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How Hawaiian Surfers Distributed Millions of Masks to Local Communities
When surf photographer Zak Noyle and seven of his friends founded Every1ne Hawaii earlier this year, the goal was to promote civic engagement and increase their state’s voter turnout. However, when COVID-19 upended life on the islands, the organization’s focus quickly shifted to addressing local issues stemming from the global pandemic.
Then, in mid-April, Hawaii’s Governor David Ige announced that everyone in the state would be required to wear a face mask or covering in essential businesses, a logical mandate fully supported by CDC recommendations. The only issue was making sure that everyone who needed a mask got one, no small challenge considering Hawaii’s remote location and widely-distributed population. “The fact was that many people didn’t have access to masks but still needed to go grocery shopping,” said professional surfer Ian Walsh.
In that challenge, Every1ne Hawaii saw a chance to make a difference. They put out a call for donations on social media, and enlisted the help of civic-minded local athletes. Using contributions from professional surfers including Carissa Moore, Jamie O’Brien, Makua Rothman, Seth Moniz, Kai Lenny, and Ian Walsh, the organization initially ordered approximately 100,000 masks to be distributed on Oahu. “We knew that there was a huge need,” said Walsh, “and that seemed like something we could help facilitate.”
100,000 masks isn’t insignificant, but also isn’t nearly enough for Hawaii’s population of 1.4 million. So, when Every1ne Hawaii learned that there was an opportunity to buy 2 million masks from a Chinese supplier, they pulled the trigger. Joining forces with the City of Honolulu and the state, the group chartered Hawaiian Airlines aircraft to deliver the much-needed PPE, the bulk of which arrived the day before the mask mandate took effect. Even Walsh, deeply involved with the project, was amazed at how quickly things came together: “Zak [Noyle] and the team at Every1ne Hawaii did an incredible job figuring out the logistics,” he said.
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At the same time, the group set up an online system for Hawaiians to request masks for themselves or their communities, gathering information on where the free PPE was most needed. Armed with that information, the group set about establishing a system for safe distribution, again enlisting the surf community for help. “The key was finding the right people in each community,” recalled Walsh.
“In each area there have been surfers helping with the distribution of masks,” Walsh recalled. “They’ve been working with their local leaders to ensure that people who need help are getting it.” On Kauai, the Andy Irons Foundation distributed 100,000 masks, 200,000 were sent to the Big Island, and Walsh and Kai Lenny flew 160,000 masks to Maui aboard a National Guard helicopter.
Within a couple of weeks, over 1.2 million masks were distributed across the state. Hawaiian surfers are well-known for their commitment to supporting local communities; many even have their own foundations and nonprofits. However, when united by a desire to support Every1ne Hawaii, the state’s professional surf community evidently rivals government agencies in terms of effectiveness. “We’re more separated by distance than we normally would be,” said Walsh, “but it’s been inspiring to see the community come together and support those in need.”
