Aloha,
On June 22nd, the Legislature reconvened to look at how to best help Hawai'i businesses and residents recover from the pandemic.
The Legislature unveiled plans to utilize CARES funding to create a Conservation and Jobs Corps, provide relief for small businesses, fund social services and food assistance programs, provide additional unemployment funds and rental assistance for those who need it the most, implement a plan to make travel safe again, and ensuring we have enough personal protective equipment in the state.
As we continue our discussions until Sine Die on July 10th, the House and Senate will be providing live streams of all hearings and floor sessions. You can find access to live and past recordings on the Legislative Broadcast Page.
Should you need any assistance please reach out to my office at seninouye@capitol.hawaii.gov or (808) 586-7335.
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Kind regards,
Senator Lorraine R. Inouye
Senate District 4 | Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, and Kona |
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Gov. Ige Announces Pre-Travel Testing Option for Out-of-State Travelers
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Gov. David Ige announced all travelers arriving in Hawai‘i from out-of-state will be required to get a valid COVID-19 test prior to their arrival, and to show proof of a negative test result, to avoid the 14-day quarantine. The pre-travel testing program begins Aug. 1.
Out-of-state travelers arriving in Hawai‘i must get a PCR test prior to arrival from any testing location approved by the Hawai‘i State Department of Health. Evidence of a negative test result must be provided upon arrival in Hawai‘i. Without this, passengers arriving from out-of-state will be subject to the 14-day quarantine. No testing will be provided upon arrival at the airport.
The Health Department is still in the process of developing this program but anticipates requiring an FDA-approved PCR test from a CLIA certified laboratory. Travelers will be required to provide printed or emailed pre-test certification as evidence of a negative test result. Travelers will be responsible for the cost of the pre-travel test.
Temperature checks will continue at airports across the state. Anyone with a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees or who is experiencing other symptoms will be required to undergo a secondary screening at the airport with trained healthcare staff.
In addition, travelers will be required to fill out the State Travel and Health form.
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Hawai'i County Mayor’s COVID-19
Emergency Rule No. 9
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Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim issued Emergency Rule No. 9 that reopens public swimming pools and bars, and allows outdoor organized sports in phases. Nightclubs, large indoor and outdoor venues such as concerts and conventions, and road races such as marathons will remain closed.
Exhibit 2 of the Rule deals with County Parks and Recreational Facilities. New provisions include the opening of more County park and recreational facilities and activities, including swimming pools (beginning July 13), camping (beginning July 13 and August 1), and outdoor organized team sports in phases (beginning June 26 and July 20, respectively).
Swimming pools may reopen on or after Monday, July 13, 2020, with modified days/hours of operations and modified rules in effect as established by the Director of Parks and Recreation.
The following County of Hawai‘i parks and recreational facilities remain closed to the general public:
• All community centers and senior centers
• All gymnasiums and covered play court facilities
• Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Luau Hale
• Francis F.C. Wong Stadium
• Hakalau Beach Park
• Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium
• Honoka‘a Swimming Pool (ongoing construction)
• NAS Swimming Pool (Hale Hanakahi emergency shelter facility)
• Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens (ongoing construction)
• Shipman Gym
• Waiākea Recreation Center
• Edith Kanaka‘ole multipurpose stadium
Under the Mayor’s new Rule, the following businesses, operations and activities identified below shall remain closed:
1. Nightclubs
2. Large indoor venues (concerts, sports, conventions, expos)
3. Large outdoor venues (concerts, sports, conventions, expos)
4. Road races (marathons, triathlons, etc.)
Rule 9 takes effect on June 26, 2020 and shall continue through July 31, 2020 unless extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by the Mayor’s subsequent order, or as otherwise provided by law.
To request no cost assistance in providing a safe and healthy business for employees and customers, contact the COVID Task Force on Education and Prevention at
935-0031.
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The County of Hawai‘i notes that the U.S. Census Bureau has begun a phased restart of 2020 Census field operations in Hawai‘i. The Hawai‘i Census team has resumed Updated Leave operations. Updated Leave operations involve delivering Census invitations to households in rural areas which do not have city-style addresses, and areas that do not receive mail to their home address.
The Census Bureau has been consulting with federal, state and local health officials and will always incorporate the most current guidance from authorities to ensure the health and safety of staff and the public.
What to Expect:
• Census invitations delivered to your home address containing your Census ID.
• Census field staff canvassing areas for places people might be living and dropping off a census invitation and paper questionnaire.
• No in-person interactions; the Update Leave operations are strictly no-contact.
What Not to Expect:
• At this time, you should not expect census takers visiting your homes to help you complete the 2020 Census.
Every 10 years, the Federal government conducts a Census, which is the basis for distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to communities across the country. These funds support the planning of various needs and initiatives, including public schools, student loans, school meals, special education, Medicaid & Medicare, health care centers, food assistance programs, public housing, first responders, roads, social services, and much more.
Everyone counts! Responding to the Census is an easy, safe and important way we can help provide for our families and communities for the next 10 years.
For more information or to complete your Census visit http://census.hawaii.gov/census_2020/.
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Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer
(P-EBT) Information
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The P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer) will provide temporary food purchasing assistance to households for students (Kindergarten - 12th Grade) receiving free or reduced-price school meals in Hawaiʻi . The P-EBT program provides resources that give families healthy food options for children during this public health and economic crisis. No need to apply, you will be receiving a letter with more details. If you have moved or will be moving, be sure to update your mailing address with your child’s school.
Details at https://bit.ly/2Vczwi7
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Question & Answer with PUC Chair
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Senator Lorraine Inouye interviews Public Utilities Commission Chair James Griffin on the proposed Senate Draft for House Bill 2475 - Relating to Cargo Carriers.
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If you have experienced a loss in income due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for one-time emergency financial assistance for rent or mortgage up to $2000 per household.
APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN JULY 1ST.
The County of Hawaii's Office of Housing and Community Development with Hope Services Hawaii Inc. is establishing an Emergency Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program to provide financial assistance to Big Island residents who have been financially impacted by COVID-19.
This is possible due to a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus funds.
To apply, visit hopeserviceshawaii.org.
Funds are limited therefore the application will be available until resources have been exhausted.
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