MAYORS ON THE FRONTLINES | WATCH BELOW

Mayors are on the frontlines during this novel coronavirus pandemic protecting the health and welfare of their residents. IGNITE has partnered with the National League of Cities to raise the voices of our mayors doing this important work. 

SPOTLIGHT - Mayor Caldwell of Honolulu, HI 

Hawaii is almost everyone’s paradise. When the novel coronavirus hit the island paradise, local leaders had to move quickly. Its response would mean closing its borders and shutting the valve on its economic lifeline: Tourism.
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​Yet, Mayor Kirk Caldwell of Honolulu knew he did not have a choice. He looked at the numbers coming from the mainland and some of the early infection rates on the island. Honolulu had to reduce community spread and depended on his constituents to help him do so. 

​While Honolulu retains a low rate of infection, the island is being cautious with its reopening plans. Restaurants and some other businesses have been allowed to open under social distancing guidelines. The state is still warning against large gatherings of more than 10 people and is encouraging residents to wear a mask when they go out.

On The Frontlines of COVID-19 with Mayor Caldwell of Honolulu, HI 

“The biggest hurdle the City and County of Honolulu has had to overcome is complying with the stay at home, work at home order. The residents have really complied. They took what was a spiking curve and brought it down to almost near flat and held it there for 14 days.” 
                                                          Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Honolulu, HI