© 2024 Hawaiʻi Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The Hawaii List: Curated, Updated Local Resources To Help Ride Out A Crisis

Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke/Pixabay
We realize these little guys are not social distancing but let's pretend they are family members who have all tested negative while we work on getting them masks, cloth ones, of course. See information on masks below.

Last updated: 5/27/2020

Information -- it's inoculation against the anxiety that can take hold as COVID-19 spreads, jobs are lost and lives are frayed. Hawai‘i Public Radio is compiling resources and information to help the community deal with the hurdles ahead as we navigate life during a pandemic.

Details in this list can change, so call ahead to the resource whenever possible and check back for updates. If you have a suggestion for the list, email us at news@hawaiipublicradio.org -- and please stay safe.

Health Information 

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: what is COVID-19, coronavirus symptoms, steps to minimize exposure. The CDC has created a coronavirus self-checker here.

Hawaii Department of Health: number of Hawaii cases, latest guidance on testing, preventing community spread.

Aloha United Way 2-1-1 Call Center:call 211 for information on the coronavirus, now available daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can also search AUW's database of services and resources.

The Queen's Health Systems: call the 24/7 hotline staffed by physicians and nurses at 808-691-2619.

Kaiser Permanente: has information on COVID-19 and telehealth contacts on its website.

HMSA: information on how the health insurer will be waiving deductibles on many telehealth and virtual check-ins so patients can avoid in-person visits, and an FAQ on the coronavirus.

COVID-19 Testing Sites

Pacific Disaster Center: The Pacific Disaster Center has lists of testing sites on its website. Scroll down to see the screening sites for each county.

The City and County of Honolulu has been working with Premier Medical Group Hawaii to hold drive-through screenings in Waipio and Kaka'ako. Call the medical group at (808) 304-8816 or (808) 367-6020 for future events.

From 8 a.m. to noon, every Monday and Thursday, at the Old Kona Airport, the Hawaii Island county, Premier Medical Group and Ali'i Health plan drive-through screening and testing. 

Screenings and tests are free, but individuals must undergo an initial screening to determine if they meet the criteria for testing. Bring your photo I.D., your own pen and any health insurance cards, although insurance is not required. For more information, call the Big Island Civil Defense at (808) 935-0031.

Unemployment/Employment Information

Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: COVID-19 labor benefits factsheet. The agency is asking people not to come into its offices. It has set up a new webform to file claims or continue a claim at this site: https://huiclaims.hawaii.gov/#/  The webform is available during certain hours: Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends/holidays 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. It's been busy, so keep trying. Keep in mind that you need to submit all required information, otherwise your application will be delayed. 

Step-by-step instructions on filing for unemployment are available on the state Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 webpage: how to file using the state's online form (a quicker process), how to file online (it's been busy, so more delays). 

• PUA program: Self-employed individualss, independent contractors, and others who are disqualified from receiving regular unemployment benefits for COVID-19-related reasons can apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. FAQs on the program provide more information on eligibility. Generally, an applicant must have been turned down for regular unemployment compensation before they are eligible for PUA benefits. 

State RUDDER program: The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has a program that matches unemployed workers, including "gig workers," to employers that are hiring. Information is available on the department's website.

American Job Centers (One-Stop Centers): Free services available for job seekers and employers. As of Friday, the city has closed the American Job Centers for in-person services. You can still access services by calling (808) 768-5701 or emailing ajch@honolulu.gov. If you are a current client, you can continue to reach your employment counselor by phone and email. 

• Some companies in Hawaii are hiring, as HPR reported, among them: Walmart and Servitas, the security company. CVS/Longs is recruiting as well.

K-12 Public Schools/State Libraries

Hawaii Department of Education has closed public schools for students through April 30. Teachers, principals, administrators and custodial staff are either working virtually or going into work when required. The department is also asking the Board of Education to approve a modification of graduation requirements. 

State Libraries: All state library locations are closed and services have been suspended to May 5. The drop boxes are closed. You can hold on to your library materials until the libraries open again. No fines will be imposed during the closure. Due dates for items checked out starting March 16 have been automatically extended to May 13. Holds are automatically extended. Check the library system's website for updates.

Child Care For Workers

With Gov. David Ige's seventh emergency proclamation, more businesses can reopen their doors. That means a scramble to find child care for parents working at those businesses. Authorized child care providers can open, including to nonessential workers, with social distancing measures in place. The Hawai‘i Community Foundation is offering grants to licensed family child care home providers who lost income because of COVID-19. Applications are being taken on the foundation's website.

• For essential workers, PATCH, the child care referral agency, has a list of licensed and registered providers that are still operating. PATCH said it updates the list regularly.

• YMCA of Honolulu: Running Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Y offers child care services for essential workers at its Leeward Oahu, Nu'uanu and Windward Oahu locations. Children from 5 to 12 years are being accepted. Cost is $55 a day or $275 a week; financial assistance may be available. Phone numbers and registration information is available on the YMCA website.

Food and Meals

• Grab-and-go breakfast and lunch are being served to children 18 years and younger at these select DOE schools. Check the list for start dates. New schools have been added starting Monday, April 6: (Big Island) Hilo Union School, Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate, Keaau High, Keonepoko Elementary, Naalehu Elementary; (Maui) Kilohana Elementary; (Kauai) Kekaha Elementary. Starting Tuesday, April 7: (Leeward Oahu) Lehua Elementary.

Grab-and-go meals: Kama‘?ina Kids and its partners are offering free grab-and-go meal sites at 19 Oahu locations and one on Maui. Parents or guardians can pick up meals without their children being present provided they can show proof of keiki in their households, such as student IDs or report cards. But contact the sponsor providing the meals as they may have specific requirements. The meals are in addition to the food being served by the state Department of Education at some public schools.

Groups sponsoring the meals along with Kama‘?ina Kids include YMCA of Honolulu, Parents And Children Together, Palama Settlement and Windward Nazarene Academy. They are working with Aloha Harvest, Kapi‘olani Community College, Lanakila Pacific, Hawai‘i Appleseed Center and Hawai‘i Child Nutrition Programs to prepare and deliver the meals.

 

The 20 sites and times are:

 

--Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Alewa Heights Preschool

1052 Ilima Drive

Honolulu, HI 96817

 

• Calvary Preschool

45-435 Aumoku Street

Kaneohe, HI 96744

 

• Enchanted Lake Preschool

1425 Keolu Drive

Kailua, HI 96734

 

• Ewa Preschool @CFS

91-1841 Fort Weaver Road

Ewa, HI 96706

 

• Honolulu Preschool

930 Lunalilo Street

Honolulu, HI 96822

 

• Moanalua Preschool

4857 Bouganville Drive

Honolulu, HI 96818

 

• St. Mark's Preschool

539 Kapahulu Street

Honolulu, HI 96815

 

• Mililani Preschool

345 Kahelu Avenue

Miliani, HI 96789

 

 

--Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

• Kahului Preschool

50 South Papa Avenue

Kahului HI 96732

 

--Monday to Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Palama Settlement

810 North Vineyard Blvd.

Honolulu, HI 96817

 

--Monday to Friday, noon to 12:30 p.m.

• Parents And Children Together at

Kuhio Park Terrace Resource Center 

1485 Linapuni Street 

Honolulu, HI 96819 

 

--Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Windward Nazarene Academy

45-232 Puaae Road

Kaneohe, HI 96744

 

--Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Halawa View Apartments

99-009 Kalaloa Street

Aiea, Hawaii 96701

 

• Inspire Church - Mililani

95-061 Waimakua Dr, 

Mililani, HI 96789

 

• Kalihi Valley Instructional Bike Exchange 

1638 Kamehameha IV Road

Honolulu, HI 96819

 

• Kuhio Elementary School

2759 South King Street

Honolulu, HI 96826

• Melemanu Recreation Center

98-2031 Waikalani Place

Mililani, HI 96789

 

• Nuuanu YMCA 

1441 Pali Highway

Honolulu, HI 96813

 

• Puohala Elementary School

45-233 Kulauli Street

Kaneohe, HI 96744

 

• Puuwai Momi

99-132 Kohomua Street

Aiea, Hi 96701

 

 

Kupu Culinary Program: Adult and other family member lunches are being distributed alongside the DOE's grab-and-go children's meal program at Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate and Kahalu'u Elementary. Hours are Monday to Friday starting at 11:30 a.m.

Hawaii Foodbank: Hawaii Foodbank is distributing food at the Aloha Stadium today, May 27, and Friday, May 29. Emergency food distribution is also available at other Oahu sites and Kauai sites. See the site list and call ahead for times.

Hawaii (Island) Food Basket: East Hawaii Island soup kitchen/free meal schedule. West Hawaii Island soup kitchen/free meal schedule.

Maui Food Bank: partners with community and faith-based groups to distribute food. 

Hawaii Meals On Wheels: delivers meals for seniors and the disabled on Oahu. Check eligibility or call (808) 988-6747. 

Malama Meals: delivers meals to at-risk Oahu seniors and disabled. Request meals online or call (808) 952-9796.

YMCA of Honolulu: offers grab-and-go meals for children in need through May 8, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Locations are Melemanu Recreation Center, 98-2031 Waikalani Place in Mililani; INSPIRE Church, 95-061 Waimakua Drive in Mililani; Puohala Elementary, 45-233 Kulauli St. in Kaneohe; Kalihi Valley International Bike Program, 1638 Kamehameha IV Road; Palolo Valley Homes for residents only, 2170 Ahe St.; and Nu’uanu YMCA, 1441 Pali Highway. Call (808) 531-3558 for information.

• Honoka'a Hongwanji Buddhist Temple: will prepare takeout for seniors and children at its weekly Friday meal time, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., 45-5016 Lehua St., Honoka‘a. Call (808) 775-7232.

Restaurants/Eateries Takeout, Pickup, Delivery 

Hawaii Grinds: food blog with crowdsourced information on businesses offering takeout, pickup, delivery.

Foodagogo.org: restaurants offering takeout, delivery or curbside pickup. Restaurants can ask to be added to the list.

Grocery Store Deliveries, Pickups 

Stores are offering deliveries and pickups at various locations but demand has been high and delivery/pickup slots are filling up, so order early. There may be delivery/pickup fees and supplies can be limited -- be prepared for substitutions. And according to experts in this NPR story, you can take precautions but you don't need to disinfect your groceries. 

•  Foodland offers deliveries and curbside service  at two Foodland Farms locations: Ala Moana and Pearl City. You can order online. For more information, see the store website for how it works and FAQs.

Safeway has online ordering with delivery and pickup at select stores, including at its Beretania location. More information can be found on the chain's website.

Target offers pickups -- which are free for now -- and deliveries, including same day delivery through Shipt and may require a minimum order. It cautions that because of demand, delivery of certain items may be delayed. More information can be found on its website

• Others: call or check the websites for your grocery store to see if delivery or pickup services are provided.

Small Business Help

The U.S. Small Business Administration funding for the crisis has run out of money. Congress will need to replenish the pot if the Payroll Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program are to restart. As of April 17, here's what the SBA has possted on its website: "SBA is unable to accept new applications at this time for the Paycheck Protection Program or the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program (including EIDL Advances) based on available appropriations funding. EIDL applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis." It then has a link to other program options, specifially SBA Express Bridge Loans and the SBA Debt Relief program that may still be available. Check with your bank or SBA/Chamber/HSBDC (see contacts below.)

The U.S. Small Business Administration: disaster loan information and online application, factsheet for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Or call SBA Customer Service at (800) 659-2955.

Chamber of Commerce Hawaii: information, FAQs, business advocacy. (808) 545-4300; info@cochawaii.org

• Hawaii Small Business Development Center: free advice and services, including help applying for SBA disaster loans and information on government contracts. The staff is working remotely but taking calls on the major islands and by email: info@hisbdc.org. 

• Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz' small business resource page: paycheck protection program provides zero-interest loans to cover payroll and operating expenses; information on SBA economic injury disaster loans; debt relief for SBA borrowers and federal contractors; payroll tax credit for employers who retain employees.

Rental/Mortgage Payments

Hawaii has an eviction moratorium in place through May 31 under Gov. David Ige's emergency orders. The moratorium generally means renters cannot be forced from their homes during the emergency. If you have a complaint or questions about tenant-landlord disputes, call the Office of the Consumer Protection's hotline at (808) 586-2634, 8 a.m. to noon, Monday to Friday, except for state holidays.

Renters and homeowner FAQs: "Do I still need to pay rent?" The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has put together a list of questions and answers on paying rent and mortgage payments in the current coronavirus crisis. For further questions, call the OCP hotline number above.

• Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz' homeowners mortgage and rentals assistance page: a federal mortatorium on foreclosure evictions is in place until May 17. People facing financial hardship from the coronavirus, either directly or directly, can ask for postponement or reduction of their loan payments on mortgages backed by federal agencies like FHA and HUD and Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.  Submit a request to the mortgage servicer who takes your loan payments and ask for a 180-day "forebearance" under the federal CARES Act. You can also talk with a HUD-approved housing counselor. Find one at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or call (800) 569-4287

A moratorium on rental evictions is also in place until July 26 that applies to tenants living in properties with federally-guaranteed loans or that are part of federal housing programs. Property owners have to give 30-days' notice for evictions -- but they can't do so during the moratorium. This also applies to rental properties that receive federal subsidies, including Section 8 housing and public housing. If you need help, call Legal Aid Society of Hawaii at (808) 536-4302 on Oahu or (800) 499-4302 for the Neighbor Islands. You can also contact a HUD-approved housing counselor or call (800) 569-4287.

Wearing and making masks

The state now requires customers and workers in essential busineses like grocery stores wear face masks. Gov. David Ige issued the supplemental emergency order to run through the end of April, but an extension is likely.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommends that people wear cloth masks when they are out in the public and social distancing is difficult. This advice has changed because there is now evidence pointing to presymptomatic and asymptomatic transmission of the coronavirus. Federal and officials say to leave the surgical masks and N95 masks for health care personnel and others on the front line fighting the pandemic. 

NPR's FAQs on masks: is a homemade mask effective? What's the best way to wear one? How often do I wash it?

• CDC information on masks: sew and no-sew information on making masks, as well basic information on wearing a mask.

• What is the best mask material to use? A New York Times article on which materials provide the most protection.

How to make a mask: Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami demonstrates how to make a mask in a county Facebook video. Go to about 6:12 into the video.

How to put on, take off a mask: Dr. Darragh O'Carroll, emergency room doctor at Kuakini Medical Center, shows how to safely put on and remove a mask. Go to about 6:11 into Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Facebook video

Domestic Violence Help

Honolulu police say they have not seen a sharp increase in domestic violence calls but more people are getting into arguments as the stay-at-home orders keep families inside and in close quarters. Here are some resources if you need help to escape abuse. In an emergency, call or text 911.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233  or text LOVEIS to 22522 for help.

Child and Family Services: offers services to domestic violence victims on Oahu (808) 681-3500; on Maui (808) 877-6888; on Kauai (808) 245-5914; on the Big Island west side (808) 323-2664; and on the Big Island east side (808) 935-2188.

Crisis Text Line: text ALOHA to 741741.

YWCA Kauai 24/7 crisis line: (808) 245-6362.

Domestic Violence Action Center: provides legal, advocacy, prevention sevices. (808) 534-0040. Oahu helpline: (808) 531-3771; toll-free  (800). 690-6200.

Honolulu Police Department: specially trained domestic violence detectives can be reached at (808) 723-3609.

Kauai Police Department: Domestic Violence Interventions Coordinator Gina Kaulukukui: (808) 241-1695.

State and Counties

State of Hawaii: As of March 25 through April 30, a statewide stay-at-home order is in effect. Other than essential workers, everyone must stay at home and work from home, with some exceptions. Those seeking an exemption can email the state at Covidexemption@hawaii.gov. As of March 26, all visitors and returning residents have been ordered to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival in the state. Visitors will need to isolate themselves in their hotel rooms or lodging and returning residents must quarantine themselves at home. State agencies are closing or limiting hours. All state parks have been closed. Check the information on each department or agency's for the latest information.

City and County of Honolulu: City parks will begin opening up to some activities starting Saturday. Generally, exercising like walking, running and biking will be allowed in the parks, but no playground equipment is allowed. The island of Oahu has a stay-at-home/work-from-home order in place for residents, visitors and all nonessential workers that took effect on March 23 and runs to the end of May. All city facilities are closed to public gatherings. Check each agency's website for more details. Bars, nightclubs, theaters, dine-in restaurants and other venues that draw large gatherings are closed on Oahu, although takeout and delivery are allowed.

The city has set up a COVID-19 website, called oneoahu.org, where residents can find city information related to the coronavirus. Residents can also call 768-CITY (768-2489) or email covidresponse@honolulu.gov to ask questions about Mayor Kirk Caldwell's emergency rules or other topics.

Maui County: The island of Maui has a stay-at-home/work-from-home order in place for all nonessential workers that took effect on March 25 and runs to April 30. Maui also has a weekend curfew in place, 11 p.m to 5 a.m., that runs to Monday, April 13. that may be extended. County offices and county beach parks have closed. Check the information for the public on the county's COVID-19 website. Information is also available in county news releases. Bars, nightclubs, theaters, dine-in restaurants and other venues with large gatherings are closed on Maui, although takeout and delivery are allowed. A list of essential workers and impacted locations is available on the county website

A call center has been set up by Mayor Michael Victorino to help answer residents' questions about COVID-19, county services, his emergency rules and donations. Call (808) 270-7855 starting April 6 from 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday and Saturday.

Kauai County: Kauai is under the state stay-at-home order. A curfew is also in effect on the island from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., with certain exemptions. Some offices and services have been closed to the public, with details in recent news releases. Bars, clubs, entertainment centers, and restaurants are closed unless they provide drive-through, delivery or pickup. The mayor issues a daily video update on the county's Facebook page

Kauai has information for residents related to COVID-19 on a county webpage.

Hawaii County: The Big Island is under the statewide stay-at-home order. All county parks are closed. More COVID-19 related information is available on the county website. You can also sign up for daily county civil defense alerts on the coronavirus outbreak as it impacts the Big Island. 

The county has gathered information on COVID-19 and its response on a civil defense agency webpage.

Kama‘?ina Kids and its partners are expanding the number of its free grab-and-go meal sites starting today.

 

The sites are generally serving breakfast and lunch and include 19 locations on Oahu and one on Maui.

 

Parents or guardians can pick up meals without their children being present provided they can show proof of keiki in their households.

 

The meals are in addition to the food being served by the state Department of Education at some public schools.

 

Groups sponsoring the meals along with Kama‘?ina Kids include YMCA of Honolulu, Parents And Children Together, Palama Settlement and Windward Nazarene Academy. They are working with Aloha Harvest, Kapi‘olani Community College, Lanakila Pacific, Hawai‘i Appleseed Center and Hawai‘i Child Nutrition Programs to prepare and deliver the meals.

 

The 20 sites include:

 

• Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Alewa Heights Preschool

1052 Ilima Drive

Honolulu, HI 96817

 

Calvary Preschool

45-435 Aumoku Street

Kaneohe, HI 96744

 

Enchanted Lake Preschool

1425 Keolu Drive

Kailua, HI 96734

 

Ewa Preschool @CFS

91-1841 Fort Weaver Road

Ewa, HI 96706

 

Honolulu Preschool

930 Lunalilo Street

Honolulu, HI 96822

 

Moanalua Preschool

4857 Bouganville Drive

Honolulu, HI 96818

 

St. Mark's Preschool

539 Kapahulu Street

Honolulu, HI 96815

 

Mililani Preschool

345 Kahelu Avenue

Miliani, HI 96789

 

 

• Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

 

Kahului Preschool

50 South Papa Avenue

Kahului HI 96732

 

• Monday to Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Palama Settlement

810 North Vineyard Blvd.

Honolulu, HI 96817

 

• Monday to Friday, noon to 12:30 p.m.

Parents And Children Together at

Kuhio Park Terrace Resource Center 

1485 Linapuni Street 

Honolulu, HI 96819 

 

• Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Windward Nazarene Academy

45-232 Puaae Road

Kaneohe, HI 96744

 

• Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Halawa View Apartments

99-009 Kalaloa Street

Aiea, Hawaii 96701

 

Inspire Church - Mililani

95-061 Waimakua Dr, 

Mililani, HI 96789

 

Kalihi Valley Instructional Bike Exchange 

1638 Kamehameha IV Road

Honolulu, HI 96819

 

Kuhio Elementary School

2759 South King Street

Honolulu, HI 96826

Melemanu Recreation Center

98-2031 Waikalani Place

Mililani, HI 96789

 

Nuuanu YMCA 

1441 Pali Highway

Honolulu, HI 96813

 

Puohala Elementary School

45-233 Kulauli Street

Kaneohe, HI 96744

 

Puuwai Momi

99-132 Kohomua Street

Aiea, Hi 96701

Related Stories