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Community Newsletter | May 21, 2020
Aloha,

The Hawai'i State Legislature reconvened session on Monday, May 11th to address the budget shortfall and also to advise and consent the Governor's nominations to boards, commissions and cabinet members. In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while we are in session the building is operating a little differently, including daily temperature checks, masks in public spaces, 6-ft apart seating arrangements and attendance for session and hearings via Zoom. Live and on demand webcasts of committee hearings and floor sessions can be found here.

As we anticipate recessing session today, 
my staff and I will still be working on behalf of our district to take care of your questions and concerns.
 
Kind regards,

Senator Lorraine R. Inouye
Senate District 4 | Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, and Kona
COVID-19 Count Update
8th Supplemental Emergency Proclamation

Governor David Ige today signed the 8th supplemental emergency proclamation, extending the 14-day quarantine for travelers arriving in the State of Hawai‘i, as well as for inter-island travelers through June 30.

The governor also extended through June 30 the eviction moratorium that prevents evictions from residential dwellings for failure to pay rent.

In addition, Gov. Ige unveiled the re-opening and recovery plan for the State of Hawai‘i — a strategy that conveys the coordinated, statewide approach to jumpstarting the economy and recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

According to the plan – the state will start to gradually re-open medium-risk businesses and operations beginning in June – assuming the state’s COVID-19 activity remains manageable. The re-opening of high-risk businesses and operations will eventually follow, as long as Hawai‘i’s disease activity continues to remain manageable.

Hawai‘i’s re-opening strategy for businesses and operations is informed by the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and Johns Hopkins Public Health Principles for a Phased Reopening, based on Contact Intensity & Number of Contacts.

“As we move forward with re-opening, I will consult with subject-matter experts, county mayors, and our community to make informed decisions to safely move forward with re-opening our state. Under this strategy, counties may choose to relax stricter local orders at their own pace in coordination with my office,” said Gov. Ige.

A 14-day observation period between re-openings will allow the state time to assess conditions/disease activity before moving to the next level. As a safeguard, the state can consider the option of moving back – closing businesses and re-implementing restrictions if disease activity significantly increases.

The re-opening and recovery strategy (Beyond Recovery: Reopening Hawai‘i)  includes four phases:

Phase 1: Stabilization focuses on healing Hawai‘i by saving lives and flattening the curve in our community. (Hawai‘i has transitioned through this phase by re-opening low-risk businesses in the last few weeks).

Phase 2: Re-opening celebrates Hawai‘i’s Kama‘āina Economy, where the state starts to re-open medium-risk businesses and activities, and later – re-opening high-risk businesses and activities.

Phase 3: Long-term recovery – where the state renews and rebuilds Hawai‘i’s economy through planning and policy discussions, incorporating transitional workforce modernization opportunities, supporting economic diversification initiatives, targeting the development of emerging industries, and advancing long-term resiliency planning. At this level, the state will focus on re-opening highest risk businesses and activities, while remaining cautious and adjusting Safe Practices as needed. This phase is expected to take much longer, since this phase covers the reshaping of Hawai‘i’s economy.

Phase 4:  Resilience is the intended outcome for Hawai‘i. Together, we will emerge stronger and more resilient as a result of learning from and overcoming this unprecedented challenge.

Under the emergency proclamation, county mayors will have the authority to make decisions for their counties – including re-opening businesses and implementing restrictions – with the governor’s approval.

MATERIALS:

For the full slide presentation “Beyond Recovery: Reopening Hawai‘i” – click here.

Amendment to Hawai'i County Mayor’s Emergency Rule No. 4

This is an amendment to the Mayor’s COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 4 related to County beach and shoreline parks. Section II. 7.d of Mayor’s COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 4 is hereby rescinded and replaced as follows:

All County of Hawai‘i beach and shoreline parks, except Hakalau Beach Park and Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole Park, are opened from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., subject to the following restrictions that seek to prevent the spread of COVID-19

  1. No group shall exceed ten (10) persons;
  2. All persons using opened beach and shoreline parks who are not members of the same household or living unit shall comply with State and County social distancing requirements, provided that a caregiver may accompany a dependent;
  3. All permits and reservations for use associated with these beach parks are canceled until further notice;
  4. All pavilions, playgrounds, sport courts and fields, indoor facilities and similar areas where gatherings may occur in these parks shall remain closed until further notice; 
  5. Commercial activities are not allowed; and
  6. All other State or County restrictions related to COVID-19 must be followed, including but not limited to, applicable quarantine restrictions. 

This section is subject to specific park closures as designated by the County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation and the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources.

This rule shall take effect immediately and shall continue through June 30, 2020, or until extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by my subsequent order, or as otherwise provided by law. 

Congratulations Class of 2020
For the graduating class of 2020, the spread of COVID-19 has caused a disruption to an event that many anticipate for years. Although we are faced with historic challenges, just know that these circumstances do not detract from the years of work that have been put in for this achievement. I am confident that each of you will not only persevere, but also learn from this experience. It is my hope that success keeps following you in everything that you do.
Waimea Virtual Town Hall on Facebook Live
If you weren't able to join our Waimea Virtual Town Hall on May 7th,
you can catch all of the details
here.
Greenwaste Services Reopen

Greenwaste services for residential users are now available three days a week at the following locations, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm:

Pahoa Transfer Station: Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays
Ke’ei Transfer Station: Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays
Waimea Transfer Station: Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays

Greenwaste service limits are a maximum of 1 residential load per day, and 5 cubic yards per load. (Five cubic yards is the equivalent of a full-sized pickup truck with an 8-foot bed filled up to the cab.)

Users must keep a 6 ft. or greater social distance from each other and facility employees. If a 6 ft. social distance cannot be maintained, all users must wear a cloth face covering.

Please visit our www.hawaiizerowaste.org website for locations and future closure information.

Community Spotlight:

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) announced a new partnership with Aloha United Way (AUW) to provide relief for DHHL Applicant Waiting List beneficiaries. Eligible Native Hawaiians on DHHL’s Applicant Waiting List who have experienced a loss of income or job as a result of COVID-19 may receive assistance for the payment of their security deposit and/or rent for up to six months. 
 
According to Hawaiian Homes Commission (HHC) Chairman William J. Aila, Jr., “(DHHL) is still on schedule to prepare 1,300 lots statewide over the next five years, and we hope this rental relief will keep applicant families on track to assume those lots once they are ready.”
 
For more information about the program, please visit:

https://dhhl.hawaii.gov/2020/05/11/dhhl-aloha-united-way-launch-beneficiary-rental-relief-program/.
State of Hawai'i COVID-19 Resources
State Department of Health COVID-19 Website: hawaiicovid19.com

State Department of Labor COVID-19 Website: labor.hawaii.gov/covid-19-labor-faqs

State Department of Human Services COVID-19 Website: http://humanservices.hawaii.gov/

State Department of Transportation - Airports COVID-19 Website:  https://hidot.hawaii.gov/airports/covid-19/

Economic and Community Navigator Website: 
http://recoverynavigator.hawaii.gov

FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program via HI-EMA Website: https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/rpa-covid-19/

For Questions about COVID-19 Exemptions: CovidExemption@Hawaii.gov

To Volunteer Ideas or Resources to Assist in the Response Effort: CovidKokua@Hawaii.gov

 
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Office of Senator Lorraine R. Inouye
415 S. Beretania Street Room 210
Honolulu, HI 96813

Office Line: (808) 586-7335
Email: seninouye@capitol.hawaii.gov

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Hawaii State Senate · 415 S. Beretania St. Room 210 · Honolulu, HAWAII 96813 · USA

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