The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) this week released guidelines for safely restarting student athletic programming for high schools beginning Monday. “It is essential to the physical and mental well-being of students that they be able to return to athletic activities,” Deputy Superintendent Phyllis Unebasami said. “This is the first step in our gradual approach to restarting high school athletics in Hawaiʻi.” The guidelines are aligned to the state Department of Health’s Guidance for Schools COVID-19 Learning Model Parameters. It is meant to be a guide for schools to use to ramp up athletic activities as appropriate. Schools have the discretion to plan for a phased restarting of activities to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. High schools must meet two criteria in order to be eligible to start athletic workouts and practices on March 8: The school must be delivering either an in-person or blended learning model of instruction. The school’s athletic activity must align with where their respective island falls within DOH’s learning model matrix, based on daily average cases and positivity rate (as depicted below). For all phases, in addition to standard health and safety procedures, the following guidelines must be followed: Social distancing and mask wearing guidelines must be followed at all times. Pre-workout/practice screenings must take place. Gathering limitations must be in accordance with state and county orders. Adequate cleaning schedules of facilities should be created and implemented for all athletic facilities to mitigate any communicable diseases. Equipment should be wiped down thoroughly before and after use. All students must bring their own water bottle; no hydration stations. The full guidance can be viewed here. The HIDOE plan applies to athletic workouts and practices only. The status of interscholastic competitions remains at the discretion of each island’s respective league association. The plan was developed using information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS), HIDOE Return to Learn School Reopening Plan: Health and Safety Handbook, and Hawaii State Department of Health Guidance for Schools COVID-19.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health announces the state is expanding the pool of those eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations by offering vaccinations to people age 70 and older beginning Monday, March 8. “We are excited to be ahead of schedule and pleased that we can now provide another layer of protection to this vulnerable population,” said State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char. Thus far vaccines have been reserved for healthcare workers, those in long-term care facilities, frontline essential workers and kūpuna 75 and older. “We have vaccinated enough people in those groups that we are able to open eligibility to everyone 70 and above. We will closely monitor how quickly vaccines are used and may open to people age 65 and up and those in phase 1c in a couple of weeks,” Char said. Weekly vaccine allotments to Hawai‘i have increased from about 40,000 doses a month ago to this week’s allotment of more than 67,000 doses. This increase and the recent authorization allowing use of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine accelerates Hawaii’s vaccination schedule. “We must still wait our turn as our elders and frontline essential workers continue to be vaccinated, but we are thrilled others in our community will soon have access to these life-saving vaccines,” Char concluded. source: https://hawaiicovid19.com/vaccinations-for-those-70-and-older-begin-monday-march-8/

New COVID-19 Relief Bill Includes Funding For Unemployment Assistance, Small Businesses, Rent Relief, Vaccine Distribution, Schools, Native Hawaiian Programs Saturday, March 6, 2021 Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) voted to pass a new $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that includes at least $6.1 billion in estimated funding for Hawai‘i. The American Rescue Plan Act – the second largest emergency relief package in American history and a trillion dollars more than the last package passed in December – includes funding for unemployment assistance, and aid for small businesses, vaccine distribution, schools, and health care workers. “Billions of dollars are coming to Hawai‘i to help families and small businesses. This new package will deliver immediate help to people who have lost their job or can’t make their rent. It provides funding for schools and health care and will give our state more resources to get people vaccinated,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The COVID-19 relief package also includes significant funding for state and local governments to cover budget shortfalls, as well as more resources for Native Hawaiian health, housing, and education programs. The bill is expected to easily pass the House of Representatives and be signed into law by the president in the coming days. Key provisions in the COVID-19 relief package include: State and county assistance – At least $2.2 billion for Hawai‘i * Funding may be used to bolster state and local budgets that have sustained significant tax revenue loss due to the pandemic $1.6 billion for the State of Hawai‘i $365 million for the City and County of Honolulu $36 million for the County of Hawai‘i $13 million for the County of Kauai $30 million for the County of Maui Another $116 million will go to the State of Hawai‘i for critical capital projects to enable work, education, and healthcare in response to the pandemic Unemployment assistance – At least $575 million in estimated funding for Hawai‘i workers Available to self-employed individuals, part-time workers, independent contractors, and gig workers, including ride-sharing drivers Covers those who are sick, quarantined, furloughed, or whose family circumstances keep them from working or reduce their pay as a result of the coronavirus outbreak or government containment efforts Aid will cover salaries up to about 65,000 through September 6 with an additional $300 per week Makes the first $10,200 of unemployment benefits collected in 2020 tax free for those households whose income was less than $150,000 Rent and mortgage relief – Estimated $226.5 million for Hawai‘i An estimated $152 million to help Hawai‘i residents who lost their job or saw a significant reduction in income due to the pandemic to make rent Approximately $18 million in HOME program funding which provides resources to help communities build and maintain affordable housing At least $50 million for a new Homeowner Assistance Program to help Hawai‘i families who are behind on their mortgages or already in foreclosure as a result of the pandemic. * $6.5 million in Native Hawaiian Housing Assistance, including: $5 million to the DHHL COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which is estimated to aid 800 households, including beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. The DHHL program helps renters both on and off Hawaiian Home Lands pay for rent, utilities, security deposits and other expenses related to housing incurred due to the pandemic. $1.5 million to DHHL to help homesteaders. Funds can be used for mortgage assistance, assistance after forbearance, principal reduction, utilities, property taxes, and other expenses to prevent foreclosure, default, or utility shut off. Access to $5 billion nationally to help Public Agencies with emergency Housing Choice Vouchers, increased rental costs, and increased administrative costs Access to $100 million nationally for emergency rental assistance for rural housing Access to $100 million nationally to states and NeighborWorks to provide housing counseling services Small businesses and non-profits – $60 billion nationally An additional $7.25 billion for forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to small businesses and non-profits, to help them maintain existing workforce and pay for other expenses like rent, mortgage, and utilities Hawai‘i small businesses and non-profits have received more than $900 million in PPP loans so far in 2021, adding to the $2.5 billion Hawai‘i small businesses and non-profits received in 2020 This bill expands eligibility for non-profits and internet-only news and periodical publishers $25 billion for a new program at the Small Business Administration (SBA) that will make grants to restaurants, bars, and other food and drinking establishments Grants will be available in an amount equal to a business’s pandemic-related revenue loss, up to $10 million (and $5 million per physical location) Eligible entities include restaurants, food stands and food trucks, caterers, bars and lounges, brewpubs and tasting rooms, inns, taverns, and similar businesses, including those located in airport terminals Funding can be used for a wide variety of expenses, including payroll, mortgage, rent, utilities, maintenance expenses (including construction to accommodate outdoor seating), supplies (including protective equipment and cleaning materials), food and beverage expenses, operational expenses, and paid sick leave An additional $1.25 billion for the SBA’s Shuttered Venue Operators grant program, an assistance program created in the December relief law specifically for theaters, museums, and other live entertainment venues This bill will now allow eligible entities to access both the SVO grant program and PPP, which was previously prohibited. $15 billion nationally for additional targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan emergency advance grants, reserved for the smallest and most severely impacted businesses in low-income communities At least $60 million for Hawai‘i from the renewed State Small Business Credit Initiative administered by the Department of the Treasury. The updated program provides low-cost loans and equity investments in small businesses. Vaccine distribution and procurement – $7.5 billion nationally, including at least $20 million for Hawai‘i Funding will be used to help distribute and administer COVID-19 vaccines Testing, contact tracing, and mitigation – $47.8 billion nationally This funding will expand capacity for COVID-19 testing to effectively monitor and suppress COVID–19, conduct surveillance and contact tracing activities, and support other COVID-19 mitigation efforts. In addition, the bill provides $1.75 billion nationally for genomic sequencing and surveillance efforts. Health care – Estimated $150 million for Hawai‘i $20 million to the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems, which provide critical access to health education, promotion, disease prevention, and primary care services for thousands of Native Hawaiians. This funding will support five health centers on Hawai‘i Island, Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and Oahu An estimated $50 million to Hawai‘i’s community health centers to help address the health care needs of local communities across the state An estimated $40 million for rural health care providers An estimated $15 million to support several mental health programs, including the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant and the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant. The bill also includes funding to support mental health training for health care professionals and public safety officers and to promote mental and behavioral health among the health care workforce. At least $25 million in estimated funding for a new program that will recruit, hire, and train new public health workers in Hawai‘i Direct cash payments – Estimated $1.7 billion to Hawai‘i residents Households will get a one-time cash payment of $1,400 per adult and an additional $1,400 per dependent, including both children and non-child dependents An eligible family of four will receive up to $5,600 Benefits start to phase out for those with incomes exceeding $75,000 for singles, $112,500 for single parents, and $150,000 for married couples Nursing homes – Estimated $1.4 million for Hawai‘i At least $428,000 in estimated funding to the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo to upgrade facilities and support its continued operations An estimated $1 million to deploy strike teams to long-term care facilities experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks Education – At least $634 million in estimated funding for Hawai‘i schools An estimated $391 million for Hawai‘i in Elementary and Secondary School (K-12) Emergency Relief Funding At least $78 million must be used to address learning loss An additional $85 million specifically for Native Hawaiian Education Programs An estimated $98 million from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to support Hawai‘i’s colleges and universities At least $60 million in estimated funding for Hawai‘i to support Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions and Asian American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Electric and water utility assistance – Estimated $6 million for Hawai‘i households Additional Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, funding to help Hawaiian Electric, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, and Hawai‘i Gas customers pay their bills New funding to help low-income households pay for drinking water and wastewater utility expenses Child care and welfare programs – Estimated $138 million for Hawai‘i An estimated $136.5 million for child care programs including the Child Care and Development Block Grant and child care stabilization grants An estimated $1.4 million in child abuse and neglect prevention programs Early childhood education – Estimated $3.5 million for Hawai‘i Funding will support Head Start programs in Hawai‘i, which provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services to low-income children Transportation – At least $380 million in estimated funding for Hawai‘i $165 million to ensure that transit services in Hawai‘i continue operating with enhanced safety procedures for passengers and staff $70 million in Capital Improvement Grants for Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) to help the city pay for part of its share by covering the loss in local tax revenue caused by the pandemic $144 million for Hawai‘i airports. Funds can be used for operations and expenses related to coronavirus safety procedures as well as a set-aside for aide to in-terminal airport concessions and other service providers Access to $15 billion in national funding to airlines and contractors for workforce salaries and benefits to prevent layoffs Senior and disability support programs – Estimated $9.2 million for Hawai‘i Funding supports several health care, nutrition, and supportive services for older Americans and people with disabilities and their caregivers Arts and humanities – At least $2.37 million in estimated funding for Hawai‘i An estimated $770,400 for Hawai‘i through the National Endowment for the Arts An estimated $842,400 for Hawai‘i through the National Endowment for the Humanities An estimated $759,086 for the Hawai‘i State Public Library System through the Institute of Museum and Library Services Expansion of the Child Tax Credit For 2021, the bill increases the maximum Child Tax Credit (CTC) from $2,000 to $3,000, with an additional $600 for each child under the age of six, and extends the full credit to 17 year old children The increased amount phases out at $150,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly, $112,500 for heads of households, and $75,000 for individual filers Makes the CTC fully refundable for 2021 so that the lowest income families receive the full credit These changes are estimated to help over 300,000 children in Hawai‘i who currently don’t qualify for the full tax credit Health insurance The bill includes premium assistance of 100 percent for COBRA continuation coverage for eligible individuals and families through September 31, 2021. This will allow individuals who lost their job-based health insurance to keep their insurance and receive federal funding to pay for the full COBRA premium. The bill also significantly reduces premiums for the Affordable Care Act marketplace plans for 2021 and 2022, including by increasing premium tax credits and ensuring that no marketplace enrollee, regardless of income, spends more than 8.5 percent of their income on premiums In Hawai‘i, a family of four with an income of $120,000 is projected to save $551 per month on their premium payments Emergency federal employee paid leave – $570 million nationally Funding supports paid leave for federal employees who cannot work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as if they are sick, are caring for a family member who is sick, or are caring for a child whose school or childcare facility is closed Food and nutrition programs An extension of 15 percent in monthly SNAP benefits to ensure that all Americans receive the food they need The bill also boosts WIC benefits and also supports other nutrition programs Agriculture – $4 billion nationally Funding will support the purchase of agricultural commodities from farmers and ranchers, grants, and loans for small and medium-sized food processors and distributors (including seafood) for measures to respond to and protect workers from COVID, and for food supply chain resiliency $1 billion nationally to provide technical assistance and institutional support for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, including Native Hawaiians The American Rescue Plan also gives the USDA authority to provide farm loan assistance by making payments of up to 120% of outstanding agricultural loans as of January 1, 2021, made to farmers and ranchers from socially disadvantaged groups. source: https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-help-is-on-the-way-at-least-6-billion-coming-to-hawaii

Library System To Host Five Virtual Genealogy Workshops Weekly series on Saturday mornings through April 3rd The Hawaii State Public Library System is hosting five free virtual Genealogy Resources workshops on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. beginning on March 6th until April 3rd. Learn about different research resources, repositories and search strategies that can help you find your family history. Registration is required for these hour-long online presentations. Go to www.librarieshawaii.org to register. The five sessions are: • March 6: How to Begin Finding Your Family Roots, presented by Kylie Flood, Nanakuli Public Library • March 13: Genealogy Research with Nupepa ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, presented by Kawena Komeiji, James and Abigail Kuaihelani Campbell Library • March 20: Genealogy Resources at the Hawaii State Library, presented by Linda Sueyoshi, Hawaii State Library • March 27: Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Sites and Archives, presented by Kelsey Karsin, Hawaiian Mission Houses • April 3: Moʻokūʻauhau x ʻĀina (Genealogy and Land Research), presented by Keahiahi Long, Nā Hawaiʻi ʻImi Loa This genealogy resources series is in partnership with James & Abigail Campbell Library, Hawaiian Mission Houses and Nā Hawaiʻi ʻImi Loa, and generously supported with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information or if you need an auxiliary aid / service or other accommodation due to a disability, please call 808-831-6878 as soon as possible prior to the program date. We will make every attempt to fulfill all requests for accommodations. All programs are subject to change.

SENATE MAJORITY ENGLISH ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF KALAUPAPA RESIDENT - CLARENCE “BOOGIE” KAHILIHIWA Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English (District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe) issued the following statement on the passing of Kalaupapa resident, Clarence “Boogie” Kahilihiwa: “I’m deeply saddened by the news on the passing of Uncle Boogie Kahilihiwa. He was a dear friend and I’m fortunate to have known him for over twenty years. As the President of Ka ʻOhana o Kalaupapa, Uncle Boogie was a leader and a tireless advocate for the patients of Kalaupapa. He dedicated his entire life to preserving the settlement and he worked hard to honor the dignity of every individual that was forced to relocate there. My aloha goes out to his wife, Ivy, the Kahilihiwa ʻohana and all of the patients and friends of Kalaupapa. Uncle Boogie’s presence and his big, warm smile will surely be missed.”

The Hawaiʻi State Board of Education today approved the appointment of Dr. Rebecca Winkie as complex area superintendent for the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education’s (HIDOE) Hāna-Lahainaluna-Lāna‘i-Moloka‘i Complex Area, often referred to as the Canoe Complex. The complex area includes 11 schools spanning three islands. The position is currently held by longtime HIDOE leader Lindsay Ball, who after serving in the position for the past 13 years, will be retiring on June 30. Dr. Winkie will be serving as deputy complex area superintendent, effective April 1, until she fully transitions into the complex area superintendent role on July 1. "We wish Lindsay the best of luck in his retirement and extend a deep mahalo and aloha for all that he has done for public education in Hawaiʻi, especially for the unique area spanning West and East Maui, Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i," Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto said. "Dr. Winkie’s deep knowledge of the Hāna-Lahainaluna-Lāna‘i-Moloka‘i community as well as her proven track record in leading and collaborating with schools and the community will ensure her success as a complex area leader,” she added. “Her work with student subgroups, including special education, English Learners and underserved populations will be a value-added asset as she leads efforts to advance strategies, interventions and deliverables to close the achievement gap and raise academic performance." An 18 year HIDOE veteran, Dr. Winkie currently serves as the principal at Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary – the only elementary school in West Maui to offer a Hawaiian Language Immersion Program for all students. Prior to her four years there, Dr. Winkie served as vice principal at King Kamehameha III Elementary and also taught at Kalama Intermediate and Lāna‘i High and Elementary. "Dr. Winkie has been a positive influence and collaborative team member since she first joined the Canoe Complex Area," Complex Area Superintendent Ball said. “I'm confident that she will bring those same attributes to the HIDOE leadership team.” "Nothing could make me more proud or excited than the opportunity to represent and advocate for the four unique communities of the Canoe Complex," Dr. Winkie said about her new role. Dr. Winkie earned her bachelor's degree and master’s degree in middle childhood education and her doctoral degree in educational administration and supervision from Georgia State University. In addition to her years of educational experience in Hawaiʻi, Dr. Winkie also brings with her 15 years of teaching and administrative experience from Georgia.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health, in collaboration with CARE Hawaii, launched a new crisis counseling assistance program to provide support for children and adults experiencing challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The expansion was made possible by a $2.1 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The new program, called “Kū Makani – The Hawai’i Resiliency Project,” offers counseling, education, information, and resource navigation while promoting healthy coping, empowerment, and resilience. The phrase ‘a‘ali‘i kū makani refers to the ‘a‘ali‘i plant which grows even in strong winds, reflecting the spirit of resilience and thriving under challenging circumstances. “The COVID-19 pandemic has touched everyone in the islands, from keiki to kupuna,” said Amy Curtis, Adult Mental Health Division Administrator. “We are pleased to be able to provide yet another resource to help those of us who need some extra support right now.” Residents can access “Kū Makani” by calling Hawai‘i CARES 1-800-753-6879 and selecting option #1 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and state holidays, and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Services are available for children, teenagers, and adults. Trained crisis counselors are located on each major island, including staff bilingual in Ilokano, Spanish, Hawaiian, Tongan, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Japanese, Palauan, and Samoan. “It is normal to experience difficulty with adapting to the new challenges of managing work, school, family, or home due to COVID-19, to feel isolated or anxious, or to worry about meeting basic needs like having enough food or access to healthcare,” said Kathleen Merriam, Team Leader for Kū Makani. “If you or someone you love needs support, don’t be afraid to reach out.” For general crisis support services not specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, including mental health resources, substance use treatment services, or help with isolation and quarantine, call Hawai‘i CARES 24 hours a day, 7 days per week at 1(800)753-6879 or text ‘ALOHA’ to 741741. PDF: Department of Health expands mental health assistance in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) will begin preparations for the replacement of Makaha Bridge No. 3 and 3A on Farrington Highway on Monday, March 8, 2021. Work will involve clearing of the area makai of the existing bridge to prepare for installation of a temporary bypass. Once installation of the temporary bypass is complete, traffic will be routed to the bypass road and the existing Makaha Bridge No. 3 and 3A will be closed as the contractor works on replacement of the bridges. The existing bridges were built in 1937 and are currently ranked as the top two priority bridges in need of upgrade or repair on the State Highways system. The Replacement of Makaha Bridge No. 3 and Makaha Bridge No. 3A Project was awarded on Feb. 4, 2021, for $19.3 million with 80-percent federal funding and 20-percent from State Highways funds. Completion of the bridge replacement is anticipated in Summer 2022. Motorists are advised to use caution in the area and observe posted speed limits for their safety and the safety of the workers. All roadwork is weather permitting. HDOT appreciates the patience and understanding of road users as we work to improve the condition and increase the safety of our bridges and roadways. Additional information on Makaha Bridge No. 3 and 3A can be found at: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/closure-of-farrington-highway-in-makaha-starting-saturday-night-april-6-for-bridge-deck-work/ http://oeqc2.doh.hawaii.gov/EA_EIS_Library/2011-05-23-OA-FEA-Makaha-Bridges-3-and-3A-Replacement.pdf https://historichawaii.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Makaha-Bridges-MAI-brochure_HHF-scan.pdf To see the planned location of the temporary bypass, click here.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health announces the state is expanding the pool of those eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations by offering vaccinations to people age 70 and older beginning Monday, March 8. “We are excited to be ahead of schedule and pleased that we can now provide another layer of protection to this vulnerable population,” said State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char. Thus far vaccines have been reserved for healthcare workers, those in long-term care facilities, frontline essential workers and kupuna 75 and older. “We have vaccinated enough people in those groups that we are able to open eligibility to everyone 70 and above. We will closely monitor how quickly vaccines are used and may open to people age 65 and up and those in phase 1c in a couple of weeks,” Char said. Weekly vaccine allotments to Hawai‘i have increased from about 40,000 doses a month ago to this week’s allotment of more than 67,000 doses. This increase and the recent authorization allowing use of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine accelerates Hawai‘i’s vaccination schedule. “We must still wait our turn as our elders and frontline essential workers continue to be vaccinated, but we are thrilled others in our community will soon have access to these life-saving vaccines,” Char concluded. PDF: Vaccinations for those 70 and older begin Monday, March 8

SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE RECOMENDS ADVISE AND CONSENT FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF DR. LIBBY CHAR AS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DIRECTOR The Senate Health Committee today voted to recommend that the Senate consent to the appointment of Dr. Elizabeth “Libby” Char as Director of the Department of Health (DOH). She took over leadership at the DOH on September 16, 2020 after being appointed by Governor. David Ige. Dr. Char is an emergency physician and graduate of the University of Hawai’i, John A. Burns School of Medicine. Her vast clinical and administrative experience includes residency training in California, emergency medicine practice at the Queen’s Medical Center, and service as State of Hawai‘i EMS District Medical Director for O‘ahu. “I’m very pleased that the committee unanimously voted to recommend advise and consent to Dr. Char’s nomination,” said Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, chair of the Senate Committee on Health. “She has already proven herself as a capable leader and I look forward to continued collaborations with her as we continue to navigate through this pandemic. If confirmed, Dr. Char’s term of office would be through noon on December 5, 2022.

Spotlighting Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Gov. David Y. Ige will declare March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” in Hawai‘i during the 21st annual “Day at the Capitol” on March 4, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s event will be entirely virtual via ZOOM and the theme is “Treat All People with Equal Rights. Respect All.” Although the event cannot be live in this pandemic year, organizers anticipate about 300 virtual attendees from throughout the state–individuals, family members, service providers, friends and advocates. This special annual event builds awareness of the abilities and strengths of our Hawai‘i neighbors with developmental disabilities. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Hawai‘i is part of a national campaign to raise public awareness and build understanding. The Hawai‘i event is sponsored by the Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Division and the Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities which works to support residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “This year’s theme encourages people to understand that we all deserve to be respected; we all are equal. When we start recognizing our similarities, everyone benefits,” says Daintry Bartoldus, executive administrator of the Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities. “We encourage people to learn more about individuals in Hawai‘i who have developmental disabilities and to recognize that everyone deserves respect to help make Hawai‘i a better place to live,” says Mary Brogan, DOH Developmental Disabilities Division Branch Chief. Participants may sign up for this event through Eventbrite until Thursday, Feb. 18 at https://hawaii2021capitol.eventbrite.com After Feb. 18, please RSVP via email: hiscdd@doh.hawaii.gov In addition to the Governor’s proclamation between 9:15-10 a.m., state legislators will recognize participants during House and Senate Floor sessions. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss developmental disabilities-related issues and concerns with state legislators from their home districts, attend public hearings, take a virtual tour of the State Capitol, give testimony at a mock hearing, learn the legislative process through the Public Access Room and network with fellow attendees. An estimated 22,600 people in Hawai‘i live with a developmental disability. The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act defines a developmental disability as a severe, chronic mental or physical impairment that restricts the ability to function and requires support services. A few examples include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism. The annual “Day at the Capitol” is a collaborative venture coordinated by the Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities in partnership with the Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Division, the University of Hawai‘i Center on Disability Studies, Hawai‘i Disability Rights Center, Hawai‘i Self Advocacy Advisory Council, Disability and Communication Access Board, Special Parent and Information Network, Office of Language Access, the Hilopa‘a Family to Family Health Information Center, Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program, Department of Human Services Med-Quest Division, Office of Elections, Department of Education Community Children’s Council, and Hawai‘i State Department of Education Monitoring and Compliance Branch.

Today, Gina M. Raimondo was sworn in as the 40th U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Secretary Raimondo was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris after a bipartisan vote of 84-15 in the United States Senate. In her role as Secretary of Commerce, Raimondo will lead a key agency focused on promoting economic growth, which includes the International Trade Administration, the Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Patent and Trade Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Economic Development Administration, Minority Business Development Administration, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and National Institute of Standards and Technology. “The Commerce Department has a simple but vital mission — to spur good-paying jobs, empower entrepreneurs to innovate and grow, and help American workers and businesses compete,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Growing economic opportunity for American businesses and workers is the mission that has driven my career, and as we face overlapping crises that have hurt our economy and robbed too many families of their sense of financial security, that mission is more critical than ever. The Commerce Department will work relentlessly to create good-paying jobs, level the playing field for our workers and businesses, and build an economy that does not leave any communities behind. I am honored to assume this position and ready to get work for the American people.” Secretary Raimondo most recently served as the 75th Governor of Rhode Island and its first woman governor. As Governor, she brought unemployment down to its lowest rate since 1989 and helped spur a record number of new businesses in Rhode Island year after year. Under her leadership, Rhode Island became a national leader in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the most tests per capita in the nation and one of the fastest-recovering economies. Prior to her time as Governor, she was Rhode Island’s General Treasurer where she tackled the state’s tackled the state's $7 billion unfunded pension liability. Before entering public service, Secretary Raimondo worked in venture capital – founding her own firm in her home state of Rhode Island. Follow Secretary Raimondo on Twitter at @SecRaimondo