Important Resources

During these unprecedented times, I want to ensure our community members are aware of the resources being offered by a mixture of government, nonprofits, and businesses. Please utilize these programs to assist you and your ‘Ohana through these difficult times.


UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND PUA

  • New virtual call center with 200 trained operators will operate during normal state business hours from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For assistance with your unemployment insurance (UI) offices and including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). The toll-free numbers are (833)-901-2272 and (833)-901-2275 and respectively correspond to the local numbers (808)-762-5751 and (808)-762-5752 or visit https://labor.hawaii.gov/covid-19-labor-faqs/ 

  • Gov. Ige announced a new program called the Hawaiʻi Restaurant Card. All those collecting unemployment benefits will be recipients of the Hawai’i Restaurant Card and will receive a card preloaded with $500 in the mail. The program is expected to launch mid-October and run through December 15. Funds on card must be used by Dec. 15th.

RENT + MORTGAGE RELIEF AND DHHL LESSEE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 

  • To apply for the State of Hawaii Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program, the public can go to www.hihousinghelp.com or contact either Catholic Charities Hawai‘i or Aloha United Way. Both partners will assist the public through the process and ensure that applicants meet all eligibility requirements for program assistance.

  • For Renter’s and Homeowner’s Questions:

    • Landlords and renters alike who have questions about the moratorium may utilize the State's Residential Landlord-Tenant Center (808) 586-2634

    • Certain federally backed mortgages may be eligible for interest and penalty-free forbearance for at least six months and up to one year

    • If you have questions or concerns it is advisable to find and speak to a U.S. Housing and Urban Development approved housing counselor at HUD.gov or (800) 569-4287

RESOURCES FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

ELECTRIC

  • Hawaiian Electric service disconnections for nonpayment have been suspended through Dec. 31, 2020. HECO urges customers challenged by the financial impact of COVID-19 to seek utility bill assistance from government and nonprofits, and to set up a payment arrangement plan. If you need assistance with your electric bill please call Aloha United Way at 2-1-1.

WATER

  • The Board of Water Supply (BWS) will extend the suspension of water shut-off for non-payment of water bills through Thursday, December 31, 2020. BWS urges anyone experiencing financial hardship to visit their website at www.boardofwatersupply.com/support. Customers without Internet access may call 748-5070 for assistance.

KUPUNA CARE

  • If you are a Kupuna (Elderly) in need of assistance during COVID-19  please call Aloha United Way at 2-1-1 to receive information on programs that can assist you with food and other resources.  

CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOL

  • If you are in need of assistance with childcare please take advantage of these two state programs. 

HEALTHCARE

  • If you or someone you know has COVID-19 symptoms contact your PCP. To schedule an appointment to get tested, contact Wai’anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) at (808) 697-3170. You can also contact WCCHC to apply for a variety of assistance programs and to seek medical coverage. Open enrollment for Medicaid runs through the entire month of October. 

  • Apply for Medicaid: Click Here

    • The Med-QUEST Division accepts applications for medical assistance coverage online, over the phone, by mail or Fax. Fill out the application as completely as possible. Completed applications ensure more timely determination. If additional information is needed, the Med-QUEST Division will contact you.

FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE VIA SNAP BENEFITS OR TANF:

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI’I AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

  • For more information regarding the Department of Education and to stay updated visit hawaiipublicschools.org, call  (808) 784-6200 or email HIDOE at doeinfo@k12.hi.us

VEHICLE REGISTRATION, ID’S AND DRIVERS LICENCES

  • Wai’anae City Hall has reopened. To schedule an appointment there or at another city hall visit  AlohaQ.org or call 768-CITY for more info. Drivers Licenses expired between March 16- Oct. 30, remain valid through Oct 31, 2020.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

  • The State has up to 5,000 online learning licenses available that provide free access to courses; approved users will have until December 31, 2020 to complete the courses they have enrolled in at no extra cost.  Applicants need to be a Hawaii resident to apply. https://www.htdc.org/covid-19/learning-tech/. contact info@htdc.org for additional assistance. 

  • Free Job Training: http://OahuBacktoWork.com

  • WorkHawaii Wai’anae is now accepting new applications for individuals between the ages of 16-24 who need a high school diploma. This program is free. To sign up call 768-5807

FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY GUIDELINES:

  • Though the situation continues to evolve, it is essential to be ready for opportunities to innovatively conduct business operations in the safest possible way. OSHA has released its guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19 that can be accessed at OSHA.gov/SLTC/covid-19 or by calling 800-321-6742.

Important Hotlines

Wai’anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center COVID-19 Hotline: (808) 697-3170 
Mayor's City COVID-19 Hotline: (808) 768-2489
Aloha United Way's Information Hotline: 211