PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP SECURES PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT For Service Providers on O‘ahu with Statewide Distribution Several community nonprofits are partnering with the State of Hawai‘i to secure donations of homemade and unopened store-bought personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, goggles and face shields, and distribute them to behavioral health workers and social service providers statewide, to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Three drop-off and distribution sites, or “resilience hubs,” have been organized and will open on O‘ahu on Thursday, April 9. The effort is a public-private partnership with the Hawai‘i Department of Health, the Office of the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness, the Hawai‘i Department of Human Services, and three nonprofit providers who will operate the hubs: KROC Center in Kapolei, KEY Project in Kahalu‘u and YMCA in Kalihi. Funds for the effort were donated from BlackSand Capital into the Hawai‘i Resilience Fund, with a match from The Hawai‘i Community Foundation. The effort aligns with the new recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. “Our stateʻs behavioral health and homeless providers are rising to the challenge to maintain continuity of services while ensuring safety of both staff and clients,” said Eddie Mersereau, Deputy Director of the Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration. In the future the resilience hubs will also begin accepting supplies such as bleach, hand sanitizer, paper towels and toilet paper. The public can drop off items Monday through Friday during set times at each resilience hub or contact the facility to schedule a delivery during different hours. KROC Center in Kapolei 91-3257 Kualakai Parkway, Ewa Beach, HI 96706 Drop-off hours: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. (808) 682-5505 Opens: Thursday, April 9, 2020 KEY Project 47-200 Waihee Road, Kaneohe, HI 96744 Drop-off hours: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (808) 239-5777 Opens: Thursday, April 9, 2020 Kalihi YMCA 1335 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 Drop-off hours: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. (808) 848-2494 Opens: Thursday, April 9, 2020 “We feel fortunate to be able to support key nonprofits in our community and the incredible individuals who are continuing to serve our most vulnerable populations at this critical time,” said B.J. Kobayashi, CEO of BlackSand Capital. “Thanks to the generosity of BlackSand Capital and the Hawai‘i Community Foundation we will be able to better protect many of Hawai‘i’s behavioral health workers and social service providers against COVID-19,” said Major Phil Lum, Administrator, The Salvation Army Kroc Center Hawai‘i. “This kind of community-driven approach is exactly what we need right now and we are so glad to be a part of it.” The effort will begin on O‘ahu, with statewide distribution of the donated supplies.  Expansion of additional hubs on the Neighbor Islands is being discussed. “As the pandemic continues, ensuring continuity of care of our behavioral health and homelessness services system is vital because of the pandemic’s economic, social and psychological impacts,” said Scott Morishige, the Governorʻs Coordinator on Homelessness. To learn more about this initiative or for other ways to provide community support during the pandemic, please visit the Behavioral Health and Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group (BHH-SURG) website at https://bhhsurg.hawaii.gov/. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (@bhhsurg)

The City and County of Honolulu is pleased to announce that Premier Medical Group Hawaiʻi will conduct drive-thru COVID-19 testing this Thursday, April 9. Testing will be conducted in the Waiʻanae Harbor lot, 85-471 Farrington Highway. Follow the signs posted on Farrington Highway where you will be directed to the initial screening site. The hours of testing will be from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Those coming for testing should be experiencing upper respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. Premier Medical Group Hawaiʻi’s Dr. Scott Miscovich will be leading the effort. All who attend will first be screened for symptoms and asked to provide personal information and contact numbers so results can be made known to them. Results of the testing will be used to identify COVID-19 “Hot Spots” to help in their containment.  “We need to be more aggressive in testing,” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “The enemy is the COVID-19 virus. We know it’s out there, we now need to find out exactly where it is. The only way we do that is through more testing.” For more information on this testing, please call Premier Medical Group Hawaiʻi at (808) 304-8816 or (808) 367-6020.

The special committee will convene again tomorrow to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to: Confirm the development of the state departmental plans and procedures; Review and assess current state departmental plans and procedures; Review and assess whether state departmental plans and procedures are properly and timely implemented to safeguard public health and safety; and To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom. The special committee will be meeting with the following: 11:00 a.m.             Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Mr. Scott Murakami, Director 12:00 p.m.             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 1:00 p.m.               Releasing of incarcerated persons Honorable Daniel Foley (Ret.), Special Master 2:00 p.m.                Department of Public Safety .Nolan Espinda, Director Please note that there may be committee members or invited speakers participating remotely via video or teleconference. The meeting will be available for live viewing on ‘Olelo Channel 49 on O‘ahu and will go out live for pick up by neighbor island public access channels. It will also be livestreamed via http://olelo.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=13. No public testimony will be accepted. If you require special assistance, please call 586-6800 or email your request to waysandmeans@capitol.hawaii.gov.

The City and County of Honolulu is pleased to announce that Premier Medical Group Hawaiʻi will conduct drive-thru COVID-19 testing this weekend. Testing will be conducted on Saturday only, in the parking lot of Waipiʻo Peninsula Soccer Complex. Those coming for testing should be experiencing upper respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. On Saturday, April 11, the testing site will be at Waipiʻo Peninsula Soccer Complex, 93-061 Waipiʻo Point Access Road, Waipahu, off Farrington Highway. Follow the signs posted on Waipiʻo Point Access Road to the Soccer Complex where you will be directed to the initial screening site. The hours of testing will be from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Premier Medical Group Hawaiʻi’s Dr. Scott Miscovich will again be leading the effort. All who attend will first be screened for symptoms and asked to provide personal information and contact numbers so results can be made known to them. Results of the testing will be used to identify COVID-19 “Hot Spots” to help in their containment.  “I think mass testing will make a tremendous difference in flattening the curve,” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “Part of it is to find out if we have clusters. And the reason I want to know this is because I want to tell the public where these clusters are so individuals can be more cautious in their communities.” For more information on this testing, please call Premier Medical Group Hawaiʻi at (808) 304-8816 or (808) 367-6020.

Mayor Michael Victorino provided the following statement on COVID-19 cases at Maui Memorial Medical Center. “I was informed this morning that a cluster of COVID-19 cases has been identified and involve hospital staff at Maui Memorial Medical Center. These employees were immediately sent home to self-isolate and plans are moving forward to transport these workers to a quarantine site away from their families.” “We also are working very closely with Maui Health System, the State Department of Health and others to accelerate testing for additional hospital workers this afternoon. Gov. David Ige has assured me that he will do everything he can to expedite test results.” “I want to mahalo everyone who is on the front lines of this pandemic. These are difficult times for all of us and we are taking immediate action to assist our healthcare workers. The County will be redirecting any available personal protective equipment to the hospital for their staff.” “We will continue to do everything in our power to protect the health and safety of everyone in Maui County.” #COVID19 #Coronavirus #MauiMemorialHospital #MauiHealthSystem #MikeVictorino #MauiMayor #MauiCounty

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (D-Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau) announces that Governor David Y. Ige has released funding for two major Capital Improvement Projects related to the Lihu‘e Airport on Kaua‘i. A total of $6.7 million will be used to finance additional land acquisition costs at the airport, along with construction costs for the ticket lobby and hold room improvements. “I would like to thank Governor Ige for releasing these funds,” Senator Kouchi said. “Working to solve the great challenges during this difficult time and funding projects such as these are important and contribute to building a better home for our kupuna, keiki and all the residents of Hawai‘i.”

(Kahului, Maui) – The Maui Legislative Delegation issued the following statement after multiple employees at Maui Memorial Hospital tested positive for COVID-19: “While the details of these cases are still forthcoming, we are deeply concerned for the safety of our healthcare professionals and other first responders. These employees are on the front lines everyday working to protect our community during this health crisis and we must do what we can to ensure their health and well-being. As our islands lone major healthcare facility, our delegation is confident in the hospital’s ability to address this situation while continuing to provide quality care for the people of Maui County. We ask all residents to continue following the proper health protocols as we rapidly work to mitigate the spread of this virus.” The Maui Legislative Delegation members are Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English (Senate District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe), Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran (Senate District 5 – Wailuku, Waiheʻe, Kahului), Senator Rosalyn Baker (Senate District 6 – South and West Maui), Representative Lynn DeCoite (House District 13 – Molokaʻi, East Maui, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe and Molokini), Representative Troy Hashimoto (Houst District 8 - Kahakuloa, Waiheʻe, Waiʻehu, Puʻuohala, Wailuku, Waikapū), Representative Angus McKelvey (House District 10 - West Maui, Māʻalaea, North Kīhei), Representative Tina Wildberger (House District 11 – South Maui), Representative Justin Woodson (House District 9 - Kahului, Puʻunēnē, Old Sand Hills, Maui Lani) and Representative Kyle Yamashita (Spreckelsville, Pukalani, Makawao, Kula, Keokea, Ulupalakua, Kahului).

Beginning this week, the County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division (EAD) began a comprehensive meal delivery program for eligible seniors enrolled in Hawai‘i County’s Nutrition Program.  In compliance with Governor Ige’s Third Emergency Proclamation on COVID-19, which restricted gatherings and instituted social distancing requirements beginning March 25, 2020, EAD undertook a herculean effort to convert its two standard meals programs for seniors, Meals on Wheels and Congregate [Meals] Sites, into a meticulously organized meal delivery network that services all enrolled seniors at their respective places of residence. In this initial week of EAD’s emergency meal delivery program, 3,440 frozen prepared meals will be delivered to 688 seniors that opted into the program.  Each senior will receive 5 nutritious meals per week prepared by one of five different vendors depending on the recipient’s location.  EAD staff have charted 24 distinct routes spanning the entire island to efficiently distribute the meals.  All deliveries on 22 of these routes are performed by EAD employees, in marked County of Hawai‘i vehicles, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, depending on geographic location.  The remaining 2 routes (Wainaku to Pa‘auilo and Honoka‘a to Waimea) are executed by staff of Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC) in their marked vehicles. In addition to the delivery of meals, EAD staff members are reaching out by phone weekly to the seniors in its highest risk category to ensure they are doing okay and to inquire with them what their plans are over the next month and if there is any way that EAD can assist them further in this period of emergency. During this time, EAD continues to service seniors through its Coordinated Services for the Elderly program that provides transportation for doctor’s appointments, pharmaceutical pickups, 2-week essentials shopping as well as emergency services (such as dialysis, cancer treatments, etc.). The Department of Parks and Recreation thanks the Hawai‘i County Office of Aging for its continued support of this emergency meals programs as well as its meals vendors: Nani Mau, HCEOC, Café 100, Big Island Grill and L&L Drive Inn. For questions about the program, please call Roann S. Okamura, EAD Operations Director, at 961-8708.

• GREENWASTE COLLECTION is discontinued at Kealakehe, Ke‘ei, Pāhoa, Kea‘au, Volcano, and Waimea Transfer Stations. • SCRAP METAL and WHITE GOODS COLLECTION is discontinued at Hilo, Kea‘au, Pāhoa, Volcano, Wai‘ōhinu, Pāhala, Ke‘ei, Kealakehe, Puakō, Waimea, Hāwī, Honoka‘a, and Laupāhoehoe Transfer Stations. Greenwaste Collection services will be discontinued at all transfer stations beginning Monday April 13, 2020 and will remain closed until April 30, 2020, or further notice. Greenwaste collection is offered at: Hilo: East Hawaii Organics Facility located adjacent to the Hilo Transfer Station; open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. daily (7 days a week) Waikoloa: West Hawaii Organics Facility located within the West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill facility; open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday thru Saturday. Scrap Metal and Whitegoods Collection services will be discontinued at all transfer stations beginning Monday April 13, 2020 and will remain closed until April 30, 2020, or further notice. Residents are encouraged to hold on to these materials until collection services resume.  We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding as we tackle the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please visit our www.hawaiizerowaste.org website for locations and future closure information.

HIDOE has submitted a request for waivers under the CARES Act which will allow for additional time to obligate ESSA federal program funds to address educational needs during this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. On March 24, 2020, the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) Superintendent Dr. Christina M. Kishimoto announced the closure of all public school facilities in Hawaii in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Due to school closures, HIDOE has coordinated innovative approaches to maintain the continuity of learning for all Hawaii public school students in response to the unprecedented loss of instructional days. On April 3, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) informed state educational agencies that they may submit a request to waive specific provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA), pursuant to the authority granted to the ED Secretary under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Pub. L. No. 116-136 (March 27, 2020). This announcement was in response to the nationwide disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  These waivers will help to facilitate HIDOE’s planning for the resumption of public education services in Hawaii. These waivers will enable HIDOE to: Extend for itself and its subgrantees the period of availability of federal fiscal year 2018 funds for programs included in the Hawaii Consolidated State Plan for ESSA to allow additional time to obligate these funds to ensure the continued availability of resources to address existing challenges and those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; Utilize Title IV, Part A funds to best meet instructional needs without regard to content-area spending requirements, spending limits on technology infrastructure, or completing a needs assessment to provide schools with resources to ensure equitable access to education; and Conduct time-sensitive, one-time or stand-alone professional development focused on supporting educators to provide effective distance learning, enabling educators to leverage their strengths in the classroom with 21st century tools to provide greater access and equity of education for all students. Once granted, the waivers will provide HIDOE with the flexibility needed to quickly adapt to the fluid circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and implement policies to optimally ensure student success and the delivery of learning supports in a condensed period of time. Waiver request pursuant to the CARES Act (Link to letter addressed to Secretary Brogra, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education in DC) Survey To submit comments on Hawaii’s waiver requests for flexibilities afforded under the CARES Act, please complete this survey. The deadline for comments is Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Should you have questions, please contact the Policy, Innovation, Planning and Evaluation Branch at (808) 586-3800 or via email at PIPE@k12.hi.us. We appreciate any feedback regarding Hawaii’s waiver request for flexibilities afforded under the CARES Act. Learn more about how the HIDOE is supporting its students and educators during this COVID-19 pandemic at hawaiipublicschools.org. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #HIDOE #HawaiiPublicSchools #CARESAct

Premier Medical Group and Bay Clinic with the support of the County of Hawai`i COVID-19 Task Force will offer a drive-through screening and testing clinic. The one- day clinic for COVID-19 will be held at Hilo’s Ho`olulu Complex on Saturday, April 11, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Access only through the Pi’ilani/Hinano entrance. Please note that the testing day has been changed to SATURDAY, to adjust for Easter Sunday. (Normally the Hilo testing is done on Sundays.) This free clinic is open to the public.  However, individuals must first undergo a screening to determine if they meet the criteria to be tested.  Clinic physicians on site will make the determination regarding testing.  The screening criteria is based on guidance of the CDC and the State’s COVID-19 Response Task Force. People who visit the screening clinic will be asked to show photo ID.  Additionally, people are requested to bring their own pen, and any health insurance cards they have, although insurance is not required. For further information, please call Civil Defense at 935-0031 Source: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1966/720 .

Aloha Senate District 3 ‘Ohana, From Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha 3rd Senatorial District Map- Kona, Ka‘ū Hope this note reaches you well. With every day that passes, witnessing our community’s ability to adapt and adjust to this new normal of physical precautions has been both endearing and promising. Last week was a nice milestone for as we still seek engagement, aside from face-to-face interaction, much of our communication as legislators has moved virtually online. On Tuesday, March 31, Big Island Legislators hosted our first Virtual Town Hall. Now, it may not come as a surprise but there may have been disconnects and muffled responses during our 2-hour town hall. Nonetheless, we were excited to be connected, engage via live-stream with constituents and share updates from State and House leadership. As we work to reduce the spread of COVID-19, by remaining at home and practicing safeguard measures, this also comes with finding different ways to enjoy the little things in life. Or to thank those who do so much for our community and ask for little in return.   Therefore, mahalo to those who generously continue to dedicate their time away from the safety of their homes: our first responders, healthcare workers, and every single person carrying out essential roles for the safety and well-being of the West Hawai’i community.  We see you. We appreciate you. And, we cannot get through this without you.   Thank you for your sacrifice and commitment. Me ka haʻahaʻa,Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha Senate District 3 | Kona, Kaʻū FOLLOW-UP ON QUESTIONS FROM VIRTUAL TOWN HALL On Tuesday, March 31, the Hawai’i Island Delegation hosted its first Virtual Town Hall to provide updates and yield questions from our community online. Mahalo to everyone who participated.  From our community, there were a few questions I wanted to highlight and share my response.  Please see the following:  There have been reports of people experiencing homelessness congregating in front of Hope Services and The Friendly Place in Kailua-Kona. What kind of resources are being offered to people experiencing homelessness to ensure they are able to eat, isolate, practice good hygiene, etc.? As a community resource, Hope Services Hawai’i is working to make homelessness on Hawai’i Island rare, brief, and nonrecurring. With new several new initiatives in lieu of COVID-19, Hope Services’ street medicine outreach team is conducting screening and assessments at encampments, providing prescription delivery, and ensuring continuity of health care treatment plans. In partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island, Hope Services participates in the Community Support Meal Initiative to provide free, prepared meals to residents at the homeless shelter in Kailua-Kona. Additionally, several State and County facilities have been reopened to provide residents experiencing homelessness with public access to hygiene facilities and comfort stations. Families in South Kona from Honaunau to Ocean View, and in North Kona need to drive long distances to pick up meals at schools currently participating in the State of Hawai’i Department of Education (HIDOE) Seamless Summer Option (SSO) program for grab-and-go breakfast and lunch. What is being done to ensure families in rural areas have access to this program? The HIDOE is implementing the SSO program a few months earlier than scheduled to support keiki and their families during COVID-19. We are excited to announce that Kealakehe Intermediate School and Na’alehu Elementary School have been added to offer grab-and-go locations for breakfast and lunch pickup in Senate District 3. We are still advocating for further opportunities – including potential delivery services – to improve access of this program for rural communities in South Kona. Many residents have experienced financial hardships associated with business closing in lieu of COVID-19. What is being done to ensure tenants who cannot make rent are not evicted at this time? According to the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), residents are  still legally obligated to pay rent, however, if experiencing hardships, renters are advised to contact their landlords as soon as possible to discuss delayed or partial payment options. The Judiciary has stated that legal proceedings relating to summary possession or eviction have been postponed until Thursday, April 30. Therefore, no new eviction orders will be issued until after Thursday, April 30. Furthermore, landlords are prohibited from increasing rent during the state of emergency. For further information, please see the DCCA's Landlord-Tenant Code FAQs. Though there are mandatory 14-day self-quarantine periods for all international, domestic, and inter-island travel through Hawaii’s airports, there have been reports of tourists still congregating in public places. What is the general definition of “essential travel” and how are self-quarantine periods enforced? The general definition of “essential travel” are people who travel to perform essential functions are subject to self-quarantine while traveling, except when performing essential functions. Self-quarantine means travelers must remain in their place of lodging, order food by delivery, and not receive visitors. For general inquiries on what constitutes “essential travel”, please email: COVIDexemption@hawaii.gov. There is a lot of confusion surrounding conflicting recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Federal, State and County localities. Should I wear a mask in public? Will this help prevent me from catching COVID-19? Yes. When you leave your place of residence, please wear protective covering like a mask over your nose and mouth. The CDC’s initial statement was that masks do not protect against COVID-19.  Over the course of this crisis, the CDC has updated guidelines to encourage wearing any form of protective face, nose, and hands covering to help prevent already infected individuals from further spreading COVID-19. I am still being expected to work and I don’t feel safe. Do I qualify for hazard pay? Will I be fired if I refuse to go to work? Unfortunately in Hawai'i, employees do not qualify for hazard pay through increased risk of exposure to COVID-19. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) urges businesses and employees to facilitate communication regarding updated workplace policies and responsibilities. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), however, requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19 from April 1 to December 31, 2020. For more information on situations that qualify for emergency leave, please see the United States Department of Labor's Families First Coronavirus Response Act fact sheet. As gas prices are in a free-fall around the world and at large corporations such as Costco, I have noticed some local businesses have not followed suit. Are there protections for price gauging during this time? How do I report price gauging? During the COVID-19 crisis, prices are legally frozen and businesses that markup prices to that take advantage of desperate customers are considered illegal price gouging. To report illegal price gouging activities, individuals should send a photo of the receipt and other records of sale; name of business, location of the business (county, city, area); and details of the item purchased to: ocp@dcca.hawaii.gov. Our next Big Island Legislators Virtual Town Hall will be tomorrow, Wednesday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m., a link will be provided through my Facebook page. STATE OF HAWAI'I DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (HDOA) UPDATE On Monday, April 6, HDOA Chair Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser identified United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that can provide emergency food assistance for commodities ($1.5 million), the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program ($662,000) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ($2.1 million), all through USDA programs.  An additional assistance of $9.1 million is available for providers of specialty crops and for other producers that supply our food distribution system, such as livestock producers. The USDA will be providing details at: www.usda.gov/coronavirus.  The HDOA identified that Hawai’i farmers have lost 50 to 60 percent of their market in the first week of the stay at home order, therefore, deciding to defer agricultural loan payments throughout the stay-at-home order. Further, Chair Shimabukuro-Geiser reaffirmed the HDOA’s commitment to working with farmers around the State to open additional drive-through farmers’ markets outside of urban Honolulu. The following West Hawai’i farmers’ market remain open for business: Keauhou Farmers’ Market – Keauhou, HI Update: The Keauhou Farmers’ Market has moved operations to online service only. Customers can order online and pick-up curbside at the former Food Basket’s location in Honalo. Hours of operations isbetween 9:30 a.m. –12:00 p.m. every Saturday. Customers are asked to park in the designated area, remain in the vehicle and provide the order number. Staff is equipped with hand sanitizer and will deliver the produce purchased.  Please note, staff are discouraged from any further interaction with customers. For more information, please visit: www.keauhoufarmersmarket.com. For information regarding farmers’ markets in Senate District 3, that remain open for business, please email: senkanuha@capitol.hawaii.gov. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ADDS KEALAKEHE INTERMEDIATE AND NA'ALEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL(S) TO GRAB-AND-GO MEAL PROGRAM Starting on Monday, April 6, Kealakehe Intermediate School and Na’alehu Elementary School are the latest campuses in Senate Distrct 3 that have been added to the Department of Education (DOE) Seamless Summer Option (SSO) for grab-and-go breakfast and lunch pickup. As a reminder, breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and lunch will be  served from 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Please note, there will be no interaction between DOE staff and the community. Schools in Senate District 3 serving “grab-and-go”: Kahakai Elementary School Konawaena High School Ka’u High and Pahala Elementary School Kealakehe Intermediate School Na’alehu Elementary School Click here for more information about the SSO program, including participating schools. COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT: HOTELS FOR HEROES Through a partnership with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) and Hawai’i Lodging and Tourism Association (HLTA), the Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA) has launched its Hotels for Heroes initiative on April 3, 2020. This initiative provides complimentary lodging to first responders and health care workers, to limit potentially spreading COVID-19 to their families or provide more convenient accommodations. Through this program, participating hotels are reimbursed up to $85 a night per room, in the process, creating much-needed hours for displaced workers. MAKE YOUR OWN "ALOHA" MASK AT HOME Based on recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and recommendations from Governor Ige, the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19, the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) and the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) is looking into a statewide policy on the use of wearing masks that covers the face and mouth. As the State moves towards more preventative measures for COVID-19, I encourage everyone to wear a protective mask, covering the face and mouth, to help prevent the spread of infection throughout our community. Mahalo to our local designer Kini Zamora for this great tutorial on sewing your own “DIY” fabric mask! As we showcase our Tutu’s old quilts, Papa’s retired aloha shirts and old, matching palaka fabrics from our childhood, let's keep in mind – we are in this together. Every time you step outside of your home with protective covering, you aren’t just taking care of yourself – but also taking care of your ‘ohana. SHORTCUT TO STATE RESOURCES Governor David Ige’s – Third Supplemental Proclamation DLIR – How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance DLIR – Apply for Unemployment Insurance DOH – How to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 DOH – Up-to-date COVID-19 Hawaii Statistics DOT – Coronavirus Info and Resources DOA – Inter-island Travel Declaration Form DCCA – Landlord-Tenant Code Hawaii State Senate YouTube Channel To participate in the 2020 U.S. Census From U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), information about the CARES Act (H.R. 748) and Family First Coronavirus Response SBA – Paycheck Protection Program Application CDC – How to Wear a Cloth Covering For questions about exemptions to mandatory restrictions, email CovidExemption@hawaii.gov. If you would like to volunteer ideas or resources to assist in the response effort, email CovidKokua@hawaii.gov. Facebook: https://hawaii.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d5c0989e4bad8620d1a0d4adb&id=97195081fd&e=297b9eb0e1 Copyright © 2020 Office of Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Office of Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha415 S Beretania St Rm 206 Honolulu, HI 96813-2407 #COVID19 #Coronavirus #CDC #HawaiiSenate #HawaiiSenateMajority #DruMamoKanuha