Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Holds Flower Drop For Maui Health Care Heroes

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters flower drop at Maui Memorial Medical Center. (5.19.20) PC: Jack Dugan

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters on Tuesday hosted a flower drop over the Maui Memorial Medical Center in Kahului in a special gesture, giving thanks to all of the health care heroes, Emergency Medical Service workers and frontline first responders throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plumeria flowers used in the drop were said to represent the more than 150,000 residents of Maui County.

“We know you are always here for us, but we also want you to know, we are here for you too,” said Quentin Koch, President of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.

The drop also came as the state Department of Health said the outbreak at Maui Memorial Medical Center in Kahului is now deemed “closed.”

The flower donations were organized in large part by resident Kanani Dutro with coordination from State Representative Troy Hashimoto.  Donations were made by: Exclusive Island Weddings, Hale Mahaolu, Kahului Florist and other members of the Maui community including staff from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters has been a part of the community since 1985.  “Many of our employee were born at Maui Memorial and now their kids are too.  It’s so rewarding thanking the healthcare heroes in a way that only Blue Hawaiian can,” said Koch.

Last week, Jack Dugan, Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Media Group and director of MauiNow.com interviewed Koch as part of our Hawaiʻi Tourism Now special section.  We learned that Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is currently operating with minimal staff as a result of the pandemic impacts.  The company is still providing essential private charters between islands including government work.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters flower drop at Maui Memorial Medical Center. (5.19.20) PC: Jack Dugan

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters flower drop at Maui Memorial Medical Center. (5.19.20) PC: Jack Dugan