Tag: honolulu

  • April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Awareness Month

    –Picture credit: Department of Hawaiian Homelands 

     Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Awareness Month  

    April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Awareness Month and organizations from around the globe will participate in the awareness campaign to shine a light on the issues of child abuse and neglect. Child maltreatment is more common than we think–In 2020, Child and Family Services reported a total of 5,389 reported child victims in the State of Hawaii. And children under 1 year old make up 15% of confirmed cases– nearly three times higher than any age. Child maltreatment is a public health problem that requires a public health response. To combat this issue, the Hawaii Children’s Action Network built a strong five-pillar framework that together, create the context for children and families to thrive:

    1. Commitment: Leaders make child safety and well-being a top priority.
    2. Supports and services: All families have equitable access to quality supports and services that empower them to create safe, stable, and nurturing families.
    3. Communities: Families live in safe and supportive communities where they can thrive. 
    4. Policy: Laws, policies, and budgets support and are responsive to families.
    5. Coordination: Systems and organizations collaborate and use data to provide a comprehensive continuum of prevention services. 

    By working together and by following these five pillars, we can reduce the number of victims and set a positive example for our keiki, families and community.  To report suspected abuse or neglect, please call the Child Abuse and Neglect reporting line: 

    Oahu – 808-832-5300
    Toll Free Neighbor Islands – 1-888-380-6688

    Caring for each other! 

    Contents

     

    Honoring National Abuse Prevention Month

    Slipper Donation Drive

    Friends of the Children’s Justice Center is collecting donations of slippers to be given to victims of child abuse on Oahu. Please consider donating new, unused slippers to the cause! Email info@fcjcoahu.org or call (808) 445-1873 to arrange your donation drop-off.

    April Drive-By for Ohana Essentials

    FamilyHui Hawaii and Parents and Children Together will be hosting a “Drive-By for Ohana Essentials” on Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 10AM-12PM at the Resource center Parking Lot of Towers at Kuhio Park (1485 Linapuni St., Honolulu, HI 96819). The first 300 registrants will receive diapers, wipes, family activity kits, dental kits, books, along with fruit donated by @ChefHui and menstrual kits from @Ma’iMovementHawai’i. Please fill out registration form. This will help Family Hui Hawaii predict how many families are expected. Items are limited and will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. Register here. 

    2022 Champions for Children Fundraiser Auction

    Hawaii Children’s Action Network is a non-profit working to ensure all keiki are healthy and safe, and ready to learn. This year, they will be holding a “Champions for Children” fundraising to raise funds to support Hawaii’s keiki. The auction is now open and will close April 6th at 7PM. Whether it’s sailing on a private cruise, a family ziplining adventure, or a night out in Waikiki, they have something for everyone. Visit https://champions.hawaii-can.org/auction to place your bids today. Happy bidding! 

    Legislative Updates

    Bills and resolutions crossing chambers (or back to the originating chamber). Bills that are still moving through the House and Senate at this point during the session have survived various committee hearings. Below is a list of some of the measures that might interest you that have survived the lengthy process thus far:

    Noise/Crime

    • SB2124 SD2 HD1: Establishes standards for excessive noise; allows police to cite noisy bars and clubs using decibel meters. The bill is scheduled to be heard in the House committee on the Judiciary on Monday, April 4. Mahalo to everyone who submitted testimony on this bill thus far. Please continue to submit testimony for the final public hearing.
    • SB2382 SD1 HD1: Prohibits issuing of cabaret liquor licenses to premises located within an apartment mixed use district within a special improvement or special district. The bill passed the final House committee on Consumer Protection and will now move to the House Floor for a final vote.
    • SCR194 SD1: Requesting the Department of Health to examine issues and barriers to enforcement in reducing noise from two-stroke engines, mopeds, and small off-road engines and make recommendations to help reduce noise pollution from these sources. The resolution is up for a vote on the Senate floor next week, Monday, April 4.

    Homelessness/Housing

    • SB2370 SD2 HD1: Establishes a permanent office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to work with state, county, and community agencies to develop solutions that prevent and end homelessness through transitional and permanent housing and supportive and/or assisted services as well as to test innovative solutions to prevent and end homelessness. This bill has been scheduled for a hearing by its final House committee on Finance. Please continue to submit testimony if you feel passionate about solving the issue of homelessness.
    • SB2371 SD2 HD1: Establishes a statewide homelessness data clearinghouse to collect and track data related to homelessness and housing in the State.  The bill was referred to the House Finance committee and is pending a hearing.
    • SB2373 SD1 HD1 -Establishes a prisoner reentry program for prisoners prior to release from prison to help them reintegrate into the community with job and housing rather than relapse into homelessness. The bill is scheduled to be heard in House Finance committee on April 4.
    • HB 1859 HD1 SD1 – Appropriates funding in the amount of $1.5 million to supplement the rent of persons at risk of becoming homeless.  The bill is in the Ways & Means (WAM) committee. Funding will be included in the budget (HB1600) so no hearing.
    • HB2512 HD2 SD1 – Extends the ohana zones pilot program for homeless shelter and housing through June 30, 2026.
    • HB1744 HD2 SD1 – Authorizes issuance of a GO bond to build 100 supportive housing units and appropriates $2.5 million to provide a triage center with comprehensive services—mental health, substance abuse, medical services and counseling—to house and support the most vulnerable homeless.
    • HB2512 HD2 SD1 – Extends the ohana zones for homeless shelter and housing.

    Sea Level Rise  

    • HB1669 HD1 SD1 – Focuses on community planning for sea level rise by establishing a working group to develop a Waikiki Adaptation and Resilience Plan. The bill has been referred to its final Senate committee on Ways and Means.
    • HB1672 HD1 SD1 – This bill seeks to expand the use of special district (such as Waikiki) funds to cover environmental research, restoration and maintenance; natural resource management; and natural hazard mitigation to improve environmental conditions and provide community benefits. The bill is scheduled for its final hearing in the Senate committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means.  Please continue to support this measure by submitting testimony.  

    Kupuna Care and Support

    • SB2678 SD2 HD1 – Appropriates funds to expand the Hawaii state health insurance assistance program to provide outreach and information on medicare. The bill has been referred to the House Finance committee and is pending a hearing.
    • SB2677 SD1 HD1 – Addresses the need for rental assistance among kupuna 62 years and older who are homeless or on the verge of becoming homeless.  The bill is scheduled to be heard in House Finance on Tuesday, April 5th.
    • SB2679 SD2 HD1 – Extends the renewal period for licenses to 4 years for those who are seventy-two years of age or older. The bill was passed by its final House committee on Consumer Protection.
    • HB1824 HD1 SD1 – Appropriates funds and staff for the Long-Term Care Ombudsmen Program Specialist positions which help identify, investigate, and resolve complaints that are made by, or on behalf of kupuna in residential care homes/nursing homes. Both houses have approved placing 5 positions in the budget (HB1600) so no hearing needed.
    • HB1823 HB2 SD1 – Supports the Our Care, Our Choice Act sol terminally ill have access to the full-range of end-of-life care options; authorizing advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants to practice medical aid in dying counseling and reduces waiting period. The bill was passed by the final Senate committees on Consumer Protection and Judiciary.  

    The coming week is one of the last opportunities to submit public input.  Please continue to testify and make your voice heard. Testimony is crucial to the success of the bills that have made it thus far. If you have any questions on submitting testimony, please contact our office and 586-6740.  

    State News

    Governor Ige & First Lady kick-off Washington Place’s 175th Anniversary Events 

    Gov. David Ige and First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige welcomed former governors, first ladies, other community leaders and fourth grade students from across the state to Washington Place on March 31st, for the opening ceremony and proclamation signing marking the historic home’s 175th anniversary. 
    This year marks 175 years since the construction of Washington Place, which served as the official residence of Queen Liliʻuokalani and her husband, John Dominis, as well as former territorial and state governors. The opening ceremony included a special performance by fourth graders from Hawaiʻi’s public schools, including 120 students from Nuuanu, Keolu and Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Ānuenue Elementary Schools. They were joined by more than 2,000 additional fourth graders representing 38 schools across the state, dancing simultaneously to Ē Liliʻu Ē at their respective campuses.

    See the video here. For a link to a list of Hawaiʻi Department of Education schools that participated in the virtual hula performance, click here. The Royal Hawaiian Band will also hold a special concert at Washington Place on Saturday, April 2, 2022. It is free and open to the public. A link to register for the event can be found here. 

    DOH Outlines Plans as the COVID-19 Pandemic Evolves
    Now that the mask mandate has been lifted and travel quarantine has ended, what will the next phase of the pandemic look like for the state?  The answer depends on any new variants, but the good news is that we know more about responding to COVID-19 than we did two years ago. In a March legislative briefing, health director Dr. Libby Char and state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble outlined DOH’s plans to keep the community safe as restrictions drop.  For more information, click here.

    DLNR Site Offers New ‘Island Hubs’ App for Exploring

    With Earth Day approaching in the month of April, now is a perfect time to explore the islands – either in person or virtually.  To help, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources has launched a new website update to make it easier to find several resources specific to each island.  The upgraded hub provides information on everything from Hawaii’s native species, hiking trails, protected areas, and volunteer opportunities. For more information, click here.

    Earth Day and Volunteer Week in Hawaii 2022

    The largest volunteer-focused campaign in the state – also marking Earth Day April 22 – gets underway this month with Kanu Hawaii, multiple community partners and thousands of volunteers. The annual event is an opportunity to encourage people to engage with their communities and recognize volunteers for their year-round contributions. During April 17-23, residents, visitors, non-profits, businesses, schools and government agencies will join forces across the state to help the environment and invest in their communities for a more sustainable future. For more information, click here.

    District Happenings 

    McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board No. 8—April Recess

    Join the next regular meeting on Thursday, May 5, 2022 (location to be determined).
    Visit the Neighborhood Commission Office website for details.

    HCDA General and Kaka’ako Board Meetings – April 6

    See the agendas for the April 6, 2022 HCDA General and Kakaako Board meetings. Meetings will be convened remotely via Zoom. The public is welcome to participate and view the meetings.
    General Meeting – Click here 
    Kakaako Board Meeting – Click here 

    Weekend Waysides 

    Malama Aina Community Cleanup and The Barn at SALT at Our Kakaako

    Celebrate Earth Month with a morning outdoors volunteering to keep the Our Kakaako neighborhood clean. Join Our Kakaako, Waterfront Plaza, and Surfrider Foundation for a free community cleanup in the nine mauka blocks of the Our Kakaako neighborhood and Mother Waldron Park. Check in at The Barn at SALT at Our Kakaako at 327 Keawe Street on Saturday April 2 starting at 9:00 a.m. and receive a map, biodegradable trash bag, and reusable gloves. 

    After collecting trash and placing it at the designated trash drop-off location, head back to The Barn to drop off your tools and grab a beverage and something to eat. For your comfort, bring your own water in a reusable bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and shades or protective eyewear. Also, please wear a mask and social distance when in The Barn. To keep this event safe, the number of volunteers is limit4ed to 200, so pre-register today but walk-ins will not be turned away.

    Learn How to Ride with Confidence and Control on the Open Road

    Feeling a bit frightened to bike on the streets of Hawai‘i? Honolulu Bicycling League is here to help you with that! Bring your bicycle to Kaka’ako Waterfront park on April 3 from 3:30-5:30PM for a FREE hands-on workshop. Learn what your rights are as a cyclist and why exercising them is key to having a comfortable & enjoyable bike ride, better your bike control, learn how to perform an easy safety check on your bike, and lots more! Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Register and find more details here!
    Honolulu Tool Library Workshops
    Have you ever thought of picking up a new hobby like woodworking or 3D printing? Honolulu Tool Library offers an array of workshop classes to take your DIY game to the next level! Their next workshop is an Introduction to 3D Printing which will be held at 200 Keawe St on April 2 from 3-5PM. Reserve your spot and check out other workshops here: https://hnltoollibrary.org/classes. 

    Weekend Waysides 

    Food-A-Go-Go Week from March 23 – April 6

    Hawaii Agricultural Foundation is hosting their second Food-A-Go-Go Week and will run from March 23 – April 6. Food-A-Go-Go Week will join a yearlong public awareness campaign called Localicious® Hawai‘i that highlights restaurants and businesses that use locally sourced ingredients or products in their offerings. Local restaurants and businesses participating in Food-A-Go-Go Week will feature local products, special menu, dish, and/or prefix menu. Proceeds of this campaign will benefit Hawaii Agricultural Foundation (HAF) K-12 ag education programs, which have served over 18,000 students since 2014. Find participating restaurants and businesses here. You can also enter their sweepstakes to win a $100 Restaurant Gift Card! Enter to win here!

    “Extraordinary Elderhood” at the Waikiki Community Center

    The Waikiki Community Center will be hosting a 3-part series presented by Dr. Larry A. Grimm called “Spiritual Tasks to Make Your Elderhood Extraordinary”. All events are FREE and will be held at 310 Paoakalani Ave. Parking is on the Paoakalani entrance and will be free. Participants are asked to carpool if possible. Call the Waikiki Community Center at 808-923-1802 to register. For more information on any of the three sessions listed below, please contact Merle Okino O’Neill at moneill@waikikicommunitycenter.org.  

    Spiritual Tasks to Make Your Elderhood Extraordinary
    Session #1 – “Grieving”: April 6, 1pm – 2pm, Free, Auditorium
    Session #2 – “Sorting out our stories” and “Forgiving”: April 13, 1pm – 2pm, Free, Auditorium
    Session #3 –  “Preparing” and “Letting go”: April 20, 1pm – 2pm, Free, Auditorium

    Our office will continue to be here to serve you. If you enjoy our newsletter, it’s always appreciated to share it with a family, friend or community member.

    If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to respond to this email or email me here: my inbox is always open. You can also give our office a call at (808) 586-6740. Mahalo for waking up to our newsletter! Have a great day!

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  • Honoring Prince Jonah Kuhio

    Honoring Prince Jonah Kuhio:
    A Symbol of Strength and Hope for Hawaii 

    –Picture credit: Department of Hawaiian Homelands 

    Today is Prince Kuhio Day—A day to celebrate Prince Jonah Kuhio’s 151st birthday. There are many places named after him like Kuhio Highway, Kuhio Beach and the Kuhio federal building but what is the history behind this famous name? Rewind to 1901, Prince Kuhio became the 2nd native Hawaiian to ever serve as United States Congressional delegate. During his term, he established tremendous accomplishments. He was the first to sponsor a bill for statehood in 1919. But he is better known for establishing the Hawaiian Civic Club which allowed Hawaiians to become outstanding citizens and leaders in their communities. He also signed the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act for Hawaiians to have places to live and practice their culture freely. Prince Kuhio is memorialized for his leadership, his tenacity and commitment to elevate his people, and this legacy keeps him in the hearts of Hawaii as a prince for our people. I invite you to read his life story on the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands website here so we can continue to live the legacy he left for us which can still be seen and felt today. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend! 

    Caring for each other! 

    Contents

     

    Legislative Updates

    E Komo Mai: The Capitol is open for business!

    Next Monday March 28 the Capitol will be fully open to the public. While no need for vaccine or test screening but ID required (Monday-Friday 7:30-5:00pm); masks not required but highly recommended. Only two entries –the basement glass door and Core 1 elevator on the entry level. And no parking yet in the building. 
    Legislation Deadlines
    Wednesday was the double referral filing deadline for bills which means all bills that are still alive and referred to more than one committee needed to be heard by their second-to-the-last committee. These bills that made the deadline need to be heard and filed by the last committee on April 7 to remain alive. If they pass that hurdle then the bills go to conference committee where the Senate and House resolve their differences over the measures. For those participating in the process, mahalo for submitting testimony to move our district legislation along. Bills and resolutions are still being scheduled for hearings. For example, SCR194/SR187 would address noise pollution by small engines and has been scheduled for hearing on Monday, March 28 at 1pm. 

    District Happenings

    Virtual Town Hall with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi

    Mark your calendars! Representative Scott K. Saiki and I will be hosting a Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, March 31st at 5:30 PM. Mayor Rick Blangiardi will also be answering questions and listening to issues that matter most to you and our community. I look forward to seeing you there!
    Register Here

    $4.7 Million for McKinley High Athletic Field

    We’re excited to announce that funding from the 2021 Capitol improvement Project (CIP) request for McKinley High School was approved by Governor Ige this week! This money is for the long-awaited bleachers and lights on the football/soccer/track field facility. The Tigers will soon be a centerpiece filled with “roaring” crowds at home games. Let’s go Tigers!

    Traffic Alerts in the District – Ala Moana Blvd.

    • Full closure of Ala Moana Boulevard in the eastbound direction between Waiakamilo Road and Sand Island Access Road on Sunday night, March 27, through Friday morning, April 1, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., for resurfacing work. Traffic will be contraflowed in the opposite direction.
    • Full closure of Ala Moana Boulevard in the westbound direction between Piikoi Street and Ward Avenue on Sunday night, March 27, through Friday morning, April 1, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., for resurfacing work. Traffic will be contraflowed in the opposite direction.
    • Right lane closure on Ala Moana Boulevard in the eastbound direction in the vicinity of Keawe Street on Monday, March 28, through Friday, April 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., for flow monitoring.

    State News

    Landlords & Property Managers — City’s Rental and Utility Relief Program

    The Office of Economic Revitalization invites property managers, landlords, and the community to attend a webinar about updates to the City’s Rental and Utility Relief Program on March 29, 2022, from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Amy Asselbaye, executive director of the City’s Office of Economic Revitalization will work together with landlords to keep local families safely housed, prevent unnecessary evictions, and bring more financial stability to landlords. The webinar will be live-streamed at: facebook.com/OneOahu. No Facebook account is needed to watch and the webinar will be recorded and available on the One Oahu Facebook page as a community resource.

    Road Test Health and Safety Guidelines

    Starting March 26th, 2022, road test applicants will no longer be required to wear face masks during the test. Check out other information on road tests at bit.ly/RoadTestTips.

    COVID-19 News and Resources

    Federal Mandates

    The Federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandates proper mask usage on all public transportation (eg, buses and airplanes) and in all transportation hubs (eg, airports) through April 18th. The TSA based its national policy on the COVID-19 community levels across the world, risk of new variants, national data, and the latest science. Read more here.

    Hawaii Mandates — COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation Ends!

    The Governor’s COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation Ended yesterday, on March 25, at places like restaurants and gyms and other indoor venues, but businesses may continue to ask employees and customers to wear a properly fitted face mask over their nose and mouth to keep everyone extra safe.  Please be thoughtful and courteous to others especially to those with health risks and keiki too young to be vaccinated. Let’s continue caring for each other!

    COVID-19 Resources

    Vaccine/Booster dose locations – click here
    In-home vaccination for those who have difficulty getting to a site – (808) 586-8332
    Testing locations – AlohaClear.com or  hawaiicovid19.com
    COVID-19 Daily Metrics Updates from DOH – click here
    COVID-19 Hotline – (808) 586-8332 

    Weekend Waysides

    Prince Kuhio Statue Lei Draping – March 26

    A one-hour lei draping ceremony will be conducted at the Prince Kuhio Statue off Kuhio Beach on Saturday, March 26 from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Mahalo to sponsor Hawaiian Civic Clubs.  

    Lā Keiki Event in Waikiki – March 27

    Kick-off spring with your ohana at Royal Hawaiian Center’s Lā Keiki Day events. The event will be held on Sunday, March 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature activities for keiki to test their skills with challenging games. Take home a balloon character created by Balloon Monsoon, enjoy glitter tattoos, see live performances and much more! Validated parking is available with a purchase of $10 or more from any of the Center’s merchants; guests will receive the first hour free and second and third hours at $2 per hour. Kamaʻāina and Military are eligible to receive three hours of free parking with a purchase of $10 or more and validation from Helumoa Hale Guest Services. Hele mai!  

    Weekend Waysides 

    Spring Aloha Pet and Family Fair – March 26 and 27

    The Spring Aloha Pet & Family Fair “Hawaii’s favorite pet event” returns to Ward Village, Sat. and Sun., March 26 and 27, 2022 from 10am – 3pm, both days. Join us for two days of fun activities, workshops, contests, demonstrations, meetups, and over 30 of your favorite pet vendors showcasing their latest products and services for your furry friend. For more information go to Website: AlohaPetLife.com or FamilyExpositions.com or Call: (808)239-7777. Save the dates and see you and your furry friend at the fair!

    Our office will continue to be here to serve you. If you enjoy our newsletter, it’s always appreciated to share it with a family, friend or community member.

    If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to respond to this email or email me here: my inbox is always open. You can also give our office a call at (808) 586-6740. Mahalo for waking up to our newsletter! Have a great day!

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