STATE ALLOCATES 98% OF $863 MILLION FROM FEDS

An example of the dining debit card.

Most of the money has been used for unemployment benefits, improvements to the healthcare system, and equipment at the airport. Here is a rundown of how the rest of the money is being spent:

•	$100 million for rent and mortgage relief
•	$14 million to bring in nurses and healthcare workers from the mainland to support our local healthcare industry
•	$10 million for job re-training programs
•	$31 million for devices and connectivity to support schools
•	$61 million for PPE and supplies for schools, hospitals and businesses

To address the lingering backlog of unemployment claims, the State announced that $5 million is being used by the state unemployment office to staff a new 200-person call center which began operating today.

Unemployment Insurance Call Center numbers are:
(833)-901-2272
(833)-901-2275

Those struggling with unemployment will be mailed a dining card (Hawaii Restaurant Card) loaded with $500 to be used at any local restaurants by December 15. The program funded by $75 million from Federal CARES money, assists both Hawaii's unemployed, restaurants, and farmers.

PRE-TRAVEL TESTING TO BEGIN ON OCTOBER 15

Pre-travel testing enables travelers (tourists and locals) from the mainland to avoid a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arriving in the islands, if:
1. They are tested no earlier than 72 hours before their flight arrives with an FDA-approved nasal swab test.
2. Can show proof of negative test results from a CLIA certified laboratory.

Travelers will also have their temperatures checked upon arrival and must fill out a travel and health form. Passengers unable to provide proof of an approved negative test will be required to go into quarantine for 14 days, or until they can provide proof of negative test results.

You can get more information by going to this website:
https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/#travel-FAQs

CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY AT TOWN HALL

Sen. Wakai informs constituents of recent Capitol news.

Moanalua and Salt Lake residents voiced their opinions and concerns at a town hall meeting on March 5 at Salt Lake Elementary. Senator Wakai, Representative Ichiyama, and Councilmember Manahan discussed important issues, such as taxes, security, and homelessness.

RADFORD'S MULTIPURPOSE ROOM READY TO SERVE

Rep. Johanson and Sen. Wakai joined Principal Sunday in blessing Radford's multipurpose room.

The long-awaited multi-purpose room at Radford High School was finally opened and blessed on March 6. The project began 18 years ago but languished due to funding. Sen. Wakai and Rep. Johanson got the final $2.3 million in the 2014 budget to finally finish the project. The money will pay for a new floor, commercial kitchen equipment, and air conditioning.