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City’s Grants in Aid program deadline is December 12th

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Mayor Caldwell urges nonprofits to apply for funds through the city’s Grants in Aid program

Honolulu – Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced that qualified nonprofit organizations seeking grants available through the city’s Grants in Aid (GIA) program have from today through December 12, 2014 to submit proposals.

The Charter-mandated GIA fund administered by the Department of Community Services (DCS) was established to serve economically and/or socially disadvantaged populations, or provide services for public benefit in the areas of arts, culture, economic development, or the environment.

“Under a voter-passed initiative, the city spends a half of one percent of the general fund on grants for worthy non-profits, so I urge all non-profit organizations serving our community to apply,” said Mayor Caldwell. “The GIA commission will carefully vet and evaluate all of the grant proposals to ensure they are a sound use of taxpayer funds, and score them based on a number of predetermined factors. This process removes any political favoritism in the awarding of the funds. Last year the grants totaled over $5 million dollars and they are already helping service providers across the island.”

Information about requests for grant proposals is available online by clicking here. The documents are easiest to download with Internet Explorer and Safari. Should you require further assistance, please contact the Division of Purchasing Help Desk at 768-5535.

All agencies must submit their sealed proposals to the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services Office of the Division of Purchasing by 2 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time on Friday, December 12, 2014, as evidenced by a date and time stamp from the Division of Purchasing. The Division of Purchasing is located at Honolulu Hale, 530 South King Street, Room 115, Honolulu, HI 96813.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND

The city is mandated by the Charter Amendment to set aside one-half of one percent of general funds for GIA for the following two categories:

Public Services

Funds in this category are used to support qualified public services and programs for target populations deemed by the city to be most vulnerable including (but not limited to) seniors, persons with disabilities, children, victims of domestic violence, homeless persons, and those suffering from the effects of substance abuse or mental health ailments.

Arts, Culture, and Community / Economic Development and the Environment

Funds in this category are used to support sustainable improvement in the well-being and quality of life within local communities, especially those in low- to moderate-income areas. Projects may include (but are not limited to) the creation, development and empowerment of community-based organizations. They may involve planning, organizational support, and technical assistance; supporting financial literacy programs and services; supporting micro-enterprise and business training; and supporting programs that promote cultural or environmental enhancement, protection, or awareness.

 

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Councilmember Pine Urges Extension of Statue of Limitations or Other Solutions to Assist Victims Denied Justice

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(HONOLULU) — Two days after a legislative hearing that shocked the community, a Honolulu city councilmember will be asking the state legislature to extend the statute of limitations for certain crimes to help the numerous victims whose cases were dropped due to prosecutor error.
“What happened to these victims is appalling,” said Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine. “We must do everything in our power to fight for justice for these victims.”

On Tuesday, the City Prosecutor went before the Council’s Executive Matters and Legal Affairs Committee where councilmembers made the grim discovery that 15-20 sexual assault cases had to be dropped because of lost case files. When the files were finally discovered, the statute of limitations had expired forcing the cases and other various crimes to be dismissed.

“I will be meeting with state lawmakers to bring forward a bill to extend the statute of limitations or provide other solutions for these victims who were denied justice,” Pine added.

Councilmember Pine has begun work on legislation, and is optimistic the City is taking the first steps toward restoring the public trust in the state’s justice system.

Councilmember Pine represents residents of District One (Ewa, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau, Makua) and chairs the Intergovernmental Affairs and Human Services Committee.

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Councilmember Pine Says City Must Address Gap In Animal Rescue Services

 

November 17th, 2014

For Immediate Release Councilmember Pine Says City Must Address Gap In Animal Rescue Services Public Hearing Set for Thursday

Waianae – A trending story of a dog left tangled in his own wired leash for days has touched residents, who are outraged that the City hasn’t done anything to help the local pet. “The present situation is unacceptable,” said Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine. “This story is the latest of numerous calls about abandoned, loose, or cruelly-treated pets, that we’ve received. It pains me to know that this and other stories may have been prevented if the City were doing its job and providing the animal control service the public expects.” The City is required to develop a public complaint process with its animal control contractor in consultation with the Honolulu Police Department.

The process, to protect the public and its pets, has in years past, been attended-to by the Hawaii Humane Society – which contracted with the City for animal care and control. Animal-related law enforcement work historically encompassed 11,000 to 15,000 calls for help from the public. However, since August 2013, the City reduced the scope of that animal control contract, removing all law enforcement work from the Humane Society and not specifying who or what agency would pick up the slack. “In light of this gap in service, our communities deserve to know what City agency is responsible for enforcing the law and protecting our pets,” Councilmember Pine added. This Thursday, the Intergovernmental Affairs and Human Services Committee, Chaired by Pine, will hold a public hearing at 2:30 p.m. to receive an update from the City Administration and the Hawaiian Humane Society on animal control services.

 

Information for Thursday’s meeting and instructions on how to submit written testimony or register to speak can be found here:

http://www4.honolulu.gov/…/Documen…/112014IAHSAGENDA.pdf

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY: LANE CLOSURES FOR HONOLULU RAIL TRANSIT PROJECT

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) would like to inform drivers about lane closures for the week of November 2-8 as related to design and construction work for the Honolulu rail transit project. Motorists are advised that work along the 20-mile rail route from East Kapolei to Ala Moana Center will require lane closures during non-peak traffic hours.

For the safety of both the work crews and motorists, the public is advised to proceed with caution through these areas. Drivers should anticipate possible traffic delays or use alternate routes during work hours, and provide a safe distance between their vehicles and workers and equipment.

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EWA (FARRINGTON HIGHWAY) Seven days a week until January 2015

Kualakai Parkway (North-South Road) to Old FortWeaver Road
Farrington Highway between Kualakai Parkway (North-South Road) and Old Fort Weaver Road Loop is closed in both directions beginning Saturday, November 1 through January 2015 for utility relocation and column work. Drivers travelling between East Kapolei and the Ewa/Waipahu region will still be able to access either side by using either the H-1 Freeway on the north end of Kualakai Parkway, or Kapolei Parkway/Geiger Road on the south end.

H-1 FREEWAY WAIAWA INTERCHANGE Sunday through Thursday between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.

H-1/H-2 Freeways near Leeward Community College
Two southbound lanes of the H-2 Freeway approaching theWaiawa Interchange(H-1/H-2 merge) is closed overnight. The guideway work crossing the H-1 Freeway is scheduled to run until mid-2016.

WAIPAHU (FARRINGTON HIGHWAY)

Monday through Friday lane closures

 

Old FortWeaver Road to Leoku Street
Inside westbound lane of Farrington Highway is closed weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Utility relocation work in theWaipahu area is scheduled to run through 2015. Leoku Street to Leokane Street. One eastbound left-turn lane from Farrington Highway onto Leoku Street and the left-turn lane fromFarrington Highway onto Leokane Street is closed 24/7 until the end of the year. The eastbound lanes of Farrington Highway will also be closed weeknights from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Leokane Street to Pupukahi Street
The inside lanes of Farrington Highway is closed weeknights between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Waipahu Depot Road to Mokuola Street
The eastbound lanes of Farrington Highway is closed weeknights between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Waikele Road to Aniani Place
Alternate closures of the eastbound or westbound lanes of Farrington Highway will take place weeknights between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Moloalo Street to Kahualii Street

Traffic will be contraflowed along Farrington Highway. One eastbound lane of Farrington Highway is closed from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Drivers may be diverted to the other side of the road during those times. One westbound lane will be closed from7 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Side street through traffic and left-turns will be restricted at the Paiwa Street intersection

Eastbound left turns from Farrington Highway onto Kahualii Street will be restricted during construction Kahualii Street to the Kamehameha Highway overpass

The westbound lanes of Farrington Highway near the Kamehameha Highway overpass are closed weeknights between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.

PEARL CITY (KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY)

Monday through Friday
Various sections along the outside lanes of Kamehameha Highway in Pearl City and Aiea in both directions are closed weeknights for overhead utility work between 7a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Waiawa Road toWaimano Home Road
Utility relocation work in area scheduled to run until mid-2015

Two westbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway are closed weeknights between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. Two eastbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway are closed overnight between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

The intersection atWaimano Home Road is closed after 9 p.m.

One eastbound lane of Kamehameha Highway near Home Depot is closed 24/7 until mid-November

The eastbound lane of Kamehameha Highway betweenWaihona Street and the merge at Farrington Highway/Kamehameha Highway are closed weeknights between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Puu Poni Street to Kaonohi Street
Two westbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway are closed overnight between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. Two eastbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway are closed overnight between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

Westbound drivers along Kamehameha Highway in the area will be contraflowed to the eastbound side of the highway between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Intersection at Hekaha Street is closed after 9 p.m. on weeknights

One eastbound lane of Kamehameha Highway near Kuleana Road (HECO-Waiau power plant) fronting Neal Blaisdell Park is also closed 24/7 until early 2015.

Left turns at Kuleana Road are also restricted.

Left turns are restricted from Kamehameha Highway heading eastbound onto Kaonohi Street weeknights between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.

AIEA/ALOHA STADIUM (KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY)

Lipoa Place to Pali Momi Street

One eastbound lane of Kamehameha Highway near the Pearl Kai Shopping Center is closed 24/7.

AIEA/ALOHA STADIUM (KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY)

Monday through Friday until end of 2014 Pali Momi Street to Honomanu Street

Two westbound lanes and two eastbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway is closed from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. with various left-turn pocket restrictions.

Eastbound drivers along Kamehameha Highway in the area will be contraflowed to the westbound side of the highway on weeknights between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. Utility work scheduled to run until the end of the year.

One eastbound lane of Kamehameha Highway near McGrew Point is closed 24/7 until the end of the year

The eastbound Moanalua Freeway on-ramp near McGrew Point is closed weeknights between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

Near Aloha Stadium

Right eastbound lane of Kamehameha Highway from the Moanalua Freeway on-ramp to Salt Lake Boulevard is closed 24/7.

Eastbound drivers along Kamehameha Highway will be contraflowed to the westbound side of the highway on weeknights between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Area work to run until the end of the year.
DOWNTOWN HONOLULU/KAKAAKO

Monday, November 3 to Thursday, November 7

Right westbound lane of Nimitz Highway from Mililani Street to Alakea Street is closed between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for soil testing and sidewalk repair.

No work scheduled on Tuesday, November 4.

Queen Street from Cummins Street to Kamakee Street is closed overnight between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. for soil testing. Local traffic will be allowed into the area.

For updates on work days and times, visit the project website at www.honolulutransit.org or contact our hotline at 566-2299.

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3rd Annual Hire Leeward Job and Career Fair – March 24th 2014

 

I am pleased to partner with the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce in presenting the 3rd Annual Hire Leeward Job and Career Fair. The fair will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Hawaii – West Oahu Campus, 91-1001 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, HI 96707. The event is free and open to the public.

Participating businesses and organizations represent a wide field of companies from health care, food service, retail, union organizations to hotels. The 3rd Annual Job and Career Fair will also feature a networking opportunity for businesses and organizations who may not have immediate job openings but would like to share future career opportunities with attendees.

 

The Hire Leeward initiative is a five – year plan with the following goals:

1. Encourage Leeward residents to seek Leeward jobs.

2. Reduce traffic congestion to town.

3. Encourage better coordination with Leeward job employers and job seekers.

4. Encourage Leeward residents to buy from Leeward companies.

5. Hold job training events.

6. Improve the quality of life for Leeward residents.

The registration period is open from now to February 20, 2015 at $125.00 (Early Bird Special – $100.00 if paid by December 5, 2015.) After February 21, 2015 a late registration fee will apply and a $25.00 late fee will apply totaling $150.00. Register online www.hireleeward.com by clicking on the “Employer Participation” tab.

Last year’s event was a huge success with over 3,000 people in attendance seeking over 1,000 job openings offered by participating businesses. We hope that your business will participate again in this year’s fair!

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Section of Farrington Highway in Ewa to close for rail project work

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The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) wants to inform drivers that Farrington Highway between Kualakai Parkway (North-South Road) and Old Fort Weaver Road Loop will be closed in both directions beginning Saturday, November 1 through the end of January 2015 as part of rail construction.

The road closure will allow work crews to safely relocate utility lines and perform shaft/column work along a narrow two-lane stretch of Farrington Highway, just west of the Kahi Mohala Behavioral Center.

Currently, the eastbound direction along that stretch of Farrington Highway is open weekdays between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. until October 31.

Motorists who routinely use Farrington Highway should provide themselves extra time for their commute. Drivers travelling between East Kapolei and the Ewa/Waipahu region will still be able to access either side by using either the H-1 Freeway on the north end of Kualakai Parkway, or Kapolei Parkway/Geiger Road on the south end (see map below).

Roadside electronic message boards will be posted beginning this week to notify drivers about the upcoming full road closure.

Motorists during the road closure will still be able to access the Kahi Mohala facility in Ewa from Fort Weaver Road. Contractor Kiewit is coordinating with Aloun Farms to ensure employees and vendors can still access the area.

Those attending Aloun Farms’ pumpkin patch events this weekend (October 25 and 26) will still be able to access Farrington Highway from Kualakai Parkway.

For updates on construction work days and times, visit the project website at www.honolulutransit.org or contact our hotline at 566-2299.

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Department of Emergency Management releases Oahu evacuation shelter list in preparation for Ana

NEWS RELEASE
DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CITY HOTLINE PHONE NUMBER 808-768-CITY

 

Honolulu— The Department of Emergency Management advises Oahu residents that the following American Red Cross shelters will be available for Hurricane Ana. The shelters listed below will open tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.

SCHOOLS ADDRESS
Brigham Young University 55-220 Kulanui St, Laie 96762 Yes
Farrington High School 1564 N King St, Honolulu 96817 Yes
Leilehua High School 1515 California Ave Wahiawa 96786 Yes
Nanakuli High School 89-980 Nanakuli Ave Waianae 96792 Yes
Waimanalo Elementary School 41-1330 Kalanianaole Hwy Waimanalo 96795 Yes

The above shelters are designated as official shelter locations by the City and County of Honolulu. An evacuation shelter should be your refuge of last resort if you have absolutely nowhere else to go.

Who should evacuate? Residents in the coastal evacuation zones as shown in the yellow tabbed disaster preparedness section of your telephone directory or online at www.oahuDEM.org (see Tsunami Evacuation Zones address search). Residents living in older homes built before 1995, on exposed ridgelines and anyone living in an area prone to or with a history of flooding. Remember, if you choose to evacuate to a shelter you must bring all of your disaster supplies with you.

Shelter-in-Place Safe Room

If you live in a home built after 1995 to current hurricane standards and you are not located in a coastal evacuation or flood zone you should consider Sheltering-in-Place in an interior room on a lower floor without windows.

The Safe Room should be in the interior of the structure, as close to the center as possible and have no outside walls – including the wall to the garage or windows. You want to place as much protection as you can between yourself and high winds and rain outside the structure.

The Safe Room should be large enough to store emergency supplies as well as fit all family members and pets. Also, the more walls surrounding the Safe Room, the better. In two-story structures, a location downstairs near the stairwell may be the strongest point.

Arrange the Safe Room so it has space for emergency supplies and bedding for comfort.

Pet Friendly Shelters

Pets are important, do not leave them at home when evacuating. If your home is not safe for you it is not safe for your pet. Pet Friendly Shelters, managed by the Hawaiian Humane Society, are co-located with select general population shelters. Residents bringing pets to designated pet friendly shelters will need to provide extra food and water for their pet, a pet carrier/cage for each pet that is large enough for them to turn around in as well as cleaning supplies. You will be expected to assist with your pet’s care. More information is posted at www.HawaiianHumane.org

NOTE: If you have a pet and arrive at a non-pet shelter you can leave them in your car parked in a shaded and protected area of the shelter.

Before leaving for a shelter, residents should close windows and doors and shut off/unplug all electrical items and shut off utilities if told to do so.

Keep in mind that the American Red Cross does not allow weapons, illicit drugs, alcohol, and smoking in shelters

More information can be found by clicking here.

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Makaha Valley Flood Study

Seal of the State of Hawaii

 

House of Represenatives H.B. No. 2883: Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a flood study on Makaha Valley.  Appropriates funds.  Effective July 1, 2012.  (HB2883 HD1)A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

On Tuesday, September 23rd a community meeting was held at the Waianae District Park Multi-Purpose Room to share findings from the Makaha Valley Flood Study PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT REPORT.

 

DLNR

 

The PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT REPORT is available for download at: http://dlnreng.hawaii.gov/fcds/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2014/09/Public-DRAFT-Makaha-Flood-Report.pdf

Source: http://dlnreng.hawaii.gov/fcds/2014/09/06/makaha-valley-community-meetingflood-study-draft-public-review/

 

 

 

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Grand Opening of Kapolei Parkway

Kapolei – Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the Department of Transportation Services will celebrate the grand opening of Kapolei Parkway with the Kapolei community on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, from 4 to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

This long awaited segment of Kapolei Parkway, a major thoroughfare through Oahu’s second city, will allow direct connections between Kapolei residential communities, businesses and government, including the Ronald TY Moon Judiciary Courthouse, Costco and Home Depot. The completed segment will also allow commuters a more direct access to the H-1 Freeway.

This Google Map satellite image shows the pre-construction view, when drivers had to detour on the busy Kamokila Boulevard. Beginning Wednesday, October 8 at 10 a.m., when the road official opens to vehicle traffic, residents will be able to use Kapolei Parkway to connect between Kalaeloa Boulevard and Fort Barrette Road.

The celebration will begin at 4 p.m., with keiki activities, Makeke Open Market, and food trucks. The community is invited to bike and walk the new parkway before formal festivities commence.

At 5:30 p.m., the Kapolei High School color guard and marching band will lead the formal procession down Kapolei Parkway to the stage and ribbon-cutting ceremony near Kamokila Boulevard. Mayor Caldwell, other elected officials and dignitaries will lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony at about 6 p.m., with songs by the Kapolei High School choral group and dances by the Kapolei High School Polynesian group.

Free parking on Kapolei Parkway past Alohikea Street will be provided.

Date: October 7, 2014
Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
Place: Kapolei Parkway between Kamaaha Avenue and Kamokila Boulevard

Order of Events:

4 p.m. Kapolei Parkway is open for festivities
5:30 p.m. Kapolei High School Color Guard and Marching Band leads procession to the ceremony near Kamokila Boulevard
6 p.m. Ceremony
Songs by Kapolei High School Choral Group
Dances by Kapolei High School Polynesian Group
7 p.m. Festivities conclude

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VETERANS DESIGNATION AVAILABLE FOR DRIVERS LICENSE/STATE ID

City and County of Honolulu Logo

 

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) in cooperation with the counties of Hawaii, Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui are pleased to announce that a veteran designation will be available for Hawaii driver’s licenses, state ID’s, and instruction permits effective October 1, 2014.

Persons who served in any of the uniformed services of the United States and received a discharge other than dishonorable are eligible. Applicants must provide proof of qualification. Acceptable documents include:

• DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
• NGB Form 22 (National Guard Report of Separation from Active Duty)
• Prior to January 1, 1950 – WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO, 53-55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD, NAVCG 553
• Discharge Certificate reflecting characterization of discharge
• Verification letter issued by the Veterans Administration
• Verification letter issued by the Office of Veteran Services

Applicants requiring a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge, or other Military Documents to verify Veteran and Military eligibility status may go to:

• www.archives.gov/veterans/military-services-records<http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-services-records>/ and follow the steps outlined for either an online application request or follow procedures to print, populate, and mail out a Standard Form (SF) 180 request

Applicants may also contact:

• National Personnel Records Center: (314) 801-0800

• Hawaii State Office of Veterans Services at (808) 433-0420, Tripler Army Medical Center, 459 Patterson Road, E-Wing, Room 1-A103, Honolulu, HI 96819-1522

Applicants whose driver’s license, permit, or state ID’s are not within the renewal period may add the veteran designation by applying for a duplicate by presenting one of the documents listed above. Regular duplicate fees will apply.

Applicants for new or renewal driver’s licenses, instructional permits, and state ID’s are required to provide the necessary documents for proof of name, date of birth, social security number, principal residence and legal presence status. See links for details http://hidldocs.com<http://hidldocs.com/> or http://hidot.hawaii.gov/hawaiis-legal-presence-law/ and http://hidot.hawaii.gov/hawaiistateid/.

Customers with specific questions may contact their county driver license/ state ID office at:
County of Hawaii: 961-2222
City & County of Honolulu: 532-7730
County of Kauai: 241-4242
County of Maui: 270-7363 (Molokai: 553-9067, Lanai: 565-7878)

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