Director’s Message

Message from our Director

By: Jade Butay

Dear HDOT ‘Ohana,

As I began writing this month’s message, I wanted to shift focus from COVID-19 to HDOT’s role in economic recovery for the State. The National Bureau of Economic Research announced that the United States has been in recession since February and Governor Ige shared that tax collection for the state is estimated to be reduced by 7%. HDOT is in a unique position. As a special funded agency, HDOT is an ‘economic multiplier,’ producing projects resulting in trickle down spending in other sectors of the economy.

I wanted to communicate your role in helping the State achieve a new normal; however, there is still much to say regarding COVID-19. Recently, the Department of Health shared survey results showing fewer Hawaii residents are following prevention recommendations. Some of the specific findings include:

• A 19% decline among those who are staying away from friends and family members who aren’t a part of the household (from 72% to 53%); • A 14% decline among those who are avoiding large groups and gatherings (from 85% to 71%); • An 11% decline in the number who are staying six feet away from other people (from 74% to 63%); • An 11% decline in the number who are staying home as much as possible (from 62% to 51%); and • A 9% drop among those who are avoiding handshakes and hugs (from 88% to 79%).

The Department of Health news release on the survey is at: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/ newsroom/follow-up-survey-shows-an-alarming-decrease-among-hawaii-residents-who-followcovid-19-prevention-guidelines/

Therefore, I’m going to take this opportunity to encourage all HDOT employees to continue to take preventative measures against the spread of COVID-19. Avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing by staying 6-feet apart, wear non-medical face coverings (preferably fitted and at least double layered), wash your hands for at least 20-seconds, and stay home when you’re sick. Even if you think you would probably be okay if you catch it, remember that there’s a pre-symptomatic phase where you could pass it on to a vulnerable loved one.

Mahalo for reading and for being a part of the HDOT ‘Ohana,

Jade T. Butay