Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim issued an Emergency Rule on Friday that reopens most businesses, operations and activities, including short-term vacation rentals, as of Monday, June 15, 2020. However, bars, nightclubs, public swimming pools, and large events are not allowed to reopen or resume.
Hawaii County has had 81 cases of COVID-19, but has had no active cases for more than two weeks. However, people at high risk, including those with compromised immune systems, underlying health conditions, or those who are older are urged to stay home when possible.
Unless otherwise specified in this rule, all businesses, operations, and activities are permitted to re-open June 15 with appropriate changes to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. That includes mask wearing, physical distancing, and hygiene practices.
Under Exhibit 5 of the Mayor’s new Rule, the following businesses, operations and activities identified below shall remain closed:
- Bars
- Nightclubs
- Public Swimming Pools
- Large indoor venues (concerts, sports, conventions, expos)
- Large outdoor venues (concerts, sports, conventions, expos)
- Road races (marathons, triathlons, etc.)
However, travel to engage in minimum basic operations of the businesses and operations identified above is allowed, including the minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, and related functions as well as the minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences. Minimum basic operations do not include in-person public/customer contact.
Indoor gatherings may now include up to 50 people and outdoor gatherings may go up to 100 people, but physical distancing must be practiced.
Exhibit 2 of the Rule deals with County Parks and Recreational Facilities.
-Use of pavilions and picnic tables may resume.
-Events or activities with potential to exceed the maximum number of attendees allowed must be pre-approved by the Director of County Parks and Recreation.
-No contact sports are permitted, but teams may practice with appropriate physical distancing.
The following facilities are closed to the general public from Mondays through Fridays, except for state holidays, to accommodate Summer Fun programs and childcare programs:
- Greenwell Park & Sgt. Rodney J. T. Yano Memorial Hall
- Waiākea Uka Park & Stanley Costales Waiākea Uka Gym
- Waimea Community Center
- Pana‘ewa Park
- Hualani Park & Kawananakoa Center
- Carvalho Park & Pi‘ihonua Gym
- Frank Santos Park & Papaikou Gym
- Honoka‘a Park & Honoka‘a Gym
- Waimea District Park
- Ikuo Hisaoka Gym
- Kekuaokalani Gym
- Nā‘ālehu Park
- Robert N. Herkes Gymnasium & Shelter (Ka‘ū District Gym)
- Pahoa District Park
- Shipman Park
- Richardson Ocean Center
The latest proclamation is here: