Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Sunday, November 3, 2024 83° Today's Paper


EditorialOff the News

Off the News: COVID-test labs reduce hours, to shut

In a sign of the improving times, one city COVID mobile testing lab has reduced its hours, and a second will close this week. The testing lab at Honolulu’s airport is now open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The one at the Hawaiian Monarch Hotel will close Wednesday, its number of tests dropping significantly after the pretest requirement for interisland travel was lifted on June 15. Free testing, though, remains available for many front-line workers, including city employees, educators and restaurant and hotel staffers. See oahucitypass.lumisight.com.

Keep remote access to license renewal

Not to look a gift horse in the mouth — it’s nice that the city has extended hours at satellite city halls — but the current gesture to add convenience is still offset by another decision. Last month, the city ended mail-in license renewals for seniors 72 and up, an adaptation to the pandemic that was discontinued, making renewal more of a chore than it needs to be.

Even if social distancing is less of a concern, many government services are retaining remote access. Licensing should be one of them.

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