On this last day of the 36th Legislature, the House of Representatives approved a House Concurrent Resolution requesting the governor to provide financial assistance for residents who are stranded off island due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resolution states that many of the stranded residents left for medical reasons and family obligations
“Their travels were planned, being mindful of their finances.”
However since the border closure as a result of coronavirus, residents have reported “extreme financial hardships as they struggle with unanticipated costs for lodging and daily provisions. They have had to rely on the kindness of loved ones and have asked for assistance from the government,” whose decision to suspend flights has prevented their return home.
The measure which was introduced by Rep Vesi Fautanu Jr, Chairman of the House Health Committee says it’s prudent for the government to offer relief for residents who have been left stranded for months and are facing financial struggles.
For government workers, it would be proper to pay them for a full work week until such time they are able to return,” the resolution states.
It recommends that the COVID-19 Task Force request the use of some of the COVID-19 funds to help residents who are stuck off island.
The lawmakers feel it would be practical to use funds to provide accommodation for those affected in Hawaii so that they can be closer should ASG decide to open the border.
The measure also says a request should be made to the local Medicaid Office and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for assistance for those residents who travel for medical reasons.
According to the resolution, CMS has approved the use of funds to send residents to New Zealand and that country has benefited greatly from the program. Similar assistance should be given to our residents and provided in the State of Hawaii where money could be injected into the state’s economy.
The measure also says the government should make a serious effort to care for residents who are unable to return home.
“Almost all can agree that preventing the virus from entering our shores is paramount in the daily decisions by the governor and taskforce. However the government must not forget our residents who are unable to return because of our efforts to guard against COVID-19. Providing financial and logistical assistance to stranded resident is a first step to ensuring that all residents of the territory are taken care of as we collectively fight the global pandemic.”
The measure was passed unanimously in the House and the names of the Speaker and all of the House members have been added as sponsors.
The Senate was not able to review and vote on the non-binding resolution as the Fono closed today
