Gov. David Ige and the county mayors announced the next phase of state and county measures related to COVID-19.
The following basic measures have proven to be effective and will remain unchanged in the next emergency proclamation relating to COVID-19:
- The Hawaiʻi Safe Travels Program;
- The indoor mask mandate;
- The vaccination or testing requirements for state executive and county employees; and
- The vaccination or testing requirements for contractors and visitors to state facilities.
In a press release Governor Ige said, “Hawaiʻi residents have worn their masks and avoided large gatherings, even important family events. Most of our residents are vaccinated. We worked together to keep our communities as safe as possible during this pandemic. The State of Hawaiʻi is now ready to move from overall state coordination back to the counties.”
Governor Ige said he will sign another emergency proclamation on Nov. 29. He announced the following changes:
- As of Dec. 1, the counties will no longer be required to obtain the approval of the governor or the director of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) prior to issuing county emergency orders, rules or proclamations. Counties will continue to have direct responsibility for emergency management with their respective counties. Emergencies are usually county-specific and county-led, with the state serving in a supporting role.
- The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency will continue its various support functions.
- The Dept. of Health will continue to issue public health guidance.
- Executive Order 21-08, issued on Nov. 2, 2021 regarding Statewide Limits for Social Gatherings, Restaurants, Bars, Social Establishments, and Gyms will end on Dec. 1, 2021. The counties will implement appropriate measures for social gatherings, restaurant operations, social establishments and other venues within their own counties.
- Extensions for driver’s license renewals, instruction permits, and replacements are ending as of Nov. 29, 2021.
- Consistent with the federal and state implementation of vaccination and testing policies, the state will no longer offer a Critical Infrastructure workers’ exemption to the 10-day travel quarantine. Exemptions for persons who previously tested positive for COVID-19 and other exemptions will continue to be considered.
Once signed on Nov. 29, the proclamation relating to COVID-19 will continue through January 28, 2022, unless terminated or superseded by a separate proclamation.