until July 10 to address a number of bills and resolutions on COVID and other important issues. High priority is the allocation of $635 million in federal CARES Act funds. During the short recess since May 21, we have been assessing needs and, where greatest, have included in a plan to allocate funds to cover the following for the most needy:

    • $230 million for a State-enhanced weekly benefit of $100/week to unemployment insurance recipients after the $600/week federal benefit runs out at the end of July;
    • $100 million in rental assistance for up to $500/month
    • $15 million in grants for local companies to create a supply chain for cleaning supplies, disinfectants and personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • $100 million to help schools, child and elder care facilities, hospitals, and small businesses to get PPE and other protective supplies
    • $90 million for thermal screening, security protocols, testing, and traveler verification at airports
    • $36 million for workforce development and rebooting the economy
    • Other appropriations include help for childcare, counseling for high school seniors, food assistance for keiki and kupuna, relief for the commercial fishing industry, and other emergency needs, including unemployment insurance

    The new legislative timetable is available here.  Due to the pandemic, the State Capitol building will remain closed to the public but we encourage participation by submitting written testimony.  Live streams of all Senate hearings and floor sessions will be available on YouTube and/or ‘Ōlelo. A list of upcoming and archived Senate hearings is available here.  To submit testimony, please click here.

    2020 CENSUS: Don’t You Want To Be Counted?  If you haven’t filled out your U.S. Census survey, someone will be knocking on your door–but with every good intention, and safe-distancing measure in mind. Applaud the census taker whose job is an epic one —  making sure every person in the state gets counted so we can get our fair share of the federal funding (like the relief funds coming our way) for key public services like food stamps, school meals, child-and-senior care, unemployment benefits, housing, small business loans & grants, and the list goes on here. Here’s more you should know about the US Census:

    TAX CREDIT FOR PROPERTY OWNERS
    Due to COVID-19, the City is offering a real property tax credit to property owners who meet certain eligibility requirements. The application deadline is September 30. First-time applicants can obtain the tax credit application by calling the Tax Credit Office at 768-3205.  Applications can be obtained online here.

    DRIVER’S LICENSE OR STATE ID EXPIRED?
    For driver’s licenses and state IDs with expiration dates in March, April, May, June and July of this year, the appointment hotline is now open: (808) 768-4177. For the latest updates about the AlohaQ appointment system, click here.

    Take care and stay healthy!

  • Father’s Day weekend

    Father’s Day weekend

    Aloha Neighbor,

    Much is still on our minds as Hawaii residents continue to adjust to this COVID world. As many operations reopen today and through the weekend, we still wrestle with economic woes and, yes, the need to respect the virus.  We list here some of the happenings around town but while out enjoying, be careful.  We see the numbers rise when we forget. So here again are more friendly nags given with care, love and safety in mind: 

    • Wear a cloth mask whenever you’re away from home and among folks who aren’t in your immediate household. 
    • Keep a 6-foot-distance of separation when you interact with people outside your household. 
    • Refrain from large social gatherings and public outings.
    • Don’t leave home if you are sick unless you are seeking medical attention. 


    CITY LIGHTS UP FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE 
    If you’re downtown and see Honolulu Hale lit up in yellow and black, it’s Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s order in recognition of “Juneteenth” and the Black Lives Matter movement. Lights on beginning tonight, Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21.  See the Honolulu City Council’s      Resolution 20-154 proclaiming June 19 as “Juneteenth” and an annual day of honor and reflection for social justice.  To learn more about the history and meaning of Juneteenth, read here.

    IOLANI PALACE REOPENING
    Iolani Palace is reopening for tours starting today (Friday), June 19.  During the first phase of reopening, self-guided audio tours will be available on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Additional days will be added in future stages.  To learn more or to book a tour, visit their website.

    FATHER’S DAY, SUNDAY, JUNE 21
    Steak, Steak, Steak. What more do dads want?  Take dad to any of these restaurants offering that delectable, juicy chunk of meat, that will surely make his weekend.  And for last minute gifts for dad, maybe a go-pro, manscaping tools, a fishing class, a beer-pairing dinner? Find out more here.

    UNEMPLOYMENT UPDATE
    Some good news. The Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR) has worked to refine processing of unemployment insurance claims still pending to more strategically target the problems. They have brought down the incredible 250,000 claims to 17,000 as of yesterday, and working on these more difficult and complex cases.   They are now spending three afternoons a week calling those who are still unable to get payments. One of their challenges: employers and claimants aren’t answering the department’s phone calls….so if you are an employer or worker with an unemployment claim and get a call from (833) 901-2272 or (833) 901-2275, answer it. It is the DLIR trying to reach you to process claims. If you were confirmed and have an account, be sure to submit your weekly report. This should help in expediting your claim and payment.   If you have questions, the number to call is (833)901-2275. For more information about unemployment insurance and other labor issues please visit their website. 

    ALOHA OE SENATOR BREENE HARIMOTO
    It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Senator Breene Harimoto who passed away Thursday night after a long fight with pancreatic cancer.  He served his constituents with honor and treated everyone with kindness and respect.  I was blessed to know and work with him and will miss his presence dearly.  His legacy of public service with courage and grace will continue to benefit the people of Hawaii for many years to come.  Aloha Oe Senator Harimoto.