Mayor Kirk Caldwell said he supports the reopening of retail businesses in the city on Thursday, despite sending a proposal to Gov. David Ige’s office to reopen retail businesses on Oahu on May 15.

“We will be on board to support that,” he said at a news conference this afternoon to discuss the city’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

He said he sought a later date to allow businesses to prepare to reopen safely.

He said some of the restrictions included in the orders he submitted to Ige’s office for approval are:

>> 50% of normal business occupancy.

>> Adhering to physical distancing requirements.

>> Following city COVID-19 business guidelines.

>> Within shopping malls, all food courts, play areas, entertainment areas, bars, and arcades will remain closed. Common areas will be only used for access to shops.

He said physical distancing and people practicing safe hygiene resulted in the flattening of the curve. He said the challenge now is keeping the curve down, and he asked the public to continue wearing masks.

Watch the news conference above.