Tag: sharon moriwaki

  • Make Your Voices Heard This Legislative Session

    “In order to be successful, you have got to have coordination.” 

    George Potter

    Based on your input on our surveys and conversations, homelessness is a major problem that our community faces. Various state, county and community agencies and programs address homelessness. We have a state interagency council on homelessness. We spend millions to bring the number of homeless down. But our office continues to get complaints every day about assaults, thefts, and the growing numbers of homeless in our parks, sidewalks, doorsteps, magazine racks. This past summer, I called state, county and community agencies together to ask why –20 leaders committed to end homelessness from the police, prosecutor, public defender, the courts, the state public safety, health, and human services departments, the homeless coordinators for the state and for the city, and community homeless providers. After many meetings, I learned they’re each doing a lot. In fact, you can see some of the work like the city’s new Crisis Outreach Response & Engagement (CORE) program or the ohana zones programs. And we are funding housing, mental health and substance abuse services. The problem is not money; it’s that no one agency has buck-stopping responsibility or authority to find solutions to prevent, reduce and end homelessness. While the Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness has a ten-year plan, the state lacks a permanent commitment to end homelessness. In fact, funding for homeless coordination depends on year-to-year fluctuations, rather than consistent funding in the State’s base budget for staff and programs that work. 

    This is why I, along with my colleagues, put together SB2370 /HB1648, Relating to Homelessness, creating 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 kind of permanent coordination function is essential if we are ever to be successful in helping those experiencing homelessness. The End Homeless Group that met during the summer came up with 29 gaps that can be addressed by the Office if this bill becomes law. You can help make this a reality by sending your testimony of support for SB2370 that will be heard before the Committees on Human Services and Government Operations (my committee) on Tuesday, February 8th beginning at 3:00 pm. Please submit your testimony before then by clicking here. There are many other bills to end homelessness. Another bill to prevent homelessness among prisoners upon release is SB2373 relating to offender reentry. A few that will be heard this coming week are listed below. If you want to join us in making a difference, call or email our office to get more information. 

    Caring for you!

    Sharon

    CONTENTS

    LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2022 – MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD ON OUR DISTRICT ISSUES

    Legislators are making decisions every day on issues that affect our lives. Committee hearings are held to hear from the public. We read and listen to testimony to decide on whether a bill is passed or not so make your voices heard! Here are some of the bills that you or your neighbors worked on: 

    SB2127 Relating to Noise Pollution
    Many worked on this bill to end excessive noise asking why cars, motorcycles, and mopeds need to make so much noise! For whatever reason, people buy and install devices in their vehicles to make them sound like jet engines roaring down the street. This kind of noise pollution is unnecessary, harmful, and has no place in our Hawaii. This bill will make it illegal to operate and sell vehicles retrofitted to make excessive noise! It will be heard on Wednesday, February 9th. It is very important for everyone to submit testimony in support because we’ll be up against all the businesses and vehicle enthusiasts who love to retrofit vehicles to make excessive noise. Please click here to submit testimony. You will have the option to submit written testimony only and/or participate on Zoom. 

    SB2126  Relating to Transportation
    Addresses the problem by increasing the fines for violations. This bill was heard last week and passed by the Senate Transportation Committee and goes to the Judiciary Committee. 

    HB1669 Relating to sea level rise adaptation
    Focuses on community planning for sea level rise by establishing a working group to develop a Waikiki adaptation and resilience plan to address climate change and sea level impacts in the Waikiki special district. It will be heard in joint committee of the House House Water&Land (WAL) and Energy& Environmental Protection (EEP) Committees on Tuesday,February 8th. Note: SB2724 –the Senate companion bill—was heard yesterday and passed out of the Water&Land Committee (WTL) and goes now to the Ways&Means (WAM) Committee. 

    HB1672 Relating to Special Improvement Districts
    This is a bill long overdue to care for our environment in special improvement districts like Waikiki. These county districts have been funded only for promoting or supporting business activity. But to care for our environment, this bill expands the purpose and rationale to also fund environmental research, restoration, and maintenance; natural resource management; and natural hazard mitigation to improve environmental conditions and provide community benefits. This bill will be heard by the House WAL/EEP Committees on Tuesday, February 8th. 

    HB1826 Relating to Homelessness
    Addresses the need for rental assistance among kupuna 62 years and older who are homeless or on the verge of becoming homeless. The bill will be heard in the House Housing (HSG) Committee on Tuesday February 8th. Note that the companion Senate bill, SB2677 passed the joint committees of HMS/HSG and now goes to WAM. 

    SB2381 Relating to Technology Access for Individuals with Disabilities
    This bill helps the disabled in our community. While state agencies are making great progress in adapting to the Information Age, the implementation of new technologies and procedures is not consistent or cost-effective in ensuring that these technologies are accessible to individuals with disabilities so this bill establishes and implements standards for providing access to electronic information technology developed, purchased, and used by the State. It will be heard before the HMS/GVO Committees on Tuesday, Feb. 8th at 3:00pm. Click here to submit testimony. 

    How to participate in Session?
    Questions about how to write testimony and the legislative process? Contact the Capitol’s Public Access Room Team of Virginia, Keanu, and Ashley! Visit their website or phone them at (808)587-0478 or email at par@capitol.hawaii.gov    .

    How to watch a hearing live or recorded? 
    You can watch and participate in hearings from anywhere in the world with internet connectivity!  Please connect to the Hawaii State Senate’s YouTube Channel.    

    COVID-19 RESOURCES

    COVID 19 Resources:

    Vaccine/Booster dose locations – click here 
    Testing locations – AlohaClear.com or hawaiicovid19.com 
    COVID-19 Daily Metrics Updates from DOH – click here
    State of Hawaii COVID Portal – click here 

    NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD MEETINGS

    What is a “Neighborhood Board”? The City and County of Honolulu’s Neighborhood Board System increases community participation in government. Oahu has neighborhood boards island-wide.  Please be sure to sign up to automatically receive information about the Neighborhood Board(s) you are most interested in – click here — very easy to do! Here are Neighborhood Boards in our District. Our office participates in their meetings and we look forward to seeing you there!   

    STATE AND CITY NEWS

    Federal Aid Available for those impacted by December’s Storms
    Businesses, non-profits and homeowners may be eligible for low-interest federal disaster loans to repair or replace property damaged in December’s storms.Funds may also be used for projects to help prevent the same type of damage from happening again. The deadline to apply for property damage is Mar. 29, 2022. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Oct. 28, 2022. Please learn more by clicking here. 

    Invasive Species Month
    February is Hawaii Invasive Species Month! There will be weekly virtual talks starting from the mountains — “wao akua” – to the ocean — “wao kahakai”. Learn how to help protect Hawaii’s environment and become more aware and be on the lookout for invasive plants, pests and animals and to help stop the invasions.” “This is an issue that highlights how people are part of the environment, not separate from it,” said Suzanne Case, DLNR chairperson. “One of the major impacts we see from invasive species is the reduced production of fresh water from native forests. That’s a problem that impacts every living thing in Hawaiʻi, whether it’s a native bird, a pet dog, our crops, ourselves, or our loved ones.” Learn more here. 

    Honolulu Police Commission Seeks Community Input on HPD Chief Selection
    In an effort to reach as many residents of the City and County of Honolulu, the Police Commission is requesting that the community participate in a survey to get perspectives of the HPD and qualities needed in the next Chief of Police. The survey will be open from Feb. 6 – Feb. 13. To access the survey via a link on the Commissions website at www.honolulu.gov/hpc or directly at www.hpdnextchiefsurvey2022.com.  

    Deadline approaching to apply for Western Governors’ Leadership Institute  
    Every year, the institute selects one young adult to represent each western state and territory. The chosen representative will fly to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to attend a leadership forum from July 24-25, 2022, followed by the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) Annual Meeting from July 26-28, 2022. All expenses for the representative will be covered by the Western Governors’ Foundation.  

    To be eligible, applicants must be a Hawaiʻi resident and between the ages of 21 and 25; and submit an application by Feb. 15, 2022, along with two letters of recommendation. Applications from all states will be reviewed by WGA staff, and top applicants will be selected. Board members will then make their final selections. 

    A link to the application can be found here. 

    City Sewer Work – Traffic Advisory 
    There is ongoing sewer repair work on South Beretania Street in our District. With lane closures involved, there may be traffic slowdowns. Work is occuring on South Beretania between Pawaa Lane and Artesian Street as well as on Artesian Street between South Beretania and Coyne. Please click here to see updated maps of the affected areas.

    Tonga Relief Drive, Feb. 12
    The Tongan Community on Oahu is holding a Tonga Relief Drive, next week Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 9:30am – 2:30pm at the Parish of St. Clement’s Episcopal Church, 1515 Wilder Ave Honolulu HI 96822. If you would like to support Tonga in their recovery, you can donate much needed items and supplies such as non-perishable foods, water, masks/PPE, toiletries, cleaning supplies, baby essentials, and towels.  

    The volcanic eruption and tsunami that occurred on Jan. 15, 2022 damaged coastal areas displacing countless families from their homes and causing damages to crops, fisheries, and water supplies. Support Tonga in their recovery by donating to their relief efforts. For more inform

    Our office will continue to be here to serve you. Feel free to email us by responding to this email or at senmoriwaki@capitol.hawaii.gov or give us a call at (808) 586-6740 if you have any questions or need assistance. If you do not wish to receive the emails, please unsubscribe using the link below.

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  • Coming Together To Make Hawaii Better

    “The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.”<!–

    “The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.”

    Vince Lombardi

    What happens at the Legislature is about many individuals coming together to make Hawaii stronger, healthier, and better! Our Senate Committee on Government Operations (GVO) held its first hearing of the session on Thursday January 27th; and will be actively holding hearings. I am excited and honored to chair this Committee with Vice Chair Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz. People sometimes ask me, “what exactly is Government Operations?” So… if you really want to know…. the Senate Rules defines the committee’s purview as:

    “…the programs relating to state government operations policy, including government efficiency, the Procurement Code, and state facilities … implementation and innovation of technology…and programs and issues addressed by the State’s Chief Information Officer and the Office of Enterprise Technology Services…and this year county issues.”

    It may not sound too exciting or interesting, but know that we focus on supporting government agencies working more efficiently and more cost-effectively to serve the changing needs of our state. You can get a view of the GVO Committee hearings on the Hawaii State Senate’s YouTube Channel – here.

    While the Capitol building remains closed for now, our phone, email and zoom lines are open and welcoming – our contact information and updates on legislation are located here! And if you haven’t, do register on one of the best websites on what’s happening at the Legislature. Check out the Capitol Public Access Room Team — Virginia, Keanu, and Ashley! Visit their website or contact them directly at (808) 587-0478 or email par@capitol.hawaii.gov. 

    Caring for you!

    Sharon

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    CONTENTS

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    LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2022

    These two bills impact quality of life in Hawaii and are receiving priority hearings by the State Senate. During the first seven days of Session, both have already been heard in Committees. I joined together with my colleagues to co-introduced these bills and we are working diligently to get them passed this Session.

    SB2018 Relating to Minimum Wage
    We are working towards ensuring people can earn a “living wage” in Hawaii and this bill proposes to help make that happen by increasing the minimum wage for certain employees. Currently, the minimum wage in Hawaii is $10.10/hour. This bill proposes to increase it to $12.00/hour beginning in 2022, then $15.00/hour in 2024, and $18.00/hour in 2026. With strong support from constituents in our District, I signed on to be a co-introducer of this Senate Bill. On January 28th, I voted to pass this bill out of the Senate and we hope the House is as quick to support our state’s workers. Keep track of this Bill’s progress and see how to submit your testimony by clicking here.

    SB2172 Relating to Underground Fuel Storage Tanks
    All of our island water aquifers need to be protected. This bill would prohibit future underground fuel storage tanks within one-half mile of an aquifer (or even further). Our water is precious and the Senate is working hard to protect it. I signed on to co-introduce this bill. Keep track of this bill’s progress and see how to submit your testimony by clicking here. 

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    COVID-19 RESOURCES

    Updated Quarantine Guidance from the DOH:
    You must quarantine if you have been within 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (regardless of mask use) UNLESS one of the following is true:

    • you are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, OR
    • you have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 90 days (confirmed positive using a viral test).

    COVID 19 Resources:
    Vaccine/Booster dose locations – click here 
    Testing locations – AlohaClear.com or hawaiicovid19.com 
    COVID-19 Daily Metrics Updates from DOH – click here
    State of Hawaii COVID Portal – click here 

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    NEWS IMPACTING OUR DISTRICT

    Waikiki – as the Ocean Expands, what will happen?
    What will happen to Waikiki when the ocean rises 3.2 feet between years 2050 and 2100? Politico Magazine published an in-depth article this week about this very pressing issue. They reported — “With nobody else stepping up to take action, last year (Sen. Sharon) Moriwaki assembled a working group… to design a comprehensive adaptation plan for Waikiki …This month, Moriwaki submitted legislation that, if passed, would provide $800,000 for the state to create the plan, which would then get implemented by the City and County of Honolulu…” You can read the article here. If you are concerned and want to get involved, send your testimony to support SB2724; and then continue to track this bill’s progress.

    Ala Wai Watershed Flood Mitigation Plan – Submit Your Comments
    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City and County of Honolulu are asking for more public input for their proposed flood mitigation plans that affect our District immensely. A few years ago, their initial proposal was to build 4-foot-tall walls completely around the Ala Wai and we need to make absolutely sure they develop other solutions! Our Ala Wai Watershed is at high risk for widespread flooding affecting 200,000 people living along the Makiki, Manoa, and Palolo streams, and the Ala Wai Canal. Climate change increases these risks. It’s very important to submit comments and ideas. The website has a lot of information on it and below are links to the most relevant sections…

    • Click here to read about their plan.
    • Past public workshop materials are located here
    • Preliminary comment tracking spreadsheet – click here
    • You can submit comments via their “Crowd Source Reporter”, a GIS app 
    • Or, contact them directly. Click here for their contact information.

    Traffic Advisory – Roadwork on Kona Street in our District
    Kona Street, between Pensacola Street and Piikoi Street, will be partially closed for repairs from Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to Friday, February 11, 2022 (weather and conditions permitting). Please use alternate routes. Access to driveways may be restricted while work is being performed. For questions, please contact the City’s Division of Road Maintenance at (808) 768-3632.

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    DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

    Virtual Career Fair by DiversityX
    DiversityX connects Black Americans, Latinx, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Women, People with Disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community with top companies. Their career fairs are organized in a rapid-interview style to ensure every candidate has the opportunity to talk to their company of choice. It’s free! Learn more about DiversityX. This virtual career fair is being held on Thursday, February 3, 2022 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. To register, please click here.

    Neighborhood Board Meetings
    What is a “Neighborhood Board”? The City and County of Honolulu’s Neighborhood Board System increases community participation in government. Oahu has neighborhood boards island-wide. Please be sure to sign up to automatically receive information about the Neighborhood Board(s) you are most interested in – click here — very easy to do! Here are Neighborhood Boards in our District. Our office participates in their meetings and we look forward to seeing you there!

    Source: Royal Hawaiian Center website

    Lunar New Year Dragon Dance & Calligraphy too!
    February 1st is the official first day of the Chinese New Year! Ring in the Lunar Year of the Tiger at Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki! The Center will hold special Lunar New Year cultural festivities and giveaways. Watch the Lion dance from store to store. Receive a beautifully written good luck fortune too! Calligraphy on Feb. 1st, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Lion dance on Feb. 1st, 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm at the Royal Hawaiian Center.

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    Our office will continue to be here to serve you. Feel free to email us by responding to this email or at senmoriwaki@capitol.hawaii.gov or give us a call at (808) 586-6740 if you have any questions or need assistance. If you do not wish to receive the emails, please unsubscribe using the link below.

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