NEWS & UPDATES FROM BIA-HAWAII
Honolulu’s Re-Opening Strategy. The City and County of Honolulu is operating under a new framework for reducing the spread of COVID-19 on Oahu, with criteria set for loosening and tightening restrictions on businesses and activities to keep the residents of Honolulu healthy. Honolulu is currently operating under this new Recovery Framework presently in Tier 1. FAQ Regarding COVID-19 Response from City and County of Honolulu.

Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) invites the public and small businesses to apply for FREE PPE through its distribution program funded by the CARES Act. Officials still have inventory and are urging people to apply. Orders will be accepted through Nov.15. Learn more about the program and apply today. Read more...
The Kokua Maui County Small Business Recovery & Relief Fund can assist small businesses to cover reimbursable business expenses for rent/lease payments, utility payments and COVID-19-related safety precautions, up to $7,500. Note: businesses that have received funds from the County of Maui Micro Business Loan Program are not eligible. Read more... 

Maui County Adaptability Fund, a new program funded by the CARES Act, provide grants to eligible Maui County Small Businesses to support costs required to conduct business in compliance with health and social distancing guidelines, to modify operations, and to invest in technology infrastructure to expand their virtual platforms, web-based marketing, and E-commerce. The fund is intended to allow flexibility to customize investments to retool and restructure for their unique business needs. Grants may range from $5,000 to $25,000
The County of Hawaii Small Business Relief & Recovery Fund will provide county businesses a one-time reimbursement of up to $10,000 for costs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more...

Hawaii County Rent/Mortgage and Utilities Assistance Programs offer funding under the CARES Act that helps Hawaii Island residents pay their rent and utilities - apply today. Read more...

Hawaii County Rent Relief Program. This program will provide rent or mortgage payments not to exceed $2,000 per month (March-December 2020) for eligible households at or below 140% of the area median income who were affected by Covid-19. Learn more...

City & County of Honolulu offers $75 million in grants for Oahu small businesses. City & County of Honolulu replenishes the Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund which will distribute the money in the form of reimbursement grants, which will not need to be repaid. Learn more...
Rent Relief Program for Hawaii Residents. The State of Hawai‘i’s Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program provides assistance to Hawai‘i renters and homeowners who have experienced a reduction in income due to the COVID-19.The program provides grant funding to Oʻahu households up to $2,000 per month and neighbor islands up to $1,500 per month. Read more...
Industry Event
PBX20 is a newly branded trade show that continues a tradition of bringing together professionals from across local AEC industries. The goal to network, learn and showcase the latest products and services fulfills CSI's mission to build construction knowledge and improve project delivery.

The inaugural PBX will be an all-virtual event with 3 days of education in the form of 16 expert-led webinars, thought-provoking keynote speaker, virtual tabletop showroom featuring our Aloha Sponsor companies, and a live virtual Pau Hana.
Delayed Shovel-Ready Projects
The State of Hawaii is asking for information regarding delayed shovel-ready projects. Please see the following message from Office of the Govenor:

In the interest of doing more to keep shovel-ready projects moving, seeking your help here compiling a list of active projects currently stuck in the queue at the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD). This could also include infrastructure projects subject to SHPD review that enable housing or economic development. The goal is to give Governor a clearer picture of the sheer amount and economic value of projects currently delayed by SHPD review due to the agency’s perennial backlog, but I need your help compiling the data.

If you are involved with any shovel-ready projects currently delayed by SHPD review, please send to

  • Name of project
  • Project location
  • Date submitted to SHPD
  • SHPD log number, if applicable
  • Current review status, based on most recent communication from SHPD
  • Looming deadlines requiring SHPD sign off, if applicable
  • Estimated project start construction date
  • Estimated project value
  • Amount of State or Federal subsidies at risk, if applicable (i.e. LIHTC, RHRF, CDBG, HOME Funds etc)
  • Other Impacts (i.e. # of housing units created, estimated local economic impact/jobs created, if you have that data)

Please send to:
Sara Lin
Senior Special Assistant
Office of the Governor, State of Hawaii
Direct: (808) 586-0805
Main Office: (808) 586-0034
sara.n.lin@hawaii.gov | http://governor.hawaii.gov
Employer Resources
Hawaii Business Re-opening Strategy Guide. A big reset is happening right now! Business recovery in the era of COVID-19 will require new business models and revenue streams, new staff relations, new relationships with business partners, suppliers, landlords and customers. Follow these three key steps to help businesses anticipate and prepare for Hawaii’s new business environment.
The Aloha Connects Innovation (ACI) Workforce Hawaii Program is a new initiative led by the Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii (EDAH) to connect workers to and prepare them for job opportunities in Hawaii’s emerging industries and innovation sectors. The program is designed to help convert the loss of jobs due to COVID-19 into a potential new career opportunity for our residents, and provides financial support for businesses.

To learn more about the program and to sign up to become a host organization or participant, check out their website at www.edahawaii.org/aloha-connects-home
Employer Solutions - tips to help your workers save money while on the clock. Help to offset some of the financial burden many contractors have undoubtedly experienced in recent months. Home builders have a unique opportunity to help employees and their families cope with the persistent uncertainty.
WEBINARS
Requesting Member Suggestions
BIA-Hawaii committees and staff are working hard to add value to your membership. We need your ideas and comments on the types of programs that are of interest to you and what you would like to see offered at BIA. Please take a moment to share your thoughts to help shape our future events!