Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele (HI-02) announced today he is receiving broad support from national and local health experts in support of his plan to combat the ongoing COVID-19 virus as Hawaiʻi and the nation move into year three of the deadly pandemic.
In a recent column, A new COVID-resilient ‘normal’ overdue that appeared in the Star Advertiser, Congressman Kahele outlined a detailed plan to help Hawaiʻi navigate its way through the coronavirus pandemic that has taken the lives of 1,146 in our state.
Dr. Kealoha Fox, PHD, MA, Senior Manager, Social Health Integration, AlohaCare:
“I support Congressman Kahele’s aim and scope of vision. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have suffered greatly from the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus. Many of us stand ready to contribute to the details of what could make-up a statewide strategic plan – a solid, cohesive plan that unifies us to take the necessary steps for our emergence from COVID-19 and to prepare us for future pandemics with a whole community approach that is equitable and pono.”
Richard Sato, Executive Director, Maui Facilities and Engineering Leadership Council:
“We support Congressman Kahele’s leadership and vision. We are encouraged by his initiative to have open, constructive and transparent discussions with our State leaders on this most critical issue. It’s clear to our Council, establishing a thoughtful, well defined, path forward which is easily understood and broadly communicated, is needed to guide Hawaiʻi and its people through and beyond Covid.”
Dr. Larry Brilliant, MD, MPH, CEO, Pandefense Advisory:
“Beautiful Hawaii is the only state in the United States that is completely surrounded by water thus having the unique advantage of being able to have safe practices in place which can exclude the virus or any virus from the island. We had that in place in the early days of the pandemic when Hawaiʻi was one of the safest destinations imaginable. I hope that political leaders are wise enough to seriously consider Congressman Kahele’s plan and return to what worked.”
Patty Olinger, JM, RBP, Executive Director, Global Biorisk Advisory Council:
“The current pandemic has pointed out that it is critically important to ensure that our communities and our people are protected, ready for the next stages of the pandemic and the future. Hawaii, of all the states in the United States, is uniquely positioned to put in place and support programs that provide the protection and resilience needed. Over the last 2 years, my team has worked with thousands of facilities and communities in over 80 countries as they start to reopen and establish programs that helps them stay open. We stress a layered approach to prepare, respond and to become resilient. Congressman Kahele has eloquently laid out a plan that puts in place the necessary elements to do just that.”
Dr. Robert M Wachter, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco:
“I want to thank Congressman Kahele for his robust and thoughtful plan to address the COVID-19 pandemic in Hawaii. Preparation of this kind is smart. Even if we experience a long-lasting hiatus of the virus, the recent past has taught us that we must have the capacity to take appropriate action at the first hint of another surge. Congratulations Congressman on articulating a vigorous and clear approach.”