MacNaughton Lends Support to Free Face Mask Distribution by Several Groups
KITV
Free face mask distribution at Kapolei Commons and Waikiki on Sunday.
HONOLULU - Honolulu City Councilmember Kym Pine ('Ewa, 'Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko 'Olina, Nanakuli, Ma'ili, Wai'anae, Makaha, Kea'au, Makua), in partnership with local Chinese business organizations, the nonprofit Manna Dream Center and Kapolei Commons, will distribute free, disposable face masks on Sunday from noon to 2 p.m., or while supplies last.
“So many people have been unable to find reusable, cloth face masks to protect themselves and their families, so we wanted to get together and offer disposable masks to help them in the meantime,” said Pine. “Everyone wants their loved ones to be safe and healthy and we do too,” she said.
Wearing cloth masks in public at essential businesses and on public transit will become mandatory on Monday, with exceptions only for people with pulmonary problems, at banks and ATMs and for children five and younger.
Kapolei Commons is at 4450 Kapolei Parkway.
In Waikiki, Adrian Tam, current candidate for State House of Representatives for the 22nd district, will be handing out free anti-viral facemasks. That is also on Sunday at 455 Kalaimoku St. Community members can pick up an envelope containing two facemasks while supplies last.
The masks will be available for pick-up from 10 a.m. to noon, with the first half an hour reserved for kupuna. “We are committed to serving the community to ensure they are safe and abiding by the new rules on face masks. I am moved by the community coming together to lend each other a hand. I just want to remind them that distance is temporary, community is forever.”
Tam’s campaign requests those participating continue to practice social distancing and maintain a space of at least six feet between them and their neighbors.
In the days to come, two million face masks will be ready for distribution. They're currently en route to Hawai'i from China. Hawaiian Airlines and the grassroots community group Every1Hawai'i, chartered a cargo flight that left for Shenzhen on Sunday.
The aircraft is scheduled to arrive in Honolulu just before 5 p.m. on Monday. Every1Hawai'i will work with community nonprofits and the City to distribute the masks.