Wednesday, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced a new campaign to support small businesses in a COVID-safe economy.

The city says the campaign, Back on the Wave, highlights how small businesses are protecting the health of their staff and customers, with a safety checklist. The community will also be able to view an online directory of businesses that are taking COVID-19 precautions seriously.
Participating businesses will complete the safety checklist, noting their safety measures. Then, they will be entered into a searchable directory for consumers. So far, more than 700 local businesses are on the Back on the Wave directory.

“It’s been a painful year for small businesses but despite these challenges, they are doing so much to protect the health and safety of their staff, customers, and our community. Back on the Wave shines a spotlight on their good work and will boost the confidence of the community when they shop, visit a restaurant, and do the everyday activities that will power our recovery” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell.

The campaign is free for those participating, and voluntary for both businesses and consumers.

“For months, Hawaii’s businesses have been going above and beyond to keep employees and customers safe. Businesses have made investments in personal protective equipment and social distancing measures, and changed procedures to adapt to our current environment. The Back on the Wave program will augment these efforts, as well as provide support to those who need it,” said Sherry Menor-McNamara, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, said,

To complete a safety assessment and checklist, based on work by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, click here.

After completing the checklist, a business will:

  • Receive suggestions on additional measures to further protect the health and safety of their staff and customers.
  • Be listed on the business directory.
  • Sign up to receive a free bundle of personal protective equipment (PPE) that includes hand sanitizer, disinfectant, gloves, masks, and a non-contact thermometer.
  • Get free Back on the Wave signage for their establishment.

Consumers wanting to visit the directory of businesses that have already completed the safety checklist, click here.

The Back on the Wave campaign is funded with $750,000 in CARES Act money.

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