As more people get vaccinated, Hawai‘i is looking to change some of its restrictions on travel based on vaccination rates. The benchmarks are as follows:

On June 15, all inter-island travel restrictions will be dropped, and travelers entering the state who have been vaccinated in Hawaiʻi may bypass quarantine without a pre-travel test.

At 60% fully vaccinated, the state will accept proof of vaccination for domestic travel.

At 70% fully vaccinated, ALL restrictions will be dropped.

Hawai‘i is currently at a 52% completed vaccination rate. I know many of us are ready to get back to “normal,” and increasing vaccination rates will help get us there more quickly.

Aloha Ohana - did you know that the state is expanding its efforts to get people in Hawaiʻi vaccinated? Besides the new travel benchmarks (announced earlier today), the state is launching #HIGotVaccinated month through June. There will be several prize giveaways, including a total of one million Hawaiian Miles, a one-year luxury car lease, Vacations Hawaiʻi Las Vegas travel package, gift certificates, and more. The prizes will also be extended to those who’ve already gotten vaccinated because we want to recognize those who’ve already done their part to keep our community safe.

The campaign will also focus on expanding vaccination services in different locations and provide more information about the vaccine. Visit HIGotVaccinated.com to learn more.

We are excited to announce that KHC is a proud supporter of the Local Farms Hawaii CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) pick-up and produce sharing program. Use the links below to join the Hawaii CSA for a direct connection to local farms, to get a bag of fresh seasonal produce, and learn more about our involvement in the program.

Join & Order from the Hawaii CSA

https://www.letsgrowfarmshawaii.com/csa.html

Learn more about KHC’s involvement in the program

https://www.letsgrowfarmshawaii.com/foodforall.html

#foodforall

#bewell

#staywell

Aloha friends, it’s “Wellness Wednesday” here at KHC.

Here are a few of the many benefits of walking for your health:

Walking improves cardiac risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, vascular stiffness and inflammation, and mental stress.

And if cardiac protection and a lower death rate are not enough to get you moving, consider that walking and other moderate exercise programs also help protect against dementia, peripheral artery disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, colon cancer, and even erectile dysfunction.

Ready, set, walk!

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

#bewell

#staywell

Celebrating Pride Month 2021 ~

Ko’olauloa Health Center welcomes ALL Races, ALL Genders, ALL Abilities, ALL Countries of Origin, ALL Sexual Orientations, and ALL Belief Systems. Ko’olauloa stands with you and you will always be safe with us.

Remembering those who have served on this Memorial Day.

We’re often asked what Ko’olauloa means. We put together the short description below together for everyone on this “Throwback Thursday”.

Ko'olauloa is the northeastern district of O'ahu, from Waimea Bay on the North Shore to Ka'a'awa on the windward coast. ("Ko'olau" means "windward"; "loa" means “long")

The valleys from La'ie to Kahana are well-watered and fertile. The most famous god of this land was Kamapua'a, "Pig-Child" whose home was in the valley of Kaliuwa'a (Sacred Falls) in Kaluanui.

The gods Kane and Kanaloa wandered through this district, creating springs and fishing. Fish is abundant; the coastline is also noted for its shark gods and shark men (mano kanaka).

Mahalo!

A few tips for you on this Wellness Wednesday. Aloha from all of us at KHC.

"Talk Story Tuesday" here at KHC and we have an important PSA from Hawaiian Electric that may be helpful to your Ohana.

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Aloha,

We wanted to let you know that we’re working to keep customers connected as the end of the Public Utilities Commission’s moratorium on disconnections for nonpayment – May 31, 2021 – draws near. The end of the moratorium WILL NOT trigger immediate disconnections.

If your account is past due or you know someone who is behind on payments, we can help. Here’s how:

· Go to our website to learn more about our payment plans and to submit a request. Residential customers can choose installments ranging from four to 18 months; commercial customers from four, six and for smaller commercial customers, up to 12 months. Get information on how to make a payment.

· Starting in July, residential and smaller commercial customers whose accounts are past due and who haven’t contacted us will have their account balance rolled into a 12-month payment plan to avoid disconnection. You may opt out or transition to a more tailored plan to fit your needs.

· Other available assistance for residential and business customers can be found online. Although we don’t administer these programs, we work closely with the organizations that do.

As a reminder, Hawaiian Electric will never threaten immediate disconnection or ask for payment information via phone, text or email. If you receive any threatening communications from Hawaiian Electric, it’s a scam. Go online to learn more or to fill out a fraud report.

It's important to us that all customers stay safe and stay connected so please contact us if you have any concerns about your account.

Mahalo,

The Hawaiian Electric Customer Service Team

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Aloha gang! It’s “Medicinal Monday” here at KHC. Did you know that there are many medicinal plant substances that grow in the Ko’olauloa area of Oahu? Here are a few notable ones:

Papaya - Contains papaya seeds papain, an enzyme that aids in the digestion of proteins.

Turmeric - Contains powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients, and curcumin that is effective in treating pain and depression.

Honohono - Hawaiians have long known the benefits of hononono, these include its efficacy in treating bleeding and dysentery.

Noni - Hawaiians used noni to treat everything from eczema, ringworm, colds, flu, to diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Mamaki - Mamaki is an indigenous Hawaiian pine tree. Dried leave of the Mamaki tree creates a medicinal tea that helps support a healthy liver, colon, and bladder.

Aloe - Aloe is best known for its ability to relieve sunburn. Aloe is also excellent for treating a broad array of conditions, both internal and external. Aloe contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that protect against free radical damage.

Have a healthy week gang!

Aloha it’s "Super Food Saturday" here at KHC!

A lot of people ask our nutritionist is acai really a superfood? The truth is that acai is more than just a purple berry. In fact, it's thought to be the most powerful superfood in the Amazon.

Like other berries, acai berries contain antioxidants and fiber. Some proponents call them a superfood, claiming they help various health concerns, including arthritis, weight loss, and high cholesterol.

So enjoy a delicious acai bowl tomorrow after your day at the beach!

We’re celebrating GetVax Day of Action at Ko’olauloa Health Center. Call (808) 293-9231 to set up an appointment or learn more.

Aloha! It’s “Talk Story Tuesday” here at KHC.

So what exactly does it mean to “talk story,” and what can we all draw from it? Talk Story ('olelo Kama'ilio) is about sharing ideas, stories, history, and opinions. It is two or more people taking the time out of the day to slow down and talk. At Ko’olauloa Health Center it’s just the normal way of interacting with our friends, neighbors, and patients.

Visit us every Tuesday for ideas, stories, and thoughtful insight on living a healthy life and our upcoming programs for you and your entire family.

Aloha! It’s “Mindful Monday” here at KHC.

So why do we like to start the week being mindful?

Mindfulness practices can help us to:

- Increase our ability to regulate emotions

- Decrease stress, anxiety, and depression

- It can help us to focus our attention

- Observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment

Hope you all have a beautiful and mindful week.

Aloha! It’s “Soulful Sunday” here at KHC. Here is some food for thought as you start the new week: “Love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle” Hope you have a beautiful week!

Aloha and happy Wellness Wednesday from everyone at Ko’olauloa Health Center! So what is wellness?

It’s very simple…

Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes so that instead of just living your best life, you're living well.

Visit our website (link in bio) to learn more about the many services we offer at Ko’olauloa Health Center.

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#staywell

#bewell

Aloha KHC ohana! If you love pineapple as much as we do - here are a few impressive health benefits of our state fruit:

1. Pineapple contains disease-fighting antioxidants

2. Pineapple enzymes can ease digestion

3. Pineapple may reduce the risk of cancer

4. Pineapple may boost immunity and suppress inflammation

5. Pineapple may ease symptoms of arthritis

6. Pineapple is loaded with nutrients.

Have a beautiful day!

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#bewell

#staywell

Aloha! It’s Mindful Monday here at KHC. Do you find yourself having a “mind full” or being “mindful”?

Here are a few simple habits to develop mindfulness:

1. Wake up earlier

2. Eat mindfully

3. Enjoy the outdoors

4. Pick up a hobby that involves working with your hands

5. Meditate a little every day