Ask the Mayor: Matson Operations

 Photo credit: Tim Rue for Matson

Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions.

Q: I heard Matson is shutting down and won’t have shipments of supplies? Is this true?

A: I think this is a good example of how the community can help discourage rumors and encourage the sharing of official sources of information.

All Hawaii Department of Transportation harbors and airports continue to be open and operational. Matson and Pasha Hawaii both released statements Friday that their operations continue uninterrupted and intend to maintain existing routes and schedules.

However, because of this rumor, Costco and many of our stores were nightmares for our local residents and visitors. This caused many people to hoard supplies as well as jeopardize the safety of many people in the store and outside in the parking lot.

Rumors can spread widespread panic and fear – which can be far worse than any virus. I’m asking everyone to do their part in discouraging rumors and staying informed through official sources of information.

If you have any questions related to COVID-19 or would like to verify something you’ve heard, please call the Aloha United Way call center at 2-1-1. They are taking calls from any location in the state every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can also text 877-275-6569 or email info211@auw.org.

For more information, visit health.hawaii.gov/covid19 or coronavirus.gov.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email at askthemayor@mauicounty.gov, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail at 200 S. High St., ninth floor, Wailuku 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column; to request a personal response to a concern, email mayors.office@mauicounty.gov.