Honolulu Mahalo Video to First Responders and City Workers
The Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) created a mahalo video to all of the first responders and City employees who are serving the community during this time with hopes that it will serve as a reminder that, while not mandated, Oʻahu residents should wear face coverings in public places.
Mahalo Video available at this link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gdYm8vE5pmi1j_KiOqiSSsBIaqQ1Bf0J
“It has been truly inspiring to see all of the first responders and essential workers put their lives and those of their ʻohana on the line to step up and serve their community,” said Misty Kelaʻi, Executive Director of MOCA. “From our first responding fire fighters, EMTs, police officers to our bus drivers and call center staff, mahalo a nui just doesn’t seem like enough.”
There are currently 253 water safety officers, 254 EMT/MECS, 1,009 fire fighters, 1,930 police officers and the 11,007 workers at the City and County of Honolulu.
On April 14, Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued Emergency Order 2020-07, mandating the usage of face coverings while working at or visiting an essential business, or while riding public transportation. It allowed exceptions only under the following circumstances:
While within banks, financial institutions, or using automated teller machines where the inability to verify the identity of the customer or visitor of the bank, financial institution or automated teller machine poses a security risk;
- By individuals with medical conditions or disabilities where the wearing of a face covering may pose a health or safety risk to the individual;
- By children under the age of 5;
- By first responders (Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Emergency Services Department) to the extent that wearing non-medical grade face coverings may impair or impede the safety of the first responder in the performance of his/her duty.
The City and County of Honolulu COVID-19 information call center remains open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on holidays. O‘ahu residents are encouraged to visit the website, OneOahu.org to get answers to frequently asked questions about Mayor Caldwell’s “Ho‘oulu i Honolulu Order”. If they do not find an answer to their questions on the site, residents can call the 768-CITY (2489) information hotline or email [email protected].
