Mark Taylor, the general manager for Highway Inn in Kakaako, said he was happy he could seat everyone for the lunch rush on Wednesday. However, outdoor activities are beginning to re-open. Businesses said easing the capacity restrictions will help recoup revenue lost during the pandemic. Download your copy of our Sophia McCullough is a digital news producer. The move, while a boost for Hawaii's struggling economy, which remains almost entirely reliant on tourism, has been met with backlash from locals. 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.. Results showed that in September and October 2021, 80% of restaurants that were surveyed saw theirrevenue dropby 30% or more, and 37% have lost over half of their revenue. House Bill 1375 repeals the semi-autonomous agency to create a new office in the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism that would be focused on tourism management. Please select the type of permit you are interested in applying for: Food Establishment - A permit to operate a restaurant, bar, caterer, market, convenience store, lunch-wagon, push cart or other type of "permanent" food establishment. The following is a list of open and closed accommodations in Hawaii and is current, to the best of our knowledge, as of the date found atop this entry. This includes bars, restaurants, gyms . The new restrictions, which are effective immediately, include the following: Indoor social gatherings are limited to 10 people. Gov. 5.1.2023 7:00 AM, Mike Riggs "The nature of this emergency was like no other, and it required a level of federal, state, and county coordination that we've never before seen," Ige said in a statement. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. But I'd rather you come when it's safer for everyone.". Some islands have implemented further safety measures on top of state testing requirements. Theyre the life and blood where many make their living. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. The statewide indoor mask mandate also remains in place. Hawaii continues to have amongst the lowest rates of infections and fatalities in the nation due to this COVID-19 pandemic.. Bars (Outdoor): OPEN at 100%. For the restaurants, were going with the same rules. . Travel to Hawaii during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go Sheryl Matsuoka, executive director of the Hawaii Restaurant Association, said full capacity at restaurants couldnt have come at a better time. For the latest changes in this new year, please read the January 2022 version of this article. We urge residents to remain vigilant as we continue to protect the health and safety of our kamaina, re-energize our economy, and strengthen our communities.". 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. Previously, state rules were 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors. According to many Hawaiian localsdespite how devastating the pandemic has been on the economythe answer is not yet., This is not a time to travel, says Angela Keen, a veteran TV journalist and the co-founder of the community action group Hawaii Quarantine Kapu Breakers. 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. Hawaii Island limits indoor gatherings to 10 - Spectrum News Its unclear when indoor social distancing rules will change. Gov. Ige, lifts distancing requirements for restaurants, bars starting Facial coverings or masks are still required for operations such as museums, zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens. Follow her adventures on Instagram. Christian Britschgi National Park Service-managed parks, historic sites, and memorials in Hawaii are gradually increasing access and services to their sites and facilities utilizing a phased approach. Event organizers are "highly encouraged to promote" vaccination or testing practices as part of their business operations. 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. Wearing a mask lowers the risk of transmission. No mingling is allowed. Our volunteerssome of whom are airport screenershave witnessed droves of visitors arriving at the airport with masks on their chins, crowded closely next to each other, she adds. Hawaii's parks, beaches, and trails are open for outdoor groups at this time; however, please check with the current county rules to ensure you do not exceed the gathering limits. Prior restrictions included a social gathering limit of 10 indoors, the closure of large event venues, and physical distancing. Take it outside: Its safer to gather outside in the fresh air than inside your home. call GoHawaii at 1-800-464-2924 Masks are also strongly recommended while indoors and when you are unable to maintain physical distancing. Maui County to require eligible patrons at restaurants, gyms to show Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. Hawaii'snational parkson each island are also at different levels of reopening. to local services like health resources, With more restaurants, bars, and other indoor venues in Hawaii requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination, the state is launching a digital health pass. Additional information on Hawaii's policy for vaccinated travelers can be found in our article: For news, updates, and headlines related to COVID-19 and travel within and to Hawaii, we've created a new page dedicated to the, Castle Resorts and Hotels Waimea Country Lodge, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Hoomaluhia, Hawaii'srentalcar fleet decreased by more than 40% during the pandemic, which is understandable as travel to the islands effectively groundto a halt for an entire year. 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 . Hawaii Public Radio | Ive agreed to meet with some community people and some people in the hospitality industry as well so while we have some ideas of what were going to do, rather than come out with those ideas, I still have some people I want to listen to, said Roth. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. We dont want to roll back any other restrictions, and the only way for us to ensure that we dont have to is by doing whats in the best interest of everyone in our community mask up, distance when possible, and stay home if you feel sick, Roth added. . Hawaii to Lift COVID-19 Capacity Restrictions Dec. 1 - Travel Maui County said it is also allowing restaurants and bars to return to full capacity without physical distancing. Physical distancing of 6 feet is still required in public settings, and 3 feet for schools. If you're thinking of visiting Hawaii in the coming months, here's everything you need to know before bookingso you can visit safely and responsibly. Hawaii County Social gathering limits are still in place, but at 25 indoors and 100 outdoors. Effective Wednesday, under Gov. ), "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. Participants must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken with 24 hours. Hawaiian retailers, bowling alleys, and movie theaters are open. All restrictions on. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. food banks and more. Official RTW Orders for . Bars (Indoor): OPEN at 100%. Starting Wednesday, Ige will repeal his executive order, which imposed gathering restrictions and instead allow each county to implement whatever measures they deem appropriate. The vaccination or testing requirement for state and county government workers also ended on March 25. No 6 foot distancing, 100% capacity and as long as theyre either vaccinated and or tested coming to the establishment, they can sit in the establishment, said Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino. Rules and Regulations: Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) FOOD - HAR Chapter 11-50. Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth shared the latest COVID-19 news with HPR's The Conversation click here to read or listen to that interview. The governor made the announcement onTuesday - March 1st. Maui Mayor Mike Victorino also lifted all outdoor restrictions. There are steps you can take to minimize your COVID-19 risk with friends and family. Prior restrictions included a social gathering limit of 10 indoors, the closure of large event venues, and physical distancing. Please contact the property directly for more information. The indoor mask mandate will now end the same day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NEXT: Gavin Newsom Takes Aim at Larry Elder as California Recall Builds Up Steam. For emergencies, dial 911. Starting Nov. 12: Eased Restrictions Outdoors at High Risk Businesses Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. Ige also acknowledged the states COVID death toll, which is now at 1,002 as of Tuesday. Organizers also have to consult with counties when hosting an event with more than 50 people. A spokesperson for the Governor said the mandate also allows unvaccinated patrons to dine outdoors without a negative test as long as it is not required by the county. Likewise, imposing different limits on the size of gatherings depending on where they're happening doesn't appear to make much sense. A husband's dread during an abortion ordeal in Oklahoma, JPMorgan Chase buys troubled First Republic Bank after U.S. government takeover, 'Succession' season 4, episode 6: 'Living+', EPA puts 'legally binding' stop to local company selling mislabeled disinfectants, UH population biologist stresses continued COVID risk, Those arriving from outside the country still must adhere to. On the Big Island, out-of-state visitors are required to take an additional rapid-response COVID-19 test upon arrival, administered free of charge at any of its three airports. Report suspected law and park rule violations to enforcement officers. 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. Hawaii To Reinstate COVID-19 Restrictions - Forbes See something we've missed or need to update the status on? Offers may be subject to change without notice. We need to be able to have 3-foot distancing for dining, that will allow us to increase our dining capacity.. What You Need to Know About Counties in Hawaii - Hawaii Magazine And restaurants, bars and gyms also no longer have to implement 6-foot social distancing requirements. "We have animals and plants that exist nowhere else in the world, that's how special this place is. More information can be found at oneoahu.org/safe-oahu-response-plan. While announcing the ease in rules, Gov. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. All of Hawaii's parks, beaches, and trails are also open, though visitors must practice physical distancing and wear a mask at all times. Hawaii's return to imposing limits on small gatheringsespecially when statewide ICU capacity is still in good shape and COVID deaths are lowis a worrying sign that more states might soon start dredging up pandemic regulations we thought were behind us. HONOLULU (KHON2) Changes are coming for gyms and restaurants starting November 12th that will loosen outdoor dining restrictions. Limits on outdoor activities are also considered to be ineffective. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Governor Ige continues tourgepeople to continue taking precautions. On Hawaii Island, gatherings are now capped at 25 indoors and 100 outdoors. Think outside the box this Mothers Day and opt for gifts other than flowers and chocolate. If we dont change the restrictions before then its going to make it very tough, Shimabukuro said. Derrick Malama is the local anchor of Morning Edition. Travel related questions, 5.1.2023 9:31 AM, J.D. As of Jan. 15, 2022, individuals 12 and up must have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to enter indoor food establishments, fitness centers, cultural and entertainment facilities. The governor made the announcement on Tuesday - March 1st. Kauai is also increasing its gathering limits to 40 people indoors and 100 outdoors. Private businesses may still choose to institute a vaccine or testing requirement. Businesses also no longer have to keep contact information for customers. Prior restrictions included a social gathering limit of 40 people indoors, and proof of vaccination or a negative test at professional events. Lee Altenberg, a theoretical population biologist at the University of Hawaii, spoke with The Conversation about the latest COVID-19 rates and how they compare to the pandemic overall. Hawaii tightens COVID-19 restrictions for social gatherings Select Hawaii state parks and monuments statewide are open, though emphasizing social distancing. Please keep in mind that your wait time may be longer than expected in some instances. State to drop social gathering and restaurant spacing limits, leaving Tuccille But other locals argue it's not as simple as shutting visitors out. His announcement comes one day before indoor and outdoor managed events on Oahu can operate at 100% capacity. David Ige announced. 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. This comes the same day as Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced significant easing of rules for large events. The restaurant industry has also been losing staff. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Be sure to also check our Hawaii Adventures section below for a list of sustainable tour companies opening for business in Hawaii. David Ige said on Nov. 29 that limits on social gatherings and restaurants would end at the beginning of December. Dont want to take a test at all? Florida - 50% indoor dining except for Miami-Dade and Broward counties (closed) Georgia - 100% with restrictions* Hawaii - 50% indoor dining (1. The company allegedly sold misbranded and unregistered sanitization products. Here are the COVID-19 rules for social gatherings and events on every