Farmers on six islands across the state sent heartfelt messages when they received word they were approved for emergency funds from the state Department of Agriculture (HDOA). A total of $470,000 through 202 grants from the Emergency Farmer Relief Program provided a lifeline for struggling farmers hit hard by COVID-19. HDOA chairperson Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, the market development branch and fiscal office, and the Department of Accounting and General Services worked together to process the applications and get checks into farmers’ hands as quickly as possible. (Read more)

How do we stay safe in a COVID-19 world as we restart our economy?  That’s the question everyone is asking as we try to figure out our “new normal.” To get some answers, Capitol Connection talked with state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park and Dr. Edward Desmond, head of the Hawai‘i State Laboratories Division. Their answers provide some hope for what Hawai‘i is already doing right as well as what to expect for the future. (Read more)

Testing. Contact tracing. Isolation. Sentinel surveillance. How do they all work together to control the spread of COVID-19? “They’re all tools in a toolbox — part of the bigger effort to protect the community,” said Dr. Sarah Park. The state’s comprehensive approach — together with the community’s own precautions — is keeping the case count low and offering a roadmap for how to help Hawai‘i weather the COVID storm. (Read more) 

Who protects the protectors and their patients? For those who provide mental health services, the departments of Health, Human Services, and the Behavioral Health and Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group (BHHSURG) have been coordinating the distribution of donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) across the state. The Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness and his team are part of this effort to ensure service providers are protected as well as filling the gaps for other needs. (Read more)

Whether it was a virtual ceremony, a caravan of cars or a series of YouTube videos, nothing seemed to dampen the spirits of the Class of 2020 and their families – not even a pandemic. Schools and colleges across the state found creative ways to celebrate their students’ accomplishments. Castle High graduate Kaile Au-Kanoa summed up the determination of many students in the face of COVID-19 when she said, “Push through and keep going!” Kaile has a full scholarship to Windward Community College. (Read more)

The 10 campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi system will be using both on-campus and online instruction for the fall 2020 semester starting Aug. 24, in what is being called a “COVID-19-aware approach” to keep students, faculty and staff safe, said UH President David Lassner. This includes steps to ensure social distancing and hygiene. (Read more)

A new program to provide rental relief for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Applicant Waiting List beneficiaries launched last month in partnership with Aloha United Way. Eligible native Hawaiians on DHHL’s Applicant Waiting List who have experienced a loss of income as a result of COVID-19 may receive help for the payment of their security deposit and/or rent for up to six months. (Read more)

Good news for parents looking for a safe, virtual way to inspire a love of reading among their children. First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige has launched a weekly storytime on her Facebook page that people can access anytime. Mrs. Ige’s book choices combine positive messages with fun activities to help families enjoy their time together at home. (Read more)

If you’re looking to escape to your nearest Hawai‘i state park, check the list at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/ for which ones are open or closed. The reopening of certain state parks comes with an emphasis on physical distancing and exercise, but with continued restrictions on gatherings for larger groups. In fact, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) officials strongly encourage residents to stay within their own ahupua‘a and neighborhoods rather than traveling to another community’s remote park. (Read more)