NEWS & UPDATES FROM BIA-HAWAII
Honolulu’s Emergency Order No. 2020-27 Approved effective Sept. 24, 2020. Mayor Kirk Caldwell tonight announced that Governor David Ige has approved the City and County of Honolulu’s Emergency Order No. 2020-27 ending the Second Stay at Home / Work from Home Order, as well as approving the first tier of Honolulu’s COVID-19 Recovery Framework. The final executed documents are posted on Honolulu.gov.Starting on Thursday, September 24, the City will operate under this new Recovery Framework. The City will start in Tier 1 and remain there for at least four weeks.
Ige’s latest emergency proclamation OKs pre-travel COVID-19 testing and extends travel quarantine, evictions ban. Gov. David Ige signed a new emergency proclamation that extends Hawaii’s COVID-19 emergency period through the end of October and officially authorizes a pre-arrivals testing program that would ease travel restrictions for some travelers. The proclamation also extends through Oct . 31 a mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers to Hawaii that’s been in place since March 26.

Mayor Caldwell announces additional $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...


Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) offers FREE PPE to small businesses. To learn more about the program and read the qualifications. 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...
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... 

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...
The Federal Reserve is conducting a short survey asking about business conditions, financing needs, and credit experiences. It will highlight the experiences of small businesses and provides critical information that service providers, policymakers, and lenders use to improve programs for small business owners. Summary results will be shared with you, and all responses are confidential. Learn more...
Employer Resources
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
Hawaii is Hiring. Connecting Kamaʻāina to Hawaiʻi Jobs, Training and Resources.
Employer Guide to Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs.The Families First Coronavirus Response Act created new temporary paid sick leave and paid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) programs that are 100% reimbursable by the federal government. The effective date of both programs is April 1 and they expire on December 31. Both programs are in addition to any leave you already offer. Download resource here...
How the Home Building Industry is Keeping Workers Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic. COVID-19 has heightened safety protocols across the board in an effort to keep everyone safe from the spread of the disease. The home building industry has always been a staunch advocate for the safety of workers, but COVID-19 has heightened some of elements that can affect builders’ safety, which companies continue to work hard to address. Learn more...
Before Disaster Strikes, Prepare Your Business with an Emergency Plan. A Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) or emergency business plan can help you assess probable hazards to your business or HBA and put measures in place to mitigate risks or coordinate actions during times of crisis. Here's how to create one for your business. Read more...
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Member Savings Opportunities
Save on car insurance. GEICO is offering BIA-Hawaii members COVID 15% credit.
HECO programs offered to help customers during the Pandemic

HECO Announces Moratorium on disconnections extended to Dec. 31st. Hawaiian Electric service disconnections for nonpayment have been suspended through Dec. 31, 2020. The company 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.
HECO Announces Payment Plan Options to assist residents and businesses dealing with the financial toll of the coronavirus pandemic. There are several options to choose from, such as extending payments over time. The plans are interest-free and late fees are waived for all plan options