The governor made the announcement onTuesday - March 1st. The limit was previously 25 people allowed indoors, which was in the mayors previous order that was signed on Nov. 30. Physical distancing of 6 feet is still required in public settings, and 3 feet for schools. (It's not entirely clear to me whether this half-capacity cap supersedes the indoor gathering limits bars and restaurants are also supposed to comply with. On Hawaii Island, there has been a seven-day average of 66 cases, and 66% of residents have had their initial series of COVID-19 vaccinations. A veritable homecoming for the eco-driven, plant-loving 1 Hotels brand. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Terms Of Use, Regulators Seize First Republic Bank and Sell It to JPMorgan Chase, Pro-Lifers Pushed Too Far and Doomed 2 Abortion Bans, Biden Has Added 220 Million Hours of Regulatory Paperwork Since His Inauguration. What You Need to Know About Counties in Hawaii - Hawaii Magazine David Ige imposed capacity restrictions on restaurants, bars, and gatherings, though travel policies remain unchanged. Information Disclaimer:Details and information on this page, including dates, may change on a day-by-day basis. Indoor capacity at those establishments, as well as gyms and other "high-risk" activities, is limited to 50 percent. "It would be different if we had another major export. All Hawaii travel restrictions and mandates, by state and county, can be found on the Hawaiian Tourism Authority's website, which is updated regularly. Regarding capacity for indoor high risk activities such as restaurants, bars, and social establishments, indoor capacity is set at 50%, unless the county implements a policy requiring vaccination . While distancing requirements will no longer be in place, Oahu restaurants, bars and gyms will still be under the Safe Access program, meaning proof of vaccination or a negative test will be required. Elizabeth Nolan Brown Social gathering limits are still in place, but at 25 indoors and 100 outdoors. As of June 7, 53% of Hawaii's residents have been fully vaccinated. 5.1.2023 9:31 AM, J.D. Those who require in-person help will need to bring their proof of vaccination or a recent negative test. Likewise, imposing different limits on the size of gatherings depending on where they're happening doesn't appear to make much sense. Since March 6, there has been no vaccination or testing requirement for patrons and employees of businesses that serve food or drink known as the. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Hawaii continues to have amongst the lowest rates of infections and fatalities in the nation due to this COVID-19 pandemic.. Businesses said easing the capacity restrictions will help recoup revenue lost during the pandemic. *Please refer to the rules, including what you can bring, while riding 'The Kauai Bus. Hawaii Tourism: What's Closed, Open & Reopening Soon We also encourage our readers tosign upfor our 'Hawaii Travel Update' emails to receive pertinent information on all of the recent developments regarding travel to Hawaii. When kindly reminded by our volunteers about the mask mandate and handed a mask, weve been met with expletives, the middle finger, and even screaming.. Event requests will still be required for gatherings greater than the county restrictions. All county COVID-19 restrictions have ended as of March 1. But other locals argue it's not as simple as shutting visitors out. But while the state is easing some restrictions, Ige said it is not eliminating its indoor mask mandate or its Safe Travels Program, which allows domestic visitors to skip quarantine if they arrive with proof of a negative test or proof of vaccination. As you may know, there has been a 5-day (number of required days changed on January 3, 2022)Hawaii quarantine with several Hawaii travel restrictions since late March 2020. Gov. Ige, lifts distancing requirements for restaurants, bars starting Hawaii restaurants are allowed to open for indoor dining at 50% capacity, 100% on Oahu specifically starting May 11, 2021. The group's 6,600-plus volunteers help to advocate and enforce COVID-safe practices island-wide, and were instrumental in pushing local government officials for a statewide mask mandate. But it still requires restaurants to have six foot distancing between groups for indoor seating. Ige applauded the efforts of Hawaii residents to get the pandemic under control, saying, We know that we have all had to make sacrifices. The indoor mask mandate will now end the same day. Gov. Josh Green said. Large events will be allowed to operate at full capacity. Some 60 percent of Hawaiians are fully vaccinated, and almost 70 percent have received at least one shot. If you're visiting Hawaii soon, be sure to download a copy of one of our updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides. Whatever the case, the fact remains that the situation in Hawaii is still volatile, and the islands healthcare system is limited and ill-equipped to handle another surge. Indoor dining bans or severe capacity restrictions, though, will doubtless cause more restaurants to shut down permanently. This includes bars, restaurants, gyms . This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. The governor said restaurants will also . On all islands, call 643-DLNR (643-3567), no area code required. During a news conference last week, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced a phased reopening plan that lifts COVID gathering restrictions for indoor and outdoor managed events on Oahu, including seated entertainment, interactive events and road races. As weve dropped restrictions on capacity for outdoor spectator events, we also would be looking to encourage for outdoor dining, that there would be no restrictions beginning November 12th, Ige explained. If you do decide to visit Hawaii, the key is mlama: the Hawaiian value of caring for, and protecting, the land and its people. | Hawaii residents and businesses frequently use these work vehicles to move their belongings to new homes and offices and other essential personal tasks. Currently, all Hawaii restaurants are open for indoor dining at 50 percent capacity, though dining is limited to parties of five people per table and masks must be worn at all times except when actively eating or drinking. Hawaii Inter-island travel. Hawaii announces easing of COVID-19 restrictions - ConsumerAffairs Please visit theDepartment of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)website for more information. Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go Blangiardi will then reevaluate. Be sure to also check our Hawaii Adventures section below for a list of sustainable tour companies opening for business in Hawaii. Food Safety Branch | Rules - Hawaii Department of Health The first case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 was detected in Hawaii on Dec. 3, and health officials have said it is highly contagious. Vaccine or negative testing requirements will also remain in place for state executive and county workers, as well as state contractors and visitors. Dave & Busters General Manager Andrew Shimabukuro said hed hoped things would loosen up more for the holidays to give restaurants a much needed boost. In two weeks' time, Hawaii will also increase indoor gathering limits from 10 to 25 people and increase outdoor gathering limits from 25 to 75 people. I think its time for the restaurants to move forward, Lt. Gov. HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Counties eased a long list of COVID restrictions Wednesday as the governors new emergency proclamation went into effect. Follow the simple guidance below to keep you and your ohana safe during social gatherings. Facial coverings or masks are still required for operations such as museums, zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens. As noted, Vaccine exemptions are also now available to select travelers, we've outlined more details on our Hawaii 'Vaccine Passports' page. Remember, when possible, maintain physical distance between you and your co-workers. "We have animals and plants that exist nowhere else in the world, that's how special this place is. Privacy Policy | HRA wants the distancing requirement cut in half. This new limit is in effect until January 28, 2022. We will continue to update these lists as we learn more about each property's plans for re-opening. Learn More. Division of State Parks | Hawaii State Park Rules Maui Mayor Mike Victorino also lifted all outdoor restrictions. Indoor gyms, fitness facilities, exercise activities or high-risk activities are still subject to Safe Access Oahu guidelines, and facial coverings/masks are required. We've updated the packets with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and for those who've been a time or two as well). Safe Gatherings - Hawai'i DOH: Info & Resources for Managing COVID-19 Keep it Clean: Always disinfect shared items and surfaces such as lunch tables after each use. Starting. Please do notrent moving trucks and/orvans for leisure purposes if you are traveling to Hawaii. With more restaurants, bars, and other indoor venues in Hawaii requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination, the state is launching a digital health pass. Bars . Mingling between parties is expressly prohibited. Under the government's Safe Travels program, travelers to Hawaii can now skip thequarantine by registering on the online portal and taking a FDA-authorized nucleic acid amplification COVID-19 test administered by an approved Trusted Testing Partner before flying (tests range from $90-$150). Ige also acknowledged the states COVID death toll, which is now at 1,002 as of Tuesday. Facial coverings or masks are still required for indoor public settings. A bill that would determine the future of the Hawaii Tourism Authority heads to conference to be heard by lawmakers Friday morning. Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. 2023 Cond Nast. Want to look back at previous COVID-19 rules across the islands? Nevertheless, Civil Beat reported today that intensive care units (ICU) in a number of hospitals in the state are at or nearing capacity thanks to a surge in new COVID-19 patients. I wish it would have been sooner, but its best to err on the side of caution.. The sacrifices we have all made have prevented even further loss of life, Gov. Hawaii welcomed tourists back to its islands beginning October 15, allowing travelers to forgo its mandatory 14-day quarantine if they are able to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival. Event organizers/coordinators will no longer have to register event information with the county, but they are still responsible for collecting and maintaining contact information of all attendees. Hawaii to Ease Capacity Requirements for Businesses That Require David Ige announced. A business or event can still choose to operate under the Safe Access Oahu program or its own restrictions, even though it's not required. It has been nearly 19 months since they have been able to operate at full capacity. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Some 20 months after his first COVID-related emergency proclamation, Gov. And restaurants, bars and gyms also no longer have to implement 6-foot social distancing requirements. The amendment comes as COVID-19 cases have soared across the state, with 13,966 active cases as of Monday. In the past month, cases in the state have continued to rise, with an average of 99 cases per day in the past seven daysa 36 percent increase from the average just two weeks earlier. ), "The dining rooms can only hold 50 [percent] capacity, where most restaurants and your financials are all structured around 100 [percent] capacity," said Hawaii Restaurant Association Executive Director Sheryl Matsuoka to Civil Beat. Governor Ige continues to urge people to continue taking precautions. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. The offices closure and long response times led to frustration over the course of the pandemic, but on Wednesday things went smoothly. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Hiring enough people to keep up with a full dining room.