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

Aloha Neighbors,

The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 met yesterday with the Lieutenant Governor and key state agencies.  We were briefed on the state’s testing program, most of which are being conducted by private labs, with a full discussion on contact tracking and testing as well as the data on test results and on inventory of facilities, equipment and supplies.

The number of positive cases has increased to 435 as of yesterday and the number of passengers coming into state is also increasing. The Committee voiced concern about and strongly urged the Administration take further actions to prevent tourists coming to Hawaii. The Legislature earlier joined the four mayors in sending a letter to the President asking that non-essential travel to Hawaii be restricted and again asked that the Governor do the same. The committee urged and was assured of stronger enforcement of self-quarantine orders of those entering the state and positive COVID cases. A more detailed summary of the meeting will be posted on the Senate Committee page.
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The Committee also urged the Administration to expeditiously reassign state non-essential and short-term employees to other jobs where there is great need to serve the public such as at the department of labor & industrial relations to handle the surging unemployment insurance claims.  In a time when people across the state are suffering financial difficulties and job loss, the Administration was urged to do its part and re-assign these employees to best serve those who are experiencing these hard times.

The Senate Special Committee will again meet today (Thursday 4/9) at 11 am. The meeting will be available for live viewing on Olelo Channel 49 on Oahu. It will also be livestreamed on the internet on Olelo’s website.  See the agenda here.  The committee invited the following to report on issues that have been of concern to our community such as the problems with filing and certification of unemployment claims; homeless and mental health services; and releasing prisoners into the community.  Those who will be coming before the committee are:

Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Mr. Scott Murakami, Director

Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness
Mr. Scott Morishige

Behavioral Health Services Administration
Mr. Edward Mersereau, Deputy Director

Partners in Care
Ms. Laura E. Thielen, Executive Director

Releasing of incarcerated persons
Honorable Daniel Foley (Ret.), Special Master

Department of Public Safety
Mr. Nolan Espinda, Director

More on beach walking/jogging:  You asked whether you are allowed to walk the length of the beach. The parks department says you are allowed to walk only below the high water mark (basically on the wet sand).  The area from the ocean to the high water mark is considered to be ocean (and open to use). The high water mark is the boundary between the beach (closed) and the ocean (open).

I hope this clarifies.

Take care and stay healthy!

Aloha Neighbors,

Mahalo for your feedback on our messages.  We look forward to continuing to answer your questions and address your concerns.  Our staff strives to provide current and accurate information to you as we, together, navigate through this difficult time.

The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 meets tomorrow at 11 a.m.  If you are interested and available you can join us as we hear from Lt. Governor Josh Green, Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Incident Commander Kenneth Hara, and Department of Human Resources Director Ryker Wada.  You can watch the hearing live on `Ōlelo channel 49 or on YouTube livestream.  See the agenda here.

HOTLINES
Your inquiries need answers.  We share with you today some of the direct lines to help you address your specific questions and/or offer assistance. Below are some services from state, county and non-profit agencies that you or your networks might find helpful.   I hope you can get through on these hotlines as they, too, may be overtaxed. Keep trying or contact us if these don’t work.

Aloha United Way:  211 is Hawaiiʻs only comprehensive, statewide community information and referral service. By dialing 2-1-1, you can get help finding food, shelter, drug treatment, childcare, job training and much more. The 211 service is available Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm. All calls are confidential.  You may also access the 211 service online.

City and County of Honolulu Information Response Hotline: 768-CITY(2489).  City staff are available to answer questions and provide clarification.  Residents can also refer to hawaiicovid19.com for health-related information and concerns.

Unemployment Insurance: (Caution: DLIR may still not be fully functioning)

• Call Center: (833) 901-2275 Main number for general inquiries.
• Reset Password: (808) 762-5751 if you need to reset your password if you filed unemployment before and already have an account.
• Newly out-of-work: (808) 762-5752 to assist newly out-of-work residents who do not have access to the online forms.

Department of Health Hotline for Mental Health Services: 605-956-5680 or
808-531-3371 (Monday-Friday for extra services)

Crisis Line of Hawaii: (800) 753-6879 is available 24/7 if you are in stress and need a friendly calming person to speak to; in severe cases they can send mobile assistance in 45 minutes.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE.  Domestic violence has seen an increase during these stay-at-home times.

Bilingual / Interpreter Services: 808-526-9724. Offering spoken interpretation and written translation services to individuals, businesses, government and non-profit agencies throughout Hawaii to better serve populations with limited English proficiency.

SNAP benefits: 808-440-3832.  Answering inquiries about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for crucial food and nutritional services for qualifying low-income and needy households.

Community Clearinghouse: 808-440-3800.  The Community Clearinghouse provides individuals and families in need with basic necessities, such as food, clothing, furniture and basic household items. All of the items are given away for free.

Landlord-Tenant Hotline: 808-586-2634.  Trained investigators are available and are familiar with COVID-19 as it relates to the federal laws, Judiciary orders, Governor’s proclamation, and the Land-Tenant code.

Homeless Hotline: 808-586-0193 or email gov.homelessness@hawaii.gov.  If you see a homeless person(s) who many need assistance, call for advice and help; you will be asked for specific information needed to locate the homeless person(s).

Take care and stay healthy!