Mayor Kirk Caldwell: Classify Fabric Stores As An Essential Business

From I-Petitions, April 12, 2020

Mayor Kirk Caldwell, we, the residents of the City and County of Honolulu strongly urge you to classify fabric stores as an essential business and service under your emergency stay at home order.

With a shortage of face masks and other personal protective equipment, fabric stores have been providing a valuable service to residents as we endeavor to curve the spread of COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi.

While you have indicated that you are looking to create ways for fabric distributors to continue operating (possibly through a pick up only, or phone only system), many mask makers have identified a need to feel the fabric to inspect the weave before they purchase. Stores like Fabric Mart have already implemented social distancing policies for all customers.

Therefore, we humbly ask that you reconsider your recommendation and allow fabric stores to continue operating as an essential business.

LINK: Stay_at_Home_Order-Guidance_Bulletin.pdf

LINK: SIGN PETITION HERE  

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UPDATE: Mayor deems fabric sellers and suppliers as “Essential Business”

News Release from Office of the Mayor, April 14, 2020

HONOLULU – Mayor Kirk Caldwell today signed Emergency Order No. 2020-06 making fabric sellers and suppliers on Oʻahu an “Essential Business” as defined in Section II of his Stay at Home Order under the following conditions:

The business is primarily engaged in selling fabric and related supplies;

Only two customers are allowed in the Fabric Store at a time, and the Fabric Store has implemented effective procedures to prevent any line from forming outside (appointment-only system, etc.);

All orders from the Fabric Store, other than those to be made in person, are facilitated exclusively online, or by other remote means;

Orders from the Fabric Store, other than those to be made in person, are fulfilled by no-contact delivery; a business providing mailing and shipping and delivery services to residences and end users or through commercial channels; or by curbside pick-up consistent with Social Distancing Requirements (as defined in the Stay at Home Order) to the extent possible;

In-person and pick-up orders from the Fabric Store are solely for the purpose of obtaining materials necessary to make masks; and

The physical presence of workers at the facility providing the fabric and related supplies is limited to the greatest extent feasible, and such workers must comply with Social Distancing Requirements (as defined in the Stay at Home Order) to the extent possible.

This Order is consistent with Emergency Order No. 2020-02, and in furtherance of Mayor Caldwell’s recommendation for residents of the City and County of Honolulu to wear masks in public.

“I cannot emphasize enough my strong recommendation for all Oʻahu residents to wear a mask when they have to go out in public for essential business”, said Mayor Caldwell. “Masks and face coverings when worn by the public can limit the transmission of this virus and ultimately help save lives. That is why I want to make sure we support the local production of masks, fabric sellers and suppliers.”

This Order went into effect at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13 and continues in force and effect until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 30.

—PAU—