Kokua Line: Gov. David Ige’s order tells Hawaii stores to enforce mask rule
Question: Can a store refuse me entry if I don’t have a mask? Read more
Question: Can a store refuse me entry if I don’t have a mask? Read more
Question: I was supposed to register online but never did, so I didn’t get the $1,200 stimulus. Is it too late? Read more
Question: I have been unemployed since April due to the pandemic. My unemployment benefits are exhausted and I am eligible for extended benefits for 13 weeks. Is the three-jobs-per-week job search required? I thought the governor had waived that and that the waiver was still valid. However, the unemployment office told me to post my resume and list three job searches per week. Could you clarify this? Read more
Question: I believe the mayor made it clear that masks are required “when in public — period.” On Saturday morning while attempting to walk in Kailua and Lanikai beach fronts, I encountered more than 95% of the people unmasked. I was so disgusted by the blatant disregard for the health rules that I ended my walk to protect myself. Am I missing something here? Read more
Question: Can a test taken in Honolulu before departure be used to return to Honolulu without quarantine if the entire trip falls within the 72-hour window? Read more
Question: I understand that if they let PUA expire there won’t be any more payments after Dec. 26, but what about for payments due for before Dec. 26? My claim is still pending (awaiting adjudication). Assuming I am ever approved, will I ever get paid? Read more
Question: I have been on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance because I don’t qualify for regular unemployment insurance (I am self-employed). Will I be able to sign up for extended benefits when PUA runs out? Read more
Question: Are the Christmas shipping dates earlier this year because of the pandemic? Read more
Question: What about the college kids who soon will be coming home for Christmas? Some of them have to, it’s not a choice — their dorms close for winter break. Why can’t they just use the COVID- 19 test they take at school to get on the plane? Colleges do a lot of testing on campus. Read more
Question: Is the state planning to do anything about their trusted testing partners not being able to meet the 72-hour deadline for test results? Read more
Question: I was approved for receiving PEUC six weeks ago but have not received any payment since the status of my claims is pending. If my claims are not resolved before the end of this year, will I lose out on receiving the PEUC compensation? Read more
On Thanksgiving Day, we devote Kokua Line to readers’ expressions of gratitude, which are plentiful even during a year that has been difficult and isolating for so many. Whether thanking someone for a kind deed, a lifesaving act, or simply a positive attitude, the sense of connection a heartfelt Mahalo conveys is appreciated always. Read more
Question: As of Saturday neither my husband nor I has received a restaurant card. I have called the information line and been told I am on the list at the correct address. What’s up with the delay? If the card does not get here soon, I will not have time to use it. Read more
Question: I have lost my Hawaii state ID. Can you please tell me where and how — in this period of chaos — I can get it replaced? I live in the McCully area. Read more
Question: The rules say you can renew your Hawaii driver’s license within six months before expiration. However, they’ve been allowing renewal by mail only for licenses that expire in 2020. This poses a horrible hardship during these times. Are there any plans to update the eligible expiration year to 2021? Read more
During troubled times, books are a source of information, comfort and entertainment. Read more
Question: Could you please provide details about the pre-travel testing now that the state has added more providers? All I could see on TV was the sign with the names. I need to know where to make an appointment. Read more
Question: Regarding getting an appointment on www.AlohaQ.org, the website says, “Openings are added regularly, so please check back often for additional times.” Is this even true? I’ve tried practically every day and never find anything. Read more
You have to apply for this program, which adds 13 weeks of benefits for eligible claimants, and you must have a zero balance in your Unemployment Insurance account before you do so. Read more
Question: I’ve been trying to get my driver’s license renewed for some time now. It doesn’t expire until the beginning of December, but that time is fast approaching. There are no appointments available anywhere on Oahu. I can’t even get someone on the phone to help me. Do you have any suggestions? Read more
Beginning Oct. 10, travelers may schedule an appointment at select CVS Pharmacy drive-thru locations. Registration instructions and costs can be found at www.cvs.com/selfpaytesting,” according to Hawaii’s Department of Health. Read more