Hawaii Filipino Chronicle - May 16, 2020 by Hawaii Filipino Chronicle

MAY 16, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  1

MAY 16, 2020

AS I SEE IT

Is There a Need to Hurry in Reopening the Economy? FEATURE

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

Hawaii is an Outlier as Pew Releases Asian American Voter Analysis

Still Haven’t Received Your Unemployment Insurance Check? You’re Not Alone,

LEGAL NOTES

Impact of Covid-19 on Immigration Cases & Petitions

2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEMAY 16, 2020

EDITORIAL

Shop and Support Local Small Businesses First Now that the Economy Is Reopening

esides having to worry about maintaining a steady customer-base, expanding services to draw in new clients, finding ways to meet (hopefully exceed) quarterly, annual financial targets, and a thousandand-one other details that keep small business owners awake thinking from dusk to dawn – perhaps what entrepreneurs fear most is a long-drawn out recession. Getting through an economic recession is the biggest test, a defining make-or-break moment for small businesses. The bigger the recession (the last huge one was in 2008-2010), the more small businesses will fail; and the casualties mean not just closing down – it means a dream that ends for owners, an establishment that customers love but can no longer go to; and in some cases financial ruin, or at the very least, tens of thousands of dollars in investment and savings gone. The COVID-19 pandemic came swiftly, unexpectedly; and the stay-at-home orders was completely unprecedented. Normally, in recessions, businesses can at least bring in some revenues. But a complete shutdown of the economy meant for many non-essential businesses, zero revenues. That means, business have had to count on reserves (maybe four-months, if lucky) to get through the drought, which savings already was hard to come by given the high cost of operating a small business in Hawaii. PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans is the federal response to help small businesses stay afloat and retain employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, or to businesses, more aptly called, the COVID-19 economic depression. PPP initially was part of the CARES Act, which was the first round. Then in late April, because funding for PPP dried up so quickly, an additional fund, or second round was made available for small businesses. Accessing PPP has been difficult. While it was designed for small businesses, there were widespread abuse in the first round, as large publicly traded businesses ascertained PPP loans, leaving less for small businesses. Hawaii has had some disadvantages to accessing PPP with regard to time disadvantage, the e-Tran system, and one-time bulk upload requirements. But according to a massive joint University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO) and Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii survey of business owners in the state, PPP will not be enough -- one in four (about 24 percent) Hawaii businesses is expected to close if there is no additional financial assistance, even after receiving federal PPP loans. And 34 percent of those surveyed say they anticipate needing to make more staff cuts in order to survive. No one really knows how deep this economic depression will be or how long it will last. The extent of business casualties will probably be known only years after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. The good news is that Hawaii has done remarkable in curbing COVID-19 relative to other states; and as of May 10th, some businesses are allowed to reopen. Some businesses allowed to reopen under the governor’s new order include: shopping malls and retailers (except for Maui County), non-food agricultural companies, including florists, auto dealerships and car washes, pet grooming services, health care and social assistance, including elective surgery, nonprofits that were previously not considered “essential,” repair services, including surfboard repair. Meanwhile, a number of organizations that must still remain fully or partially closed include bars, restaurant dine-in areas and shopping mall food courts, attractions and places of worship. Others will be able to reopen in gradual stages. What could help businesses once economy reopens As other businesses reopen, experts say changes to the economy (continue on page 3)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

awaii is one of the few states in the nation with single digit new infections of COVID-19. Residents and government leaders have done a remarkable job in flattening the curve of the virus relative to the rest of the nation. But the unsettling news is Hawaii’s economy is among the hardest hit in the nation. The Wall Street Journal reports that Hawaii has the highest rate of unemployment, more than double the national average. The latest State Labor Department figure has it at 37 percent. And if massive unemployment is an indicator of how fare businesses are doing, a new survey by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO) and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii confirms that businesses are also suffering in the state. For our cover story this issue, associate editor Edwin Quinabo reports on the survey’s findings, including the shocking assessment that one in four Hawaii businesses will close without additional assistance. This brings us to the second part of the cover story: How is the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans assisting local businesses? What are some of the problems encountered? Hawaii’s Congressional team chimes in on some of the obstacles; and Save Hawaii Jobs and Businesses, a business advocacy group, updates us on how many businesses are accessing PPP loans. Sherry Menor-McNamara, President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, tells us how the state and county can help with revitalization. Then UHERO Executive Director Carl Bonham and economists Peter Fuleky and Byron Gangnes give their prediction on what Hawaii’s economic rebound could look like. And lastly, crucial to any recovery in the economy is consumer spending patterns. Members in our Filipino community share how they will be spending their money now the economy is gradually reopening, as well as their ability to do so given how they’ve been impacted by the temporary closure. Once again, we’ve presented a very comprehensive cover story in these very trying times. Please help Hawaii’s small businesses where possible. Related to the cover story, HFC columnist Elpidio Estioko explores in his column whether the timing of reopening the nation’s economy is prudent, given that states have not met federal guidelines for reopening. Did you know May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month? HFC columnist Emil Guillermo shares in his column some statistics by Pew Research Center showing how as an ethnic group Asians are growing. According to Pew, Asians collectively has grown since 2000—11.1 million were able to vote this year, 5 percent of the nation’s eligible voters, and we are the only major ethnic or racial group where our naturalized immigrant citizens who are eligible to vote (67 percent) outnumber our U.S. born voter eligible (33 percent). Be sure to read our informative news and other articles in this issue, including HFC Mark Lester Ranchez’s “Still Haven’t Received Your Unemployment Insurance Check?” and Dr. Michael McMann’s “Seniors: Aging and Vision Loss.” Lastly, we know that most if not all Filipino organizations’ meetings and events have been cancelled. Adjusting to our new norm, we invite organizations to send us important online group events for our calendar. Thank you for supporting your community newspaper. To advertisers, it’s a good time to target Hawaii’s Filipino community as you rebuild your business. We are online and have a large following. Please call us for your advertising needs. Until next issue, warmest Aloha and Mabuhay!

Publisher & Executive Editor Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D.

Publisher & Managing Editor

Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Associate Editors

Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo

Contributing Editor

Belinda Aquino, Ph.D.

Layout

Junggoi Peralta

Photography Tim Llena

Administrative Assistant Lilia Capalad Shalimar Pagulayan

Editorial Assistant Jim Bea Sampaga

Columnists

Carlota Hufana Ader Elpidio R. Estioko Emil Guillermo Melissa Martin, Ph.D. J.P. Orias Pacita Saludes Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Charlie Sonido, M.D. Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq.

Contributing Writers

Clement Bautista Edna Bautista, Ed.D. Teresita Bernales, Ed.D. Sheryll Bonilla, Esq. Rose Churma Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D. Linda Dela Cruz Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand Amelia Jacang, M.D. Caroline Julian Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D. Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. Matthew Mettias Maita Milallos Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Renelaine Bontol-Pfister Seneca Moraleda-Puguan Mark Lester Ranchez Jay Valdez, Psy.D. Glenn Wakai Amado Yoro

Philippine Correspondent: Greg Garcia

Neighbor Island Correspondents: Big Island (Hilo and Kona) Grace LarsonDitas Udani Kauai Millicent Wellington Maui Christine Sabado Big Island Distributors Grace LarsonDitas Udani Kauai Distributors Amylou Aguinaldo Nestor Aguinaldo Maui Distributors

Cecille PirosRey Piros Molokai Distributor Maria Watanabe Oahu Distributors Yoshimasa Kaneko Jonathan Pagulayan

Advertising / Marketing Director Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Account Executives Carlota Hufana Ader JP Orias

MAY 16, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  3

EDITORIALS

Atty. General William Barr Must Resign or Be Removed From His Post

istory shows us authoritarians surround themselves with a willing cast of co-conspirators who often work together to undermine the rule of law. At first, the process appears harmless, even banal. Then suddenly, the public’s eyes are opened to what’s really going on – freedom, justice, both slipping away. The President Donald Trump - Atty. General William Barr tag team is an example of abuse of power that should be great cause for alarm. Following the Justice Department’s (under Barr) announcement that it would drop its case against former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, media outlets reported that former President Barack Obama said the “rule of law is at risk.” Obama said in a web talk with members of the Obama Alumni Association. “And the fact that there is no precedent that anybody can find for someone who has been charged with perjury just getting off scot-free. That’s the kind of stuff where you begin to get worried that basic — not just institutional norms — but our basic understanding of rule of law is at risk. And when you start moving in those directions, it can accelerate pretty quickly as we’ve seen in other places.” The Justice Department’s (Shop and Support...from page 2)

must be implemented to maximize recovery even after stayat-home orders have been lifted. • the state needs to increase testing for COVID-19 and follow up with comprehensive tracing for those who have contact with the virus. • restaurants that eventually reopen for sit down dining, might have to reduce the number of tables and keep tables apart by at least six feet; and that everyone wear masks except when eating. • tourists will need to be tested before they come to Hawaii. • employers should be responsible to certify and assure the Hawaii Department of Health that

justification for dropping the case was that FBI agents did not have justifiable reason to question Flynn about his conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak. Remember Flynn was already charged with lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russian officials. He had already confessed his guilt in a court of law. Why would the Justice Department drop its case against Flynn? On numerous occasions Trump has publicly stated that he feels sorry for Flynn and that he wanted to help him. Trump even toyed with pardoning Flynn. The fix was in at the Justice Department. Dropping the case of a man who already confessed of the charges against him is not equal protection under the law. Former FBI Director Andrew McCabe said of the move, “The Justice Department has nothing to do with the facts or the law – it is pure politics, designed to please the president. Why independence of the Justice Department is important This latest Flynn controversy is not an anomaly under the Trump-Barr tag team. Remember that the Justice Department is meant to be independent from the President’s office, even though it is under the executive branch. That’s always been the case. But Trump has not only muddled this independence, he claims that he has the constitutional authority to intervene in all employees have been tested and are free of the coronavirus. If cleared, companies can be issued “PASSED” signs much like the DOH does for restaurants which pass the health inspection. • retailers may want to require temperature check on customers entering their establishments • a system be developed for the creation of COVID-19 Clearance Cards. • mandate that masks be worn in public. These are only suggestions and it is up to our communities to decide which ones are acceptable, considering the right balance of personal

matters of the Justice Department – which scholars say is completely false. The independence was set up in order for the Justice Department to pursue equal protection under the law. It is tasked to pursue justice wherever crimes or alleged crimes lead it, even to go after the President himself if warranted. Instead, the President has used Barr to protect the President’s friends. The next, most dangerous step is – will the President be bold enough to use the Justice Department to go after his political enemies? If that’s the future, we’re looking at the next step toward authoritarianism. This is perhaps the danger that President Obama is alluding to when he says the “rule of law is at risk.”

History of pleasing the president Atty. Gen. Barr is turning the Justice Department into an arm to cover up Trump, bending federal law enforcement to the President’s will. Ways in which the President has influenced the Justice Department: *by intervening in the sentencing of Roger Stone, a longtime friend and confident of Trump. Stone, as you recall, was sentenced to prison for obstructing Congress and witness tampering in connection with the Russian investigation. Trump called the sentencing severe and made repeated public tirades against the sentencing. Soon privacy and public health. How the public can help The biggest help to businesses will come from the general public. Now that small businesses are starting to reopen, if possible, the public ought to continue to buy and utilize the services of small businesses. Spending at businesses of all sizes will be helpful to the economy. But many small businesses that were deemed non-essential, closed for close to two months (while other big businesses were allowed to stay open) will need patrons even more. It’s a critical time for small businesses. They are on life-support and could use your support. Please consider shopping at and supporting local small businesses first.

after the Justice Department changed Stone’s sentencing. *the most glaring example of Trump’s influence of Barr was over the Mueller report. Remember before the report was released, Barr sent a memo to Congress summarizing it, claiming that there were insufficient evidence for an obstruction of justice case. Mueller immediately wrote a letter complaining that Barr’s summary didn’t capture the “context, nature, and substance” of his findings. But undeterred, Barr held a press conference reiterating his interpretation, giving the impression that Trump was exonerated. But until today, federal prosecutors, judges and law professors, agree that there was a strong case for obstruction of justice, and thus impeachment. Speaker Nancy Pelosi decided not to pursue it. * B a r r refused to accept the findings of the Inspector General report investigating the origins of the Russia probe. * B a r r also attempted to bury the whistle blower’s complaint which led to the second

investigation of Congress into Trump and his eventual impeachment. Barr tried to keep the complaint from reaching Congress. Barr has shown time and time again that he is there to shield this president from any accountability. This is not how an attorney general of the U.S., the highest administrator of justice in the country, should be behaving. In a striking rebuke of the Justice Department’s latest action, nearly 2,000 Justice Department officials have signed onto a letter calling for Barr’s resignation. Barr has proven to be another one of Trump’s enablers. He has proven to be unfit for this job and should resign or be removed.

4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEMAY 16, 2020

COVER STORY

HAWAII BUSINESSES AND WORKERS AMONG HARDEST HIT IN NATION Hawaii Partially Reopens Economy By Edwin Quinabo

resident Donald Trump said reopening parts of the country’s economy now would inevitably cost some Americans their lives but adds the benefits outweigh the costs. As of mid-May, the latest swath of unemployment applications brings the national total to 33 million, that’s 1 in 5 workers out of a job since the COVID-19 lockdowns started some eight weeks ago; and that’s more jobs lost in a few weeks over the 20 million jobs added to the U.S. economy in an entire decade. Mounting unemployment and the devastating blow to local economies have most U.S. governors saying they’re now ready to take a chance to reopen. By Sunday, May 10, 47 states opened parts of their economy even though none The Wall Street Journal reports that Hawaii’s workforce is the hardest hit in the nation in terms of workers seeking unemployment, particularly due to the shutdown of the tourism industry. Hawaii’s Department of Labor and Industrial Relations shows the unemployment rate at 37 percent (1 in 3 workers) as of the second week of May, compared to the national average of 15 percent in the same period. University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO) economists Carl Bonham (Executive Director), Peter Fuleky and Byron Gangnes wrote a joint article published on UHERO’s blog that estimates job losses in Hawaii peaked at about 220,000 in April. The economists lists two main channels of COVID-19 job losses in the state: 1) the first orbits around the halt in tourism and accommodations with about 116,000 job losses; and 2) the remaining 104,000 job losses result from the stayat-home order. Where job losses occurred

of those states have met the CDC and federal guidelines to reopen. In the state of Hawaii – Kauai and the Big Island opened parts of the economy on May 7; Maui County followed suit on May 11. Gov. David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell agreed to reopen retailers, shopping malls and some businesses on Oahu on May 15. Gov. Ige said the state has successfully “flattened the curve” and is now ready to focus on getting people back to work. Hawaii is one of only a few states registering single-digit new cases.

reveals an overreliance on tourism and need to diversify the state’s economy, some experts say; and state lawmakers already said they’ll be exploring ways to diversify the economy when session resumes later this year. UHERO and Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Survey UHERO partnered with the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii to conduct an extensive survey of 623 Hawaii businesses on the impact COVID-19’s shutdown has had on local businesses and the economy. Over 30 percent of respondents (owners of local businesses) say their revenues have been reduced to zero during the shutdown. The most alarming finding is one in four (about 24 percent) Hawaii businesses is expected to close if there is no additional financial assistance, even after receiving federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. “UHERO’s analysis leaves no doubt that Hawaii businesses have been devastated by

the Coronavirus pandemic— and federal assistance alone will not be enough to save them,” said Sherry Menor-McNamara, President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. “Losing a quarter of our local businesses was once unimaginable, but this will quickly become our reality without further government action to aid stabilization and recovery. Significant state and county support for businesses is long overdue, in particular for the industries and employee demographics that the analysis identified as especially hard hit,” Menor-McNamara added. The Chamber president told the Filipino Chronicle, “Hawaii businesses have lost significant income while facing what seem like insurmountable obstacles to survival. As they are forced to shut down, the fabric and landscape of our local communities across the islands will be forever disrupted. The longer we wait for a path forward to recovery, the broader the negative impact on Hawaii.”

“We believe our community has the conditions to move into this next phase,” he said. But is it too late? Some business owners claim their losses are too deep and that they plan to close down permanently. Hawaii has been in strict lockdown since March 15.

She said the best thing is to reopen Hawaii’s economy safely and put measures into place that make consumers confident that they can continue to support local businesses; and that strong state and county support are needed for economic recovery. Other highlights of the survey: • Hotels and retail businesses were most likely to lay off employees. • While the federal Paycheck Protection Program will increase employee retention, it will not be enough to sustain many businesses. • Businesses that provide educational services, including tutoring, test-preparation and private pre-K services are down 54 percent during the crisis and are anticipating a similar drop in revenues this year. • Airline passengers to the state declined from more than 30,000 per day to an economically negligible 500-600 per day recently. Reservations at restau-

rants dropped even before mandatory rules brought them to zero, and a sharp reduction in residents’ mobility suggests that activity across a broad swath of the economy has declined to less than half its pre-crisis level. • The hardest hit in terms of full-time employee reductions were accommodations (hotels), down 83%, and retail businesses, down 76%. Food, educational, and other services all also saw reductions north of 50% of their pre-crisis full-time workforces. • Owners of retail businesses, one of the largest losers in terms of employees, were more optimistic about overall revenue, estimating just a 19% drop. Bonham said, “these data provide otherwise unavailable insight into the impacts of the economic crisis by industry and geography. They are already being used to inform our forecast work and contain (continue on page 5)

MAY 16, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  5

COVER STORY (from page 4)

many interesting findings.” The survey says the good news is that most of the businesses surveyed anticipate being able to open and staff-up as soon as it is safe to do so – 60 percent said they could return to full staff almost immediately, with the rest phasing in as tourism returns to the Islands.

Real Estate Market On Hawaii’s real estate market, realtor-associate and attorney Michael Yoshino said, “We’re starting to feel the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on home sales, and we can expect to see a greater impact on sales next month, as new escrows and new listings are lower than in a typical spring.” He elaborates, “while there were fewer sales in April, median prices for both single-family homes and condos were greater than last year— an indicator that Oahu housing values will hold steady, even as we see fewer sales.” He said the good news for prospective homeowners and those homeowners looking to refinance is that 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates have once again hit an all-time low, at 3.23 percent. Single-family home sales fell 21 percent (condo sales were 28 percent lower) in April 2020, compared to last April. Single-family home median prices rose by five percent to $810,000 (condo median prices rose by eight percent to $450,000) in April 2020. Workers Most Affected The survey shows many of the employees who have lost wages during the shutdown are some of the most vulnerable, what are sometimes referred to as “ALICE” families (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). Part-time jobs were more likely to have been lost than full-time (56 percent compared to 43 percent). Among full time employees, those earning less than $50,000 per year were more likely to lose their position (35 percent) compared to 30 percent of those earning $50$100k, 26 percent of those earning $100-$200k, and 16

percent of those making over $200k.

PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) Loans The federal government’s attempt to retain employees through Small Business Administration PPP forgivable loans (loans that would be forgiven by keeping employees on payroll) might not be enough to keep businesses afloat. Thirty four percent of those surveyed say they anticipate needing to make more staff cuts in order to survive, even after PPP loans. PPP is part of the CARES Act to help small business owners. The first round of funding, $349 billion for this program, dried up quickly. The Hawaii Bankers Association reported 11,553 Hawaii businesses received loans worth $2.1 billion in the first round. On April 23, 2020, Congress authorized an additional $310 billion in funding for PPP loans, or a second phase, which is where businesses are now scrambling to access it. Including in phase two is $60 billion allocated to community and rural banks to ensure mom and pop businesses can access funds. The maximum amount of these loans is equivalent to 2.5 months of payroll costs, and the covered period is eight weeks. The terms of the loan require that not more than 25 percent of the forgiven amount may be used to cover non-payroll costs. This implies that 75 percent of the loan is used for personnel costs and the remainder for other business expenses. Loans up to $10 million can be forgiven. Like business owners on the mainland, Hawaii business community have expressed difficulty and confusion over both the first and second PPP rollouts. Hawaii’s Congressional and Senate representatives stated some of the problems in a letter to Secretary Treasury Steven Mnuchin and Administrator of the SBA Jovita Carranza. They said Hawaii’s small businesses have been significantly disadvantaged from accessing PPP in the following ways: • Time Disadvantage: “For starters, the SBA’s de-

cision to commence accepting applications at 10:30AM EST, 4:30AM (on Monday, April 27) in Hawai’i, completely disadvantaged Hawai’i lenders. It was inexcusable for the SBA to provide a favorable time zone advantage to the East Coast and essentially discriminate against the West Coast and the Pacific.” • e-Tran system problematic: “Second, the SBA’s e-Tran system is and remains highly problematic. Although financial institutions on the continental United States are reportedly able to upload hundreds of applications a day, financial institutions across Hawai‘i are functionally unable to even access the system, and those institutions that are able to access have reported getting kicked out up to twenty times per application. • One-time bulk upload. “Fourth, the SBA’s last-minute Sunday evening guidance placed Hawaii’s institutions, which are all small, at a compounding disadvantage. This guidance authorized financial institutions to submit a one-time bulk upload of 5,000 or more applications and set a lending cap of $60 billion. As no Hawai’i small business lender meets the bulk upload criteria, they were forced into the single application process that has been dysfunctional. Sens. Brian Schatz, Mazie Hirono, and Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Ed Case ask that Hawaii will be able to obtain at least $1.8 billion in second round PPP funding, representing roughly the pro rata portion of total PPP availability in this current tranche as Hawai’i obtained in the first tranche. Save Hawaii Jobs and Businesses reports that as of the first week of May, $175B funds have been used up nationally. They anticipate several more days to get loans into the SBA system. Their figures show in the same period, 7,717 Hawaii PPP loans were approved in

“UHERO’s analysis leaves no doubt that Hawaii businesses have been devastated by the Coronavirus pandemic—and federal assistance alone will not be enough to save them. Losing a quarter of our local businesses was once unimaginable, but this will quickly become our reality without further government action to aid stabilization and recovery. Significant state and county support for businesses is long overdue, in particular for the industries and employee demographics that the analysis identified as especially hard hit.”

—Sherry Menor-McNamara

President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce of HI the second round. The total approved for round one totaled 11,553 loans. The average Hawaii PPP loan size for round 2 is $54,000. Round 1 for Hawaii averaged $177,000. The SBA released a change to the forgiveness requirement. If a borrower laid off an employee, then offered to rehire the same employee, but the employee declined the offer, the loan might still qualify to be forgiven. But in order to qualify for this exception, the borrower must have made a good faith, written offer of rehire, and the employee’s rejection of that offer must be documented by the borrower. Employees who refuse re-employment may forfeit

eligibility for continued unemployment compensation. The SBA has also come under criticism in Hawaii because some loans were approved for PPP despite not being eligible. Many Hawaii homeowners and a few homeowners associations for condominiums have applied and been approved of PPP loans even though PPP loans were intended for small businesses.

How can the state and counties help? Menor-McNamara said there needs to be more aggressive state and county action to provide economic stabilization and help businesses survive. “Whether it’s through a grant or loan program relief (continue on page 6)

6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEMAY 16, 2020

OPEN FORUM

Roll Back Government to Revive Hawaii Economy

By Joe Kent

s the coronavirus crisis has deepened during the past two months, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii has acknowledged that most of the actions taken to protect our most vulnerable citizens have been well intentioned. But that doesn’t mean we have agreed with all of them. Some of those actions have been, and still are, a threat to our liberties, like the business closures, curfews, checkpoints and drones on high, all restricting our privacy and freedom of movement. The police have issued thousands of warnings, hundreds of citations, and even arrested a number of people, in an attempt to control Hawaii’s increasingly restless population. Meanwhile, tourism has tanked, thousands of businesses have been sidelined or destroyed, almost 250,000 for-

merly productive workers have filed for unemployment. and tax revenues have dried up, leaving our state and counties looking at either massive deficits, big cuts in spending — or both. Unfortunately, Hawaii policymakers in recent years have spent much of the state’s budgetary surplus on nonemergency items, and now it’s a struggle for them to deal with the current health and economic emergencies. Obviously, our lawmakers should be cautious about spending money they don’t have, especially since it’s not clear where that money will come from. We also need to worry about our unfunded public liabilities, which will only get worse if this recession persists. Our best hope to get our lives, businesses and communities back on track is greater economic freedom. In more mainstream quarters, the preference for bigger government

(COVER STORY: Hawaii Business....from page 5)

of taxes and other regulations, businesses will need state and county assistance in order to survive. Kauai and Maui counties have already created grant and loan programs to assist small businesses. “In order to turn the lights back on and revive our economy, businesses need certainty in order to plan. In this case, this means clear guidelines on reopening, clear instructions and resources on social dis-

tancing and other new normal measures, how we will measure infection rate and need for other safety measures, and how to keep employees safe.”

Prediction on Economic Rebound UHERO economists predicts the pace of visitors to the state will be very slow. “Specifically, we assume third-quarter arrivals recover to only 28% of their fourth quarter 2019 level,

has dominated the discussion, but isle policymakers should examine how shrinking government could make a difference. Roll back some of the regulations and taxes that have made it so hard to operate in Hawaii all along. They were a problem before; they are even more of a barrier now. Ironically, some of the emergency measures proclaimed by Gov. David Ige are actually worth keeping, even after the coronavirus emergency has passed. A perfect example was the allowing out-of-state medical professionals to practice here. It was one of the most positive

and that capacity use will linger at low levels through the end of the year, held back by consumer reluctance to resume long-haul travel, pocketbook challenges, and the probability of localized virus flare-ups in some visitor markets or in Hawaii itself. By December, only half of the arrivals lost to the pandemic will have been recovered in our baseline scenario.” On recovery of the non-tourism economy in Hawaii, UHERO economists believe the pace will be more rapid than for tourism, but will still be measured. “We assume that the process of reopening businesses will continue gradually in May, and that once the stay-at-home order is lifted, local consumption will ramp up slowly at first as businesses and consumers adjust to a new normal. In May and June, we assume the return of 35-45 percent of the business activity lost during the most extensive period of local economy shutdown in April. By December, 75 percent of economic activity lost due to the stay-at-home order will have been reversed. The less-than-complete recovery reflects macroeconomic weakness, ongoing costs of measures to preserve social distancing, and spillover ef-

actions taken so far to help Hawaii residents through the crisis, and it involved removing government barriers, not enacting them. Other emergency measures we hope will remain permanent include loosening restrictions on telehealth, allowing prescriptions from out-of-state doctors and nurses, and waiving licensing requirements for childcare. Such measures would be beneficial to the state — and the state’s public health — long after the coronavirus danger has receded. In terms of accountable government, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii recently joined other watchdog organizations, such as Common Cause Hawaii and the ACLU, to challenge the governor’s suspension of the state’s open-meetings and open-records laws. Government transparency is critical to a healthy

democracy — all the more so during a crisis when public trust is paramount. For Hawaii to get back on its feet again, isle residents need flexibility and incentives to pursue prosperity for themselves, their families and their communities. Open, accountable government also is critical, if we are truly to be in charge of those policymakers who presume to act on our behalf. Yes, we have been struggling in this time of adversity, but no matter what the challenges, greater economic freedom and limited, accountable government — adopted as quickly as possible — are what Hawaii needs. JOE KENT is executive vice president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.

Any opinions, advice, or statements contained in our Open Forum section are those of the author and/or the organization represented, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle board’s editorial staff.

fects from persistent low levels of tourism.” Menor-McNamara told the Filipino Chronicle, “Reopening and recovery must be driven by public health—there’s a lot at stake to ensure that businesses can truly reopen instead of entering into a vicious cycle of reopening, only to be forced to shut down again by cycles of infection.” She said COVID1-19 exposed both the state’s economy’s weaknesses and opportunities. “We have the ability to pursue opportunities in technology, sustainability, and adjust our supply chain. Tourism and the military will continue to be major drivers of Hawaii’s economy, but the Coronavirus pandemic has made it clear that we have to create and grow more self-sustaining industries.” On the Chamber’s efforts during this crisis, Menor-McNamara said they are ensuring members and the broader business community are informed about changes that impact them and the Chamber is providing access to top experts to help them navigate these changes.

Residents’ concerns over Hawaii’s economy Carme Langcay, EPO Adjustments Specialist at Bank of

Hawaii, Waipahu, expressed several concerns: “What will happen to employees who were furloughed? Will there be a hiring freeze in companies? My concerns also are how will we be able to take care of our kids while working (schools have been postponed) and how will we be providing a better education?” She believes when the economy reopens fully, it will not be the sameas it was before the pandemic. “People will be shopping for things they need not what they want,” said Langcay. Blandena Buenafe, a transportation assistant at the Department of Navy and appointment registration clerk at Kaiser Permanente, echoed what Langcay said. The economy will be different. “I will be more careful with what I buy and make sure it is something I really need. “There will be less small businesses because of the pandemic. Less of those that survived and less opening because it would not be sustainable,” said Buenafe. She is also concerned that there might be hyperinflation, with prices of all goods increasing because there will be (continue on page 15)

MAY 16, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  7

WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?

May FilAm Use U.S. Passport After Election to Office in PH? By Atty. Emmanuel S. Tipon

ay a Filipino citizen who became naturalized as a U.S. citizen and then renounced his U.S. citizenship and reacquired Filipino citizenship and run for public office and win continue using his U.S. passport without losing his public office? In Rommel Arnado v. Comelec, decided by the Philippine Supreme Court on August 18, 2015, blob:http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/bb9e0580-fa9b49da-9e17-1356129b3eb3, a majority through Justice Del Castillo held that “Only natural-born Filipinos who owe total and undivided allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines could run for and hold elective public office.” Therefore, the Comelec did not abuse its discretion in holding that Arnado “failed to comply with the second requisite of Section 5 (2) of RA 9225 [make a personal and sworn renunciation of any and all foreign citizenship] because, as held in Maquiling v. Commission on Elections, his April 3, 2009 Affidavit of Renunciation was deemed withdrawn when he used his U.S. passport after executing said affidavit. Consequently, at the time he filed his CoC on October 1, 2012 for purposes of the May 13, 2013 elections, Amado had yet to comply with said second requirement. The Comelec also noted that while Amado submitted an affidavit dated May 9, 2013, affirming his April 3, 2009 Affidavit of Renunciation, the same would not suffice for having been belatedly executed.” The court upheld the disqualification of Arnado from running in the May 13, 2013 elections and the setting aside of his proclamation as elected mayor of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte and proclaiming Capitan as the duly elected mayor of said municipality. This ruling is highly rel-

evant to the disqualification case against Senator Grace Poe who recently announced her candidacy for president. Poe allegedly became a U. S. citizen in 2001. She married a U.S. citizen, Neil Llamanzares. Poe is said to have become a dual citizen in 2006 when she renewed her allegiance to the Philippines. She is alleged to have renounced her U.S. citizenship in 2010 when she was appointed chair of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. In the disqualification case filed by Rizalito David, a defeated senatorial candidate in 2013, it is alleged that Poe used her U.S. passport even after reacquiring Philippine citizenship on July 7, 2006. The case is pending before the Senate Electoral Tribunal. Arnado is a natural-born Filipino citizen who lost his Philippine citizenship after he was naturalized as a citizen of the United States of America (USA). Subsequently, Arnado applied for repatriation under Republic Act No. 9225 (RA 9225) before the Consul General of the Philippines in San Francisco, USA. He took an Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines on July 10, 2008 and an Order of Approval of Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition was issued in his favor. On April 3, 2009, Amado executed an Affidavit of Renunciation of his foreign citizenship. On November 30, 2009, Arnado filed his Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) for mayor of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte for the May 10, 2010 elections. Balua, another mayoralty candidate filed a petition to disqualify Amado and/or to cancel his CoC alleging that Amado remained a US citizen because he continued to use his US passport for entry to and exit from the Philippines after executing the Affidavit of Renunciation. Bureau of Immigration records were presented showing that Arnado used his US passport on January 12, 2010 and March 23,

2010. While Balua’s petition remained pending, the May 10, 2010 elections proceeded where Amado garnered the highest number of votes for mayor. He was proclaimed the winning candidate. The majority said that it was settled in Maquiling v. Commission on Elections “that the use of a foreign passport amounts to repudiation or recantation of the oath of renunciation.” and “that matters dealing with qualifications for public elective office must be strictly complied with.” On October 1, 2012, Arnado again filed a certificate of candidacy for the May 13, 2013 elections. On May 10, 2013, Capitan, Arnado’s lone rival for the  mayoralty post, filed a Petition seeking to disqualify him from running for municipal mayor of Kauswagan and/or to cancel his CoC based on the ruling of this Court in Maquiling. The resolution of Capitan’s petition was overtaken by the May 13, 2013 elections where Arnado garnered 8,902 votes (84% of the total votes cast) while Capitan obtained 1,707 (16% of the total votes cast) votes only. The court said that “The circumstances surrounding the qualification of Arnado to run for  public office during the May 10, 2010 and May 13, 2013 elections are the same. Arnado’s use of his US passport in 2009 invalidated his  oath of renunciation resulting in his disqualification to run for mayor of Kauswagan in the 2010 elections. Since then and up to the time he filed his CoC for the 2013 elections, Arnado had not cured the defect in his qualification.” The court said that even assuming that the recently discovered November 30, 2009 Affidavit of Renunciation with Oath of Allegiance is true and authentic, Arnado performed positive acts [used his U.S. passport] on January 12, 2010 and March 23, 2010 which effectively negated the alleged November 30, 2009 Affidavit resulting in his dis-

qualification to run for an elective public office. Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen dissented and maintained the same position he had taken in Maquiling that Arnado’s use of his US passport in 2009 was an isolated act justified by the circumstances at that time. The majority said that this issue was not raised by the petitioner. Justice Brion also dissented, arguing that what was cancelled by virtue of Maquiling was only the April 3, 2009 Affidavit of Renunciation where Arnado expressly renounced any foreign citizenship, not the July 10, 2008 Oath of Allegiance which carried with it an implied abdication of foreign citizenship. The majority said that this was not raised by the petitioner, and even assuming that Arnado’s 2008 implied renunciation is sufficient, the same had been negated by his use of his US passport in 2009. In Maquiling, the Supreme Court emphasized that popular vote does not cure the ineligibility of a candidate. Thus, while Arnado won by landslide majority during the 2013 elections, garnering 84% of the total votes cast, the same “cannot override the constitutional and statutory requirements for qualifications and disqualifica-

tions.” In Velasco v. Comelec, the Supreme Court pronounced that election victory cannot be used as a magic formula to bypass election eligibility requirements; otherwise, certain provisions of laws pertaining to elections will become toothless, one of which is Section 39 of the Local Government Code of 1991, which specifies the basic positive qualifications of local government officials. ATTY. TIPON has a Master of Laws degree from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. He is co-author of the best-seller “Winning by Knowing Your Election Laws” published by Rex Publishing. He writes columns for Filipino-American newspapers and co-hosts “The Tipon Report,” Honolulu’s most witty and useful radio show. He practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, focusing on immigration and other federal laws. Tel. 808-225-2645. E-mail: filamlaw@yahoo.com

8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEMAY 16, 2020

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MAY16, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  9

10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEMAY 16, 2020

AS I SEE IT

Is There A Need to Hurry in Re-opening the Economy? By Elpidio R. Estioko

wo weeks ago, US President Donald Trump unveiled the 3-step recovery plan The Opening Up America Again setting up the guidelines in re-opening the economy. Originally, Trump claimed he has a total responsibility to decide when to bring back the economy which has been suffering severely due to the lockdown of businesses establishments caused by the corona virus pandemic COVID-19. This time, under the 3-step plan, he relinquished his total responsibility and passed it on to the governors. While the decision to open the economy now rests on the hands of the governors, they must follow the guidelines laid down by the president and must have to cope up with the pressures ahead of them. My journalist-friend Romy Morales from Barrow, Alaska said: “We are actually fighting an ‘invisible’ enemy, not with high-powered guns and cannons but with a firm resolve to mitigate it if not to totally eradicate the pandemic.” Despite all the government moves to contain it and save peoples’ lives however, the virus continue to spread and every day, we have been hearing reports of deaths and more people are being found positive of the virus. So, it’s actually a big gamble on the part of the governors

because it’s a choice between re-opening the economy with the hope of rekindling the economy as opposed to health issues where Americans are exposed to the virus and eventually succumbing to it. I think it is a gamble because if they will not re-open soon, their local economy remains to be paralyzed and there will be more Americans applying for unemployment benefits (EDD). So far, CNN reported that there are 3.2 million Americans who filed for unemployment lately totaling 33.5 million since mid-March. If they will not, their constituents will just the same criticize them for not acting soon and not taking the risk as local leaders. The governors are in a dilemma… they need to act and gamble a calculated move they need to call. It’s a choice between re-opening in the hope that the economy will bounce back as against health issues exposing the workers from being found positive and eventually succumbing to the virus. Washington Post reported more than 50,000 already died of corona virus. So, the race to the top of economic recovery despite the projected 3,000 deaths by June is on! To be able to do that, restrictions were loosened and

the requirements laid down by the president under the recovery plan were relaxed or not met at all. Dr. Fauci, the top government expert on infectious disease Monday over CNN said: If “you jump the gun” on re-opening, “it’s going to backfire”. This is a contradiction of the president’s original plan to re-open the economy soon starting May 1. CNN reported that deaths and new cases of COVID-19 has risen in new hot spots, including Georgia and Texas. Alaa Elassar reported on CNN on Monday, May 4, 2020, that Gov. Brian Kemp started to ease restrictions on April 24 and re-opened gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, hair and nail salons, estheticians and massage therapists were able to reopen April 24, with certain rules. Theaters and restaurants were allowed to re-open April 27, also with caveats to maintaining social distancing. Bars, nightclubs and music venues will remain closed, for now. The governor’s announcement created resistance, according to writer Eric Bradner in his article: “Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is running into resistance from mayors and businesses who fear a new wave of

corona virus infections as he seeks an early end to his state’s shutdown. It came as a surprise to mayors and some members of Kemp’s own corona virus task force. Mayors are pushing back, some businesses are saying they’ll keep their doors closed and even Trump allies are questioning whether Kemp is moving too quick,” the article mentioned. Also in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott, who had ordered all Texans to stay home through April 30, announced on April 27 the first phase of the state’s plan to safely reopen Texas. “All retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, malls, museums, and libraries were permitted to reopen on Friday, May 1, but must limit their capacity to 25% of their listed occupancy. This strategic approach to opening the state of Texas prioritizes the health and safety of our communities and follows the guidelines laid out by our team of medical experts,” Abbott said. The situation is a little bit more calculated in California. Elassar reported that Gov. Gavin Newsom said on May 1 that he is “days, not weeks” away from beginning to lift some restrictions in the state’s stay-at-home order. On Friday, May 8, 2020, partial reopening for retail businesses were ordered by the governor -- clothing stores, florists, and bookshops — will be allowed to reopen with curbside pickup and physical distancing. Associated manufacturing and supply chain for those retail businesses will also be able to get back to work. Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy allowed personal services businesses and restaurants in most parts of Alaska to reopen April 24, but with restrictions. Hair salons, according to the report, can only admit customers by reservation. Restaurants will have to keep distances between tables and can’t exceed 25% of their normal capacity. The city of Anchorage delayed the new rules until April 27. Dunleavy said “Alaska is not in a rush to reopen but is

responding to a low infection rate in the state and a belief that they can quickly isolate any future outbreaks.” In Hawaii, the statewide stay-at-home order to expire April 30 has been extended until May 31, Gov. David Ige announced. Ige said he has also extended the order that travelers quarantine for 14 days after their arrival to the state until May 31. Beaches are now open for exercising such as jogging, running or walking but people cannot loiter on the beach and must maintain social distance, Ige said. Groups of two people or more are now allowed to fish for subsistence or commercial purposes, Ige said. A previous restriction limited such gatherings to two people. The same report said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a “New York State on PAUSE” executive order which took effect on March 22. Nonessential businesses are ordered to stay closed until May 15. “Now that we’ve shown we can flatten the curve and our efforts to control the spread of the virus are working, we must focus on a smart, effective plan to un-pause New York,” Cuomo said last week. “We’re going to reopen in phases which will be based on a regional analysis, particularly economic regions. The first phase would include construction and manufacturing activities – and within that “those businesses that have a low risk”. Phase two would utilize more of a business-by-business analysis using a matrix that determines each businesses overall importance and risk in reopening,” he added. So, the race is on despite the growing numbers... and governors who now have the sole responsibility in re-opening the economy are claiming their victory laps and are in a hurry to reach the homestretch! ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. For feedbacks, comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com).

MAY 16, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  11

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

Hawaii is an Outlier as Pew Releases Asian American Voter Analysis By Emil Guillermo

t’s easy to be annoyed with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a.k.a. the yearly excuse non-APAs pay attention to us. As a group, we are notoriously “unstatisticized” (coinage mine), perhaps because generally there never seems to be a large enough sample size around to be statistically meaningful. Look at any political poll these days. Asian Americans are rarely if ever, mentioned. We’re too insignificant to bother with. So, let’s welcome the new information put out this week by the respected Pew Research Center that dubs Asian Americans “the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group of eligible voters in the U.S.” Happy APA Heritage Month to you too, Pew. But it is odd the Pewsters intentionally left out the “P”s in APA. The report strictly says “Asian Americans,” and does not refer any ethnic breakout to Native Hawaiians, Samoans, Tongans, or other Pacific Islanders. It would have only made our big group even bigger. As it stands, it’s just an analysis of Census Bureau data, but still, a good Heritage month reminder to all the politicos out there, that if they have a pre2000 lens on us, they better get some new glasses. Our group has grown since 2000—11.1 million were able to vote this year, 5% of the nation’s eligible voters, and the only major ethnic or racial group where our naturalized immigrant citizens who are eligible to vote (67%) outnumber our U.S. born voter eligible (33%). According to Pew, Asians will make up 4.7% of U.S. eligible voters, but still lower than our status as 5.6% of the total U.S. population. Pew says that’s because of green card

holders, those in the process of naturalization and the unauthorized. But still, six-in-ten of all Asian Americans are eligible, as Pew reports. Note to politicos: If you’re talking smack about immigrants, you better remember who you’re alienating—the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group of eligible voters in the U.S. Even as the 2020 campaign seems semi-dormant now, as we limp COVID-style to November, we better begin seeing more Asian American faces in campaign ads, campaign literature, and campaign staff. We better see candidates reaching out to Asian American communities and talking about our issues like we matter. Even if Pew left out the “P,” we’re still the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group of eligible voters in the U.S. Let’s start acting like it, everybody. Of course, the headline says eligible voters. It doesn’t say we actually vote, or care, or are even registered to vote. (Please register to vote.) Our eligibility implies we’re citizens and don’t have to fear ICE. In other words, we’re not foreigners. That alone may be the report’s real value. Next time someone blames you for the virus and says “Go back to China” when you’re from the Philippines, flash them the Pew report. And let’s hope every campaign will have a copy of The Pew Report on hand if they’re in California, New York, Texas, New Jersey, Hawaii, Illinois, Washington, Florida, Virginia and Massachusetts, and Nevada, the top states with the largest numbers and shares of Asian eligible voters. There’s no excuse to ignore us now.

More analysis of the analysis Here are some other items in the Pew report worth noting. From 2000 to 2020, the Asian American eligible voters

grew by 139%. That was faster than the Hispanic electorate’s 121% growth. Compare that with the slow pace of African American growth (33%) and the White electorate (7%). The GOP was at a real crossroads in 2016 and at first, was all set with a post-Bush diversity agenda that embraced all minorities. That’s all been shredded by Trump the last four years, and you can see how the president’s tack has really been to preserve a white establishment, appealing to the slowest growing, fastest declining electorate in America. It definitely has guided his COVID response. Blacks dying at record rates. Too bad? Trump says tough. Pacific Islanders dying at 12 times the rate of whites in LA? Too bad. Who are these Islanders again? (See my previous column.) As I mentioned that the PI’s aren’t even mentioned is an inclusivity blind spot. The report does point out it stayed focused on East, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Just six groups accounted for the majority—Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese—85 percent of all the Asians in the U.S.

More Democratic The report does mention that Asian Eligible Voters are more Democratic than not. But points out that Vietnamese are more likely to identify as Republican (42%) vs. Asians overall (28%). Indians are polarized the opposite way, with 50% calling themselves Democrats vs. 18% calling them-

selves Republican. On the economics and English proficiency spectrum, the report points out the differences lie in your arrival date. The earlier you came (Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Indian) you had higher median incomes, spoke better English. The more recent immigrants like the Burmese and the Cambodians did not. I found the median age of Asian Eligibles to be worth noting. It’s 46. That’s older than black (44) and Hispanic (38), younger than white (51), according to the report. We’re not kids. We’re the young mature. The big surprise for me: There is more of a generational difference among U.S.-born and Foreign-born Asian Americans, and that may be something that some of you are experiencing in your communities. Pew put the U.S.-born Asian Eligible Voter’s median age at 31, while the foreign-born Asian Eligible Voter’s median age was 51. How Asian is the U.S. born? Too Americanized for their own good and a source of conflict? Or ready to rally for the greater good? We’ll see who gets to pick the DJ at the campaign night victory party.

Hawaii’s the Outlier This may all seem somewhat quaint for Hawaii, which as Pew points out is the state with the highest share of eligible voters than any group, 38%. It represents 384,000 Asian eligible voters. California is a smaller

share, 14 percent, but has more Asian eligible voters at 3.6 million. In many ways, Hawaii should be an example of our great Asian American political paradise. To a degree it is. What other state had a Filipino governor? Unfortunately, in no other state do Asian Americans pack the wallop as they do in Hawaii. That’s why we need each other to stand united and act in coalition, throughout the nation. The hope is this Pew report will provide guidance to politicians on the mainland and won’t just get shoved into some campaign file folder. We’re here. Notice us. Pay attention. Still, I admit I was expecting a more inclusive report that includes Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islanders. I know they have their own category in the Census and that’s the likely reason they were left out. But if APA is our designation, or AANHPI, or AAPI, then why not combine it? As I said 20 years ago in an Emil Amok column, there’s still the urge some have to ignore that big lump that’s too often swept under our Asian American rug. When they’re on our side, like the star quarterback at St. Louis High, we’re certainly all for it.

EMIL GUILLERMO is a veteran journalist and commentator. He was a member of the Honolulu Advertiser editorial board. Listen to him on Apple Podcasts. Twitter @ emilamok.

12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEMAY 16, 2020

ASK A DOCTOR

Seniors: Aging and Vision Loss

By Michael A. McMann, MD

s we get older it is normal that our vision changes. Our eyes may find it harder to read small print, take longer to adjust from light to dark and be more sensitive to glare from sunlight or unshielded light bulbs. There’s a decline in depth perception that can make it hard to judge distances, and perceiving contrasts and colors may become more difficult. Sight provides much pleasure, but it’s also an important part of staying safe and independent. Because our eyes do so much for us, they deserve good care and attention.

the day. They will protect you from UV rays that can harm your eyes even on a cloudy day. Protect your eyes from accidents. Here are some ways to prevent damage to your eyes: • put a grease shield over frying foods • make sure that spray cans and bottle nozzles are pointed away from you • wear safety glasses in the workshop and when opening and using chemical products like ammonia • when using bungee cords, be careful of recoil

Eat your carrots. Studies show that a daily dose of the vitamins and minerals found in melons, citrus, carrots, spinach and kale may help slow the progress of age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma or cataracts. Get an eye examination. Many changes to vision happen so slowly that you may not realize you have a problem. If you are over 40 years of age, the most important thing you can do to protect your vision is to have an eye exam on a regular basis.

Be kind to your eyes! Don’t smoke. Studies show that tobacco smoking is an important risk factor in the early onset of an eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This disease causes serious and permanent loss of central vision. Reduce glare. Wear sunglasses that provide 100% Vision changes UV-A and UV-B protection Here are the most common when you go outside during changes that come with age:

or changes in temperature. Simply protecting your eyes by shielding them or wearing sunglasses may solve the problem. The condition can also be a result of an eye infection, eye irritation or blocked tear duct, all of which can be appropriately treated.

Presbyopia is the inability to focus on close objects or small print. Reading glasses usually solve the problem. The usual age of onset is 40. Floaters are tiny spots or specks that float across the field of vision, that are often normal. If a floater appears right in your line of vision, sometimes moving your eye around will make it shift out of your central vision. If you notice a sudden change in the number or types of spots you see, or if they come with light flashes, these may be signs of a serious problem. Dry eyes are a common problem, especially with aging. Your eyes may feel gritty, itchy or burning. Your doctor may suggest special eye drops that act as tears. In a few serious cases, surgery may be needed to correct the problem. Tearing (watery eyes) is another common problem. It may be because you are more sensitive to light, wind

Vision loss Here are the most common reasons for age-related vision loss: Cataracts are a gradual clouding of the natural lens of the eye that prevents light from reaching the retina. If the central part of the lens is cloudy, you may not be able to read or drive unless the cataract is removed. This is one of the most successful surgeries done in medicine today. Glaucoma is an eye problem that develops when the pressure within the eye starts destroying the nerve fibers within the retina. If not treated early, glaucoma can cause vision loss and blindness. Because most people have no early symptoms, it is very important to have regular eye exams. Treatment may include eye drops, medication or surgery. Statistically, people of Filipino and Asian descent have a higher rate of incidence of glaucoma. Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that occurs when the macula (the central part of the retina

responsible for sharp vision) is damaged. This damage can be the result of many factors, including aging, and causes permanent loss of central vision. Regular eye exams can detect the disease early on and laser treatments can slow down central vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye problem linked to diabetes. Changes to blood vessels can cause the retina to become oxygen starved. Symptoms include cloudy vision and seeing spots. This condition goes through many stages and can result in blindness. If you have diabetes, have regular examinations and inform your eye specialist if you are diabetic. Treatment can slow down vision loss. Laser treatment in the early stages often proves successful. For most seniors, normal age-related vision loss can be corrected or stopped with glasses, medication or surgery. For others, using vision aids and making changes to their homes and routines help them stay safe and independent. For those who have more serious vision loss, there are many services available to help you through this difficult period of adjustment. DR. MICHAEL A. MCMANN iis a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Fellowship Trained Surgeon in Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery.

FEATURE

Still Haven’t Received Your Unemployment Insurance Check? Unfortunately, You’re Not Alone By Mark Lester E. Ranchez

ur weeks have trickled by since I was laid off from my full-time job, and still I haven’t received a single penny out of my unemployment benefits. This could have been an understandable, if a little inconvenient, predicament, if not for the vexing reason that the state’s Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ (DLIR)

website is still completely inaccessible, not to mention the ever-busy telephone lines at the claims offices, not even allowing anyone to pass through the first ring. That the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), a value of $600 to be distributed weekly in addition to the unemployment benefits received from employers, which has already started being disbursed on April 4, won’t even reach my direct deposit account until my initial claim is approved (if

approved) is just as infuriating as it is frustrating— getting through the portal is just a painful impossibility, the only way anyone can file weekly claims and check their unemployment insurance (UI) status. In fact, it took me three weeks just to make a profile account and file an initial claim. Shockingly, this seems to be an ordinary feat to others; at least, according to my

Facebook friends who had the same exasperating experience. They urged me to “just keep doing it,” as if the program has a mind of its own, and will only budge if you’ve tried hard enough. Granted the economic fallout from the coronavirus epidemic is something on a

scale that we have never before encountered, but a month has already gone by since the state lockdown—a month of open opportunity to act—and yet, still, we’re in the same dire situation, if not worsening in the state’s ever-growing unemployment rate. Since the beginning of March, Hawaii has accumulated more than 225,000 UI claims, yet only a short of 73,000 have been paid out so far by the department, and more than 180,000 are still waiting to be sorted out. Scott Murakami, director (continue on page 13)

MAY 16, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  13

LEGAL NOTES

Impact of Covid-19 on Immigration Cases and Petitions By Atty. Reuben S. Seguritan

s of March 18, 2020, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) suspended all operations to help slow the spread of Covid-19. USCIS announced that they are closed until May 3, 2020. All appointments for biometrics, interviews and naturalization oath takings were cancelled. These appointments will be rescheduled once the government lifts the order for everyone to stay home. New notices will be given out with a new time, date and location for interviews, biometrics capturing and oath takings. USCIS also said that they will continue to perform duties that do not involve contact with the public. This means that applicants and petitioners can still submit applications for immigration benefits and

the supporting documents. The USCIS will send receipts for the applications and petitions. However, the USCIS will not send out appointment schedules because of the suspension of operations. For persons who received a Request for Evidence (RFE), or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) which was dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020, the USCIS will accept responses up to 60 days after the response date deadline in the RFE or NOID, as long as the USCIS has not taken any action on the case yet. Hence, the applicant should still submit the response within the deadline stated in the notice to avoid an adverse decision of the USCIS. If the USCIS makes a decision within the 60 days after the response date deadline, then that will be binding on the applicant even if it was announced that they have an additional 60 days from the response deadline date. On

the other hand, for those who received a Notice of Intent to Revoke (NOIR), or Notice of Intent to Terminate also dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020, the USCIS will accept responses up to 60 days after the response date deadline in the notice and it will not make a decision on the case before the said 60 days has lapsed. Similarly, for those who submitted or will submit the Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion from an appealable decision dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020, the USCIS will accept submissions up to 60 calendar days from the decision date and it will not take any action until after this period. For applicants of an extension of their employment authorization who filed or will file I-765, the USCIS will automatically reuse the previous biometrics captured and decide whether to grant the extension. The USCIS will then mail its decision

(FEATURE: Still Haven’t Received....from page 12)

of the department, admits that antiquated technology (i.e. mainframe computers developed as early as 1980s!), scarcity of workers, and an “overwhelmed system” are the primary culprit in the backlogging of tens of thousands of unemployment claims. Behind curtains, the process is far more complex. Normally there are seven people processing about a thousand claims a day, cross-checking all records of employers making payroll tax payments for the applicant, with the work history the applicant put down in the application. Most common problem comes when the two figures don’t match, and with the influx of tens of thousands of applications a day, it takes a great deal for a few hands to complete them as quickly as needed.

Thankfully, and hopefully, in the upcoming weeks, Murakami promises things will improve as upgrades are underway: training more volunteers, hopefully quadrupling the number of current workers; opening up spaces for calling centers; and updating technology. To date, I continue to try to log into my Hawaii UI account (for the thousandth time), and still the website says, in red, stubborn letters: “We are experiencing high traffic. Please wait a few moments before trying again.” Yet, I persist! One thing is for sure, though, Murakami promises, that so long as one is eligible for unemployment benefits, they will receive their full benefit from the date of separation.

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

International Flights to Philippines Resumed flights are allowed on Monday and

he Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu announced that international inbound flights carrying passengers is allowed to land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as of May 11, 2020. Chartered

Thursday; international commercial passenger flights are allowed for the rest of the week days. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said these conditions will last one month and be reviewed after June 10. 

to the applicant. As for immigration cases pending in court, the government has ordered that hearings until May 1, 2020 be postponed for defendants who are not detained. Affected persons should present themselves at their designated port of entry on their previously scheduled date to receive a tear sheet and hearing notice containing their new hearing dates. But for detained persons, the government has allowed that their cases proceed in immigration courts that are still open. However, immigration courts in New York City, Newark, Seattle, Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Louisville, Memphis, Sacramento and Los Angeles have stopped all hearings, regardless of whether the defendant is detained or not. Various organizations of judges and lawyers such as The National Association of Immigration Judges, a union representing Immigration and Customs Enforcement trial attorneys, and the American

Immigration Lawyers Association, have called for the closure of all immigration courts in accordance with the suspension of hearings until May 1, 2020. The spread of covid-19 would continue among the judges, lawyers, employees and clients if immigration courts remain open and hearings are forced to proceed as scheduled. In fact a judge in Denver has tested positive for covid-19 but the immigration courts have remained open there. Lawyers have held teleconferences with their clients and other lawyers to minimize physical contact and comply with the social distancing rules of staying at least 6 feet away from other people. However, the spread of covid-19 would continue if immigration courts are required to be open for detained defendants. REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been practicing law for over 30 years. For further information, you may call him at (212) 695 5281 or log on to his website at www.seguritan.com

14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEMAY 16, 2020

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

PERSPECTIVE By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

n South Korea, we are fortunate to not undergo lockdown or community quarantine. My husband can still go to work and we still have the freedom to go outside. We are just encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing. But we have decided to limit our outdoor activities to prevent our children from contracting the virus. We haven’t been going to the grocery as a family like we used to, only my husband does the shopping. Our weekly trips to the park and the church have also been cancelled temporarily. I am running out of activities for my 4-year-old daughter. She has been asking for us to bring her to a kid’s café, to the park or to the supermarket. All we can answer her is “next time, when there’s no more virus.” The COVID-19 pandemic has really changed the dynamics of our everyday lives. It has also ruined so many plans, not just of our family, but also of many million people around

the world. We have been praying to go to Nice, France in October for my daughter’s and my birthday, but it has been on hold. I can go on and on ranting about how this pandemic has affected our lives. But looking at my healthy children stuck at home, protected by roof on their heads and nourished by food on our table, the complaints in my heart are replaced by gratitude. My family has the chance to be together while so many families around the world have been separated by this virus. We have the privilege to gather and enjoy sumptuous meals but such is not the case for many because they don’t have

food on their tables. Many have lost jobs. We can laugh together, share stories with each other and enjoy each other’s company while there are a lot of families who are mourning and grieving the loss of loved ones who succumbed to the virus. I am grateful to be able to hug and kiss my children while many frontline workers can only kiss their children from afar or even online in order to protect them. This pandemic has opened my eyes to the beauty of simple things and the wonder of sobering moments. It has taught my soul to be grateful for the beautiful relationships that I have been blessed with. It has softened my heart to

have compassion towards others. The COVID-19 virus has encouraged me to appreciate every waking moment and the air that I breathe. For those who think it’s tyranny to be asked to stay home, I hope you think about those who want to be home with their families but cannot. To those who clamor for freedom and the right to a job, I feel you, but I hope you think about those people who are vulnerable to the disease and those who have lost not only their jobs and freedom, but their precious lives. To those who are complaining about not being able to have a haircut, or enjoy their spring break or spend time with their friends, please look at the people who have their loved ones taken away from them by this unforgiving virus. COVID-19 has taken something away from us, all of us

–for some, their plans; and for others, their jobs. For some people, the virus stole their freedom; but for many, their lives. This virus is not a lie. For those who have lost loved ones, it’s a reality that they can only hope is a nightmare. This is not the time to just think about ourselves and our own welfare. This is the time we must look out for our neighbors. It’s not just about me. It’s about us. It’s about we. Only together will we be able to overcome and defeat this unseen enemy. It’s not just my own freedom I am fighting for; it’s our freedom as a whole community from the grip of this virus that has caused the world to be on its knees. As we all struggle and find our way out of this difficult season we are all in, it is my prayer that we will all have the right perspective, not inward but outward-looking.

(Sagot sa Krosword Blg. 16 | May 2, 2020)

MAY 16, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  15

COMMUNITY CALENDAR MABUHI PACIFIC EXPO & SUMMIT | July 24-26, 2020 | Hawaii Convention Center l Panelists-presenters on various topics are being accepted for the Expo. For details, contact Rose Cruz Chuma at rosechurma@mac.com

LEA SALONGA LIVE | Friday-Saturday, October 23-24, 2020; 8-10PM | Blaisdell Concert Hall, Honolulu l Filipina singer and actress Lea Salonga to serenade the Hawaii crowd in a two-night spectacular concert. Tickets $35 and up. Visit blaisdellcenter.com for more information.

(COVER STORY: Hawaii Business....from page 6)

less demand of certain goods. Sherry Rochelle Corpuz, a Certified Medical Assistant and Ewa Beach resident, said her husband was laid off from work since March 18 due to the pandemic. She also lost her part-time job. She is uncertain about what the new economy will be like, what the new norm will be. “Not having tourists for a while was a big lost to our economy.” Her hope is the economy will be strong enough to enable her and her husband to pay for their mortgage, car loan and utility bills. And that means that jobs must be available for them. They each worked two jobs prior to the pandemic. As far as changes in the way she will shop, Corpuz said she will not go to crowded places and avoid places where physical distancing is not followed. Leo Guillermo, a Barracks Manager at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base, said his job was deemed “essential” so his work schedule hasn’t changed. He says his wife had to close her office in Waipahu due to stay-at-home orders, but she was able to work from home. “I hope Hawaii’s economy will be able to bounce back and everyone will get back on their feet. We look forward to the time when businesses will reopen. It will be different with everyone being extra careful. People will be shopping for essentials and probably will not be staying out too long. “Health is wealth and we have to be on guard and take good care of ourselves and each other. We are all

essential members of society. Let’s be united and we will overcome challenges,” said Guillermo. Mark Lester Ranchez, Waikiki, a Store Associate at Waikiki Luggage Store, said everyone in his family has been affected by the pandemic. “We were all laid off from work. Some of us, though, were lucky enough to get some financial support from our employers. Unfortunately, I wasn’t.” He said his job is directly dependent on tourism. So the state’s closing off of tourism led to his employer needing to shut down the store. “I’m more concerned about our local small businesses than tourism, to be honest. This pandemic only proves how Hawaii is deeply entrenched on tourism— how we’re utterly dependent on foreign goods—and how without it Hawaii is essentially non-functioning. If we want to be smart, we need to implement policies to aid and enhance local businesses in all the islands to better cater local consumptions for the economy to ultimately be able to fend for itself in a crisis like this. We need to be more self-sustaining,” Ranchez said. He believes the economy will not be the same until a vaccine is discovered. Jim Bea Sampaga, Waipahu, a part-time teacher for English Language Learners at Waipahu Intermediate School, said she is now

unemployed until schools reopen. She has yet to receive unemployment benefits. She explains the catch-22 situation, “I am concerned that if we open the state now, travelers and locals who are asymptomatic might worsen the curve in Hawaii. But it’s also gonna hurt our economy if we don’t open our businesses and islands. We’re such in a difficult situation because we both want our businesses back up and running but we also can’t sacrifice our community’s health.” Like Ranchez, Jim believes normal will not come back until a vaccine is made available. “We can’t just walk around knowing that we’re scared of each other because of the virus. We’re going to have to live our new normal with everything mostly online and limited outside exposure. Our elderly will really have to adjust to more online transactions, meeting and set-ups. One of the biggest problems Hawaii is dealing with right now is unemployment. I don’t think our new normal will help us get our jobs back unless our employers will make changes that will require our services again.”

Uncertainty for businesses The scope of how many small businesses will survive is still a big question mark. Will the federal government – the only branch of government able to sustain massive

MAINLAND NEWS

100 Billion Emergency Rental Assistance Introduced

ASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) introduced new legislation, the Emergency Rental Assistance and Rental Market Stabilization Act of 2020, which bill would establish an Emergency Rental Assistance program to provide $100 billion in emergency rental assistance to help families and individuals pay their rent and remain housed during and after the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. “Our bill will make sure that Hawai‘i families who are struggling to get by during this crisis can still make their rent and keep the lights on,” said

Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. “We have to do everything we can to keep families in their homes.” Features of the bill include: •Authorize $100 billion for an Emergency Rental Assistance program to help families and individuals pay their rent and utility bills and remain housed during and after the COVID-19 crisis. •The program would send funds to communities, states, and tribes through an existing federal temporary rental assistance program to facilitate the rapid distribution of funds through an already-available administrative and reporting system.

The Senate bill is currently cosponsored by 24 of Schatz and Brown’s Democratic colleagues. The bill has been endorsed by a diverse list of housing, state and local government, child advocacy, faith, health care, women’s, civil rights, disability rights, and social welfare organizations. These groups include the National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Children’s Defense Fund, U.S. Conference of Mayors, National Association of Counties, National Urban League, and National League of Cities. The bill aims to stabilize the economy by stabilizing renters and the rental market.

Have your organization’s events listed in our community calendar. It’s recommended to submit press releases a month in advance of your organization’s event. Send information to filipinochronicle@gmail.com. debt – commit to yet another round of PPP rollouts to help small businesses? With state revenues slowed to a halt due to businesses reporting zero earnings, lawmakers have their hands tied in how much assistance the state can offer to small business owners. Already the national trend is for states and counties to reduce services and even employees as raising taxes -- normal means of supporting government if revenues drop -- is not possible with a recession this deep, experts say. The business community says they are relying on new assistance programs from banks, backed by the federal government, and consumer spending to carry them through another quarter or two when a vaccine hopefully will be available. Menor-McNamara is urging the general public “to continue to think local and support small businesses where possible. Many businesses have stood up innovative take out, online, or subscription programs and we need your continued support to ensure that they survive.”

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