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Director’s Message
Dear HDOT ‘Ohana,
Once again, I am beginning my message with a big mahalo for your continued help and cooperation during this pandemic. Thanks to you, we have been able to assist DLIR in unemployment claim verifications to help our community members who have been financially impacted by this emergency. Our Admin staff have been managing calls to returning residents as well as residents traveling between islands to make sure they understand the 14-day travel quarantine rules. I am proud to see so many employees stepping up with duties outside of their normal assignments.
Even with the critical jobs being performed exceptionally by state employees, I’m sure you’ve heard about the possibility of salary reductions or furloughs. We are expecting a double digit economic downturn, and the state unemployment rate has grown 10-times preCOVID levels. Given the situation, the Senate Ways and Means Committee has asked departments to provide impacts for 1-day and 2-day a week furloughs on programs and services. There have been no final decisions made, and I want to reassure you that we will keep you informed when these discussions happen.
The Governor’s 8th Proclamation has put us into the Act with Care phase through June 30. Many of us are back in the office or have never left. We would like to hear from you this month. What would you like to see as offices begin to reopen? Do current protocols such as required masks and available hand sanitizing stations help you feel safe? You can leave your suggestions and ideas at https://hidot. granicusideas.com/forums/covid-safety through June 15.
We will continue to push towards recovery and rebuilding Hawaii’s economy through our operations and improvement and maintenance programs. Thank you for all you do for our department and the state, and remember to wear your mask and wash your hands!
Mahalo,
Message from our Director
By: Jade Butay
