The City and County of Honolulu is opening its wait list for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program which provides rental assistance to eligible households with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “The program offers rental assistance to help eligible low income and vulnerable families find housing options,” said Director Sarah Allen, Department of Community Services. “The rental subsidy program offered by the City, serves more than 3,800 households in partnership with more than 1,400 landlords.” Pre-applications will be accepted online from Monday, June 14, 2021, 7:45 a.m., to Friday, June 18, 2021, 4:30 p.m., at https://tinyurl.com/oahuhcv. Submitted pre-applications will be randomized, and through a lottery, 2,000 selected applications will be placed on the waiting list. There is no first-come, first-served advantage, and only one application will be allowed per household. There is no guarantee for eligibility or housing assistance after applying. For more information, please contact the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Community Services, Section 8 Office at (808) 768-7096 or visit http://www.honolulu.gov/dcs/housing

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is holding a virtual public hearing on Thursday, June 17, 2021, regarding proposed Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) 19-151, entitled “Photo Red Light Imaging Detector System.” The proposed rules are intended to provide guidance to ensure proper implementation of the new law. The current version of the HAR chapter, and links to participate in the virtual public hearings can be found at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/home/doing-business/hawaii-administrative-rules/. Attendees are encouraged to present their views on the proposed rules at the public hearing, or by e-mail to DriverRecords.hwy@hawaii.gov, or fax (808) 587-6303. Written comments will be accepted through Thursday, June 17, 2021, and may be sent to the following address: Hawaii Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Office 98-339 Ponohana Place Aiea, HI 96701 The virtual public hearings will be held using Microsoft Teams. Meeting information is as follows: For Chapter 19-151 Photo Red Light Imaging Detector System Thursday, June 17, 2021, from 9-11 a.m. Click here for Microsoft Teams meeting link or call 1-808-829-4853, Conference ID: 245 735 292#

The Hawai’i Department of Health (DOH) will offer free COVID-19 rapid tests at the Lanakila Health Center in Kalihi this coming Saturday, June 12 and next Saturday, June 19. Testing will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both days. With the King Kamehameha Day state holiday coming up Friday, this is an ideal time to get the peace of mind a rapid test provides—before celebrating the long weekend with friends and family. The Kalihi Neighborhood Board welcomes community members and visitors of all ages to get a free COVID-19 test. The Lanakila Health Center is located at 1700 Lanakila Avenue. The center has limited parking and is within walking distance of neighboring residents. “As we see pockets of community spread due to COVID-19, the virus disproportionately impacts lives and livelihoods across the state,” says Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char. “We ask everyone to remain vigilant in watching for symptoms of COVID-19. Together we can help each other get past this pandemic.” COVID-19 test results from this testing event are not valid for use in the State of Hawai‘i Safe Travels Program. Please bring a government issued photo ID and wear a mask. Walk-ins will be accepted or you may request an appointment time by email: hawaiifreecovidtest@gmail.com. Appointments take an estimated 30 minutes to complete and test results will be available within about 15 minutes. For additional COVID-19 health information visit: https://hawaiicovid19.com/health-information/.

Interest-free down-payment home loans are now available The City and County of Honolulu, Department of Community Services (DCS), announced that qualified low-income and moderate-income households may be eligible for interest-free down payment loans to assist with purchase of their new homes. $800,000 in HOME funds are available for the loan program for the remainder of this fiscal year. Applications are presently being accepted from applicants’ mortgage lenders for loans up to $40,000. Eligible households are those earning 80% of the area median income or below, which is approximately $77,350 for a family of two or $96,650 for a family of four. Loans will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified Oʻahu residents. “We are very pleased we can provide interest-free down payment loans to qualifying low and moderate income households to assist with purchasing their new home; said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Every dollar counts, and this federal funding is a great opportunity to achieve the dream of home ownership.” The City and County of Honolulu’s Down Payment Loan Program is part of the City’s efforts to promote homeownership and create a stronger community. Utilizing HOME Investment Partnership Act funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, this program provides zero interest loans to qualified low and moderate income families to meet down payment requirements. Interested Oʻahu families are required to apply for a city loan through a mortgage lender after being approved for a first mortgage. There are no application costs. To qualify, applicants must provide five-percent of the purchase price as a down payment and complete an approved homeownership course. A home inspection is also required. For more information, please contact the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Community Services, Loan Branch at (808) 768-7076 or visit www.honolulu.gov/dcs.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) has issued a water conservation notice to customers served by the Anahola Farm Lots PWS No. 432. A broken water pump has caused the water level within the Anahola Farm Lots water tank to fall below operational efficiency. DHHL, through its contractor Aqua Engineers, has activated an interconnection pump to utilize water from the County of Kaua‘i to refill its water tank. The temporary interconnection pump is expected to maintain water service until a permanent water pump arrives on the island. Customers are encouraged to reduce water consumption until final repairs are completed. The Department maintains four water systems statewide. Those water service areas are in Anahola, Kauaʻi; Hoʻolehua and Kalamaʻula, Molokaʻi; and Kawaihae and Puʻukapu, Hawaiʻi Island. For more information, call (808) 620-9500

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) issued a Limited Right of Entry to the Friends of Waimea Community Emergency Response Team who will conduct volunteer landscaping work near the security gate on Poliahu Alanui in Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island. The group is utilizing a grant from the North Hawaiʻi Fire Wise Program to clear 600 feet of dry vegetation to reduce the risk of wildfire. The work will include the removal of dry foliage that has accumulated in mounds on Poliahu Alanui. Work is scheduled for Saturday, June 12, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Area residents are asked to proceed slowly through the area for volunteer safety.

Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald announced today that he is seeking public comment on judicial nominees for a position in the District Family Court in the First Circuit, Island of O'ahu. The names submitted for this vacancy by the Judicial Selection Commission, in alphabetical order, are: Russ S. Awakuni Mr. Awakuni is currently employed by the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. Awakuni is a graduate of Loyola Law School and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 1993. Harvey M. Demetrakopoulos Mr. Demetrakopoulos is currently employed at Shim & Chang. Demetrakopoulos is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 1989. Chastity T. Imamura Ms. Imamura is currently employed as a Hearings Officer with the Office of Dispute Resolution in the Department of the Attorney General. Imamura is a graduate of the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 2002. Clarissa Y. Malinao Ms. Malinao is currently employed at Clarissa Y. Malinao, Attorney at Law and serves as a Per Diem Judge in the District Court of the First Circuit. Malinao is a graduate of Whittier Law School and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 2006. Lesley N. Maloian Ms. Maloian is currently employed as a Deputy Public Defender with the Office of the Public Defender. Maloian is a graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 2002. Steven R. Nichols Mr. Nichols is currently employed as a Deputy Public Defender with the Office of the Public Defender. Nichols is a graduate of the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 2002. Shanlyn A.S. Park Ms. Park is currently employed at Gallagher Kane Amai & Reyes. She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 1995. Rochelle I. Vidinha (Cusumano) Ms. Vidinha is currently employed as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the Departmert of Prosecuting Attorney, City & County of Honolulu. Vidinha is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 2001. The Chief Justice has the discretion to assign judges to the district or district family court calendar. Comments about the qualifications and character of any of the nominees with regard to either calendar assignment may be sent, in writing, to: Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald Supreme Court of Hawaii 417 South King Street Honolulu, HI 96813 Fax: (808) 539-4703 Email: chiefjustice@courts.hawaii.gov

Today, as the planet celebrates the United Nations second annual World Oceans Day, Governor David Ige signed House Bill 553; Relating to Shark Protection, into law, making Hawaiʻi a marine sanctuary for the more than 40 species of sharks that frequent state waters. The bill, introduced by Representative Nicole Lowen (House District 6 - Kailua-Kona, Hōlualoa, Kalaoa, Honokōhau), and championed in the Senate by Senator Mike Gabbard (Senate District 20 - Kapolei, Makakilo, and portions of ‘Ewa, Kalaeloa, and Waipahu), prohibits the intentional or knowing capture, killing or entanglement of any shark in state waters, bringing an end to shark trophy hunting charters, the take of baby sharks for the aquarium pet trade and the intentional killing or mutilation of sharks for their teeth, jaws or other parts. The bill does not criminalize the accidental capture and release of a shark if incidentally captured while lawfully fishing for other species. The bill also allows for the states' continued issuance of research, education and special activity permits. In 2010, Hawaiʻi enacted the nations first anti-finning and shark fin sales ban, setting off a global initiative with 13 U.S. states and territories following Hawaiʻi's lead. Data has shown that Hawaiʻi's shark fin sales ban bill spared the lives of tens of thousands of sharks from cruel finning since its enactment, however, that measure didnt explicitly apply to the capture or killing of whole sharks, as HB553 does. "We thank Governor Ige for signing this important bill into law. Sharks are key apex predators who are critical to our oceans health and resiliency, especially in light of growing negative impacts from climate change," said Representative Lowen. "Manō (shark), are not only important to our reef and ocean ecosystems, but are sacred ʻaumakua (ancestral guardians) of many Native Hawaiians. It is time we extend our Aloha to these guardians of the sea and afford them the protections they so need and deserve," said Senator Gabbard. Research has shown that reef shark population abundance has declined by upwards of 90 percent around the main Hawaiian Islands. Globally, 71 percent of shark species are facing potential extinction. The bill, which becomes law on January 1, 2022, had tremendous support from local marine protection and native Hawaiian organizations including For the Fishes, Mālama Manō, Pono Advocacy, the Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter and the Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition, and by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Department of Land and Natural Resources. For more information on World Oceans Day visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/oceans-day. For more information on Hawaiʻi sharks visit: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/sharks/hawaii-sharks/shark-identification-guide/. Sharks Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/1XN4qfcLAqHsMQlzMicwPFUa9mbu-9Pln?usp=sharing

The City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is surveying Oʻahu residents and seeking input from older adults, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with low incomes in order to better understand their transportation needs. DTS is updating the Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan (HSTCP). Feedback gathered through this survey will help assess current transportation needs and gaps and identify opportunities to improve transportation on Oʻahu for these residents through better coordination of transportation services and more efficient use of available resources.. The public survey will be available online until Wednesday, June 30, 2021. To access the survey, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hstcp2021 DTS asks the public to share this survey link with relevant parties. DTS acknowledges that this is a challenging time, and greatly appreciate the community’s contributions toward ensuring that key populations served by this plan are included in the planning process. Anyone with questions, or require multi-lingual or hard copy surveys can email ccullison@pbrhawaii.com.

Yesterday, at about 7 p.m. Hawai'i Community Correctional Center (HCCC) implemented a lockdown after inmates in one housing module started a disturbance. The facility emergency response security team was given approval to use non-lethal means to gain compliance. The situation was contained by 9 p.m. without further incident. “Staff followed their training to quickly restore order and prevent the situation from escalating,” said PSD Director Max Otani. Facility health care staff evaluated the inmates for possible injuries. There are currently no reports received of any major injuries to inmates or staff. Damage is still being assessed, but preliminary reports indicate inmates broke plexiglass windows and started a small fire that was quickly extinguished. Hawaii Police as well as State Sheriffs were called to the scene and stood by to provide assistance if needed. Tommy Johnson, PSD’s Deputy Director for Corrections, is in Hilo assessing the damage. “All HCCC staff on duty, and many who came to the facility to assist their co-workers, are to be commended for effectively and professionally bringing order to the module during these trying times,” said Tommy Johnson, Deputy Director for Corrections. “I also want to thank the Sheriffs and Hawai'i Police for coming to the facility and offering their assistance.” The cause of the unrest is under investigation and inmates will be questioned. Any inmates found culpable will be criminally and administratively charged. The housing module is located on the Punahele Street side of the facility and houses inmates who are awaiting trial.

The Hawaii Community Correctional Center (HCCC) reports 126 inmate test results received as part of the mass testing effort underway at the facility. Of that number, 37 were positive and 89 were negative. That brings the total active inmate cases to 136. Of the 39 staff test results received, one was positive and 38 were negative, bringing the total staff cases to 11. COVID-19 testing is continuously being conducted statewide at all facilities. The Department of Public Safety (PSD) continues to encourage all staff and inmates to voluntarily get tested and receive the COVID vaccination. For more information on PSD’s planning and response to COVID-19, inmate testing data, and information detailing the efforts made to safeguard the inmates, staff and public, visit: http://dps.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/03/17/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-resources/.

A new partnership between the government, private and community partners is working to provide easier access to healthy foods for children living in Hawai‘i’s rural areas. The Kaukau 4 Keiki partnership will provide weekly breakfast and lunch meal kits for children 18 and under in rural communities with zip codes starting with “967—". The weekly meal kits will be available from June 7 for Oʻahu and June 14 for neighbor islands and will run through July 31. “It’s difficult for children in some areas to make it to a school for a single Grab-and-Go meal during the summer months. Through Kaukau 4 Keiki, many groups have come together to fill this need, and I want to thank all the partners,” said Hawaiʻi’s first lady, Dawn Amano-Ige. “It’s just something we knew we had to do for our keiki. Every child should have access to healthy nutritious food year-round, and transportation can be a real barrier to that during the summer,” said Dexter Kishida, Food Security and Sustainability program manager for the City and County of Honolulu. The Kaukau 4 Keiki Coalition includes food access coordinators on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i Island, Hawai‘i Child Nutrition Program, Kahumana Food Hub & Organic Farms (Oʻahu), Mālama Kaua‘i (Kaua‘i), No Kid Hungry, USDA Summer Food Services Program, Vibrant Hawaii (Hawai‘i island), and Hawaiʻi Foodservice Alliance. “We are grateful for the support of so many partners during this challenging time. The flexibility provided by the USDA waivers allowed the use of resources we already had in place like the Summer Food Service Program which is a federally funded, state-administered program that reimburses program operators who serve free healthy meals and snacks to children and teens,” said Sharlene Wong, program administrator for the Hawai‘i Child Nutrition Program (HCNP). Families can sign up online to receive a meal box for their keiki at www.kaukau4keiki.org or call 2-1-1 if they do not have access to the internet. Funding is very limited, and applications will be approved on a first come first served basis. Families will be contacted by community organizations on the designated date, organizations will deliver a box of fresh veggies, fruits, meat and grains or will provide designated pick up hours. “This is a great opportunity to implement a farm-to-school model during the summer months to support our families and food producers,” said Megan Fox, executive director of Mālama Kaua‘i. Meal kits will vary from island to island, as program hosts will make every effort to support local farmers, ranchers, and food producers with the USDA program’s food purchasing dollars. In addition to Kaukau 4 Keiki, the Department of Education’s Summer Meals Program begins June 4 for children ages 18 and younger, regardless of enrollment status. For a list of participating schools, click here for more information.