Keli'i Akina Urges Gov. Ige to Continue to Reopen Economy in Balanced Way  

From Grassroot Institute, May 11, 2020 

HONOLULU, HI -- May 11, 2020 -- In an interview on KHNL/Hawaii News Now, Keli'i Akina, Ph.D., President/CEO of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, called on Governor Ige to continue reopening Hawaii's economy in a balanced way.  

"Thousands of people in Hawaii are calling upon the governor to 'Let Hawaii Work' again," Dr. Akina said, referring to a petition of the Grassroot Institute that attracted 5,400 signatures in its first week of circulation.

When asked about safety concerns with reopening the economy, Akina said, "Now that doesn't mean to throw caution to the wind.  It doesn't mean to instantly open up everything.  What it means is let's embark upon a rational pathway to getting people back to work."  Akina referenced a research project of the Grassroot Institute, entitled Roadmap to Recovery, which contains 20 recommendations for a balanced reopening of the economy.

The petition is still collecting signatures and is available at LetHawaiiWork.com.