The Pandemic Unemployment Assitance program was designed to give support to Hawaii folks that don't qualify for regular Unemployment Insurance. With 44,000 out of 94,000 PUA applicants already being denied, Hawaii's rate of refusing those federal dollars is 46% possibly the highest in the nation. The potential federal money declined by DLIR so far totals $759 million federal dollars (20weeksx$863min/wk x 44k).

The stimulus to the Hawaii economy, as well as support for families, that the federal government hoped to achieve with PUA, have both been severely delayed by DLIR. Back in June thousands who were previously receiving PUA support, were cut off without notice and remain PENDING until today.

That action was taken because 6000 cases of verified fraud had occurred. These were cases where someone who didn't apply for pua responded to a letter from DLIR because their SS# had been used for a PUA account. That number represented about 6.5% of all applicants or 1 in every 16. That was before measures were taken to crack down on fraud.

When verified fraud was discovered in the system, well over 22,000, or 44% of all the applicants not denied originally by DLIR, (94k-44k=50,000 not denied) had their aid cut off without notice. As of now, There are still 18,000 in the system pending for months because of these fraud prevention measures. These PENDING folks have each responded to 3 or more requests for info by DLIR. They have even been asked to send pictures of the front and back of their SS card along with selfies holding up a picture ID.

Rather than being identity thieves themselves, these pending pua people are concerned instead about becoming victims of identity theft themselves because of DLIR. After sending in copies of many documents, including the front and back of social security cards, these Pua recipients being investigated got another request to send in that same info yet again. Some Hawaii people are wondering, what happened to the first set of we copies sent?

With No due process, payments were cut off for 18,000 that are still pending in the system months since PUA stopped support payments to Hawaii people. these measures taken to prevent fraud have devastated families. mothers have been sleeping in cars, etc. etc. if you are reading this and live in a Hawaii, you don’t need It described.  It’s all around us.

WE DEMAND THAT THE DLIR IMMEDIATELY RESTORE PAYMENTS TO ALL PENDING ACCOUNTS.  WE CANNOT WAIT FOR A DLIR PERSON TO REVIEW EVERY CASE.  IGE/DLIR HAS CAUSED TERRIBLE UNJUSTIFIED SUFFERING FOR HAWAII FAMILIES DURING THEIR MOST VULNERABLE TIME.   WE ALSO BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR UI SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR PUA IN THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW AND WE REJECT ANY DLIR JUSTIFICATIONS FOR DENYING HAWAII PEOPLE.  WE BELIEVE IN INCLUSION, NOT DISCRIMINATION, IN THE EXECUTION OF FEDERAL LAW ENACTED TO HELP HAWAII PEOPLE.

One thing about local people is they can spread the word fast if need be.  Why?  We are different in Hawaii. Mainland style, so long you get yours, you good, every man for himself.  Mainland style = don’t talk to strangers.  In Hawaii, we are taught adults will help you if you are in trouble.  They are aunties and uncles you haven’t met yet.  We care about each other. In Hawaii, people want to help others that could envision could very easily be themselves in a tough spot.  F*** this Ige administration and the DLIR.  We learn growing up here, if you want to be respected, respect others.  And don’t let your ohana be disrespected.  We nevah like scrap, but it’s been shown that DLIR  like get dumb, so as time fo trow (figuratively and I say that for the people survailing this account looking to claim violence).  We don’t start fights, but WE THE PEOPLE will finish them EVERY TIME.