Mayor Kirk Caldwell: Classify Fabric Stores As An Essential Business

There are already enough road blocks to getting essential items locally. Please don’t create an unnecessary road block.

Dear Mayor Caldwell, In the healthcare service delivery system I can tell you the rationing of masks for protection of both patients and workers still exists. I’m in that system. Entering grocery stores, and pharmacy/sundries businesses I continue to see residents & visitors WITHOUT oronasal covering (albeit MORE FOR CONTAINMENT of aerosol [smaller] and droplet [larger molecules] the medical community believes thus far, than prevention of exposure to airborne molecules. Physical distancing & isolating-in-place is making the greater contribution to preventing the exposure & transfer of airborne particle transmission). For these 2 reasons I see the value of a store selling fabric and supplies that the sewing community can use as they step into action constructing, at least, the minimum of oronasal covering . . . cloth masks. My employer has acquiesced to allowing these non-surgical level masks to be worn in areas that are not direct patient care areas. Staff in a variety of roles (clinical and non-clinical) ARE making use of these fabric coverings. When I see persons and/or entire families without any mask/s in stores that remain open I wonder, if in some cases, it’s because they don’t have access to a covering. If our sewing community will continue to produce masks — and, perhaps, another concern would take up the cause of distribution, would you consider keeping 1-2 locations of fabric/supplies stores open? Thank you. Respectfully, Your Oahu neighbor

It seems counterintuitive to issue/strongly urge residents to wear masks then restrict access to resources. It is essential to be able to see and feel fabric you are buying--not all cotton is the same.

Please keep the fabric stores open!

With all the publicity of the fabric masks, which Mayor Caldwell you yourself urged us to wear; many of us have been using our personal supplies to make them. But as the need is ongoing, we are running low on supplies. Without stores like Kaimuki Dry Goods many of us will be forced to stop. Even if they were to go to online or drive thru pickup, with limited staff, these stores will not be able to fill orders in a timely and efficient manner. By the way, have you seen Kaimuki Dry Goods's street access and parking situation?

Especially now, I feel that it is very important for Honolulu residents to have access to fabric in order to make masks for themselves and others. On line does not work for everyone.

Especially now, I feel that it is very important for Honolulu residents to have access to fabric in order to make masks for themselves and others. On line does not work for everyone.

Please designate fabric stores as essential..many people are trying to make facemasks for themselves and essential workers. It is important that these stores stay open. On-line is not sufficinent to meet this need

Dear Mr. Mayor, Please keep fabric stores open, we need our Life line to keep our Island residents & my Ohana protected from the invisible virus. My son is a first responder & out in our community saving & protecting lives while risking his own. He has a young family who loves him & needs their daddy. I’m busy sewing fabric masks for everyone & anyone who needs one. This is another way I keep my mind occupied, I am a proud Kupuna. Thank you for the great job your doing during these unforeseen & trying times. A lot of it is uncontrollable & you have done the best for everyone fairly. My support is their for you SO please support me in my fight to protect our Hawaii Ohana.

Mayor Caldwell, Please reconsider keeping the fabric stores open - people are trying to help others with face masks and anything else that would help now. Online is not the answer.

We need fabric supplies!

Fabric & Craft stores are providing positive and healthy contributions to the O'ahu community at this time. From supplies for masks (now REQUIRED at many grocery stores and all military installations), to crafting and sewing supplies to support "at-home learning", this is a vital need to our community. All outlets should be practicing good social distancing AND requiring masks for they customers.

Fabric stores have been swarmed with people purchasing fabric and notions to make face masks. Kaimuki Dry Goods has required anyone wanting to enter the store to wear a mask. They have also been requiring social distancing. Sewing face masks is a way for people to contribute to reducing the spread of this virus. It allows them to be creative while quarantine.

Dear Mayor Caldwell, In the healthcare service delivery system I can tell you the rationing of masks for protection of both patients and workers continues. I’m in that system. Entering grocery stores, and pharmacy/sundries businesses I see residents & visitors WITHOUT oronasal covering (albeit MORE FOR CONTAINMENT of aerosol [smaller] and droplet [larger molecules] the medical community believes thus far) than prevention of exposure to airborne molecules. Physical distancing & isolating-in-place is making the greater contribution to preventing the exposure & transfer of airborne transmission. That larger stores (those that are permitted to keep OPEN ACCESS to NON-ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THEIR WALLS

6 years ago Featured

You obviously don't sew or you would understand the need to see and feel the fabric used in making face masks, something deemed a critical element in preventing the spread of this modern day plague. How is that not essential?

Please help all fabric store be open. Not all have the ability to sell online at this time , it would be to costly to start at this time. If they follow all the precautions and limit access to store. Maybe by appointments and limited entry. Please reconsider.

You asked us to wear masks. And as good ohan that we are we rose to the occasion! Then you close our main supply. Have you seen the added charges to online for shopping lately. It truly does not make good sense! Please open KDG.and other fabric stores. You might consider Ben Frankles as a sorce for tools.

The community would greatly benefit if crafters, sewists and quilters had continuous access to fabric stores to keep making mask for healthcare workers and the general public. Some jobs would also be able to be continued... the ripple effect is tremendous when people can help people using their gifts, talents and passions. I do it as 'therapy' to support my loved ones serving on the frontlines. Please, Mr. Mayor, keep fabric stores open. My sincere gratitude and thanks for all you and your team are doing to keep us all safe.

Thank you for this petition process

Please keep the fabric stores open.