Hawaii’s Governor Ige said that a Hawaii mask mandate is now official, “We have issued a statewide mask order.” This is for multiple reasons including reducing the spread of COVID and providing consistent information to visitors and residents alike.
We’re confused, and here’s why. As we looked this morning for confirmation of what the governor said yesterday, we are unable to find a mask mandate anywhere across multiple official websites. That includes the all-important Hawaii COVID19 website where visitors expect to find definitive answers. Maybe that’s in process, we don’t know.
Also, today, Hawaii will reveal its long-awaited travel bubble with Japan. Perhaps that news is taking the attention off of this important announcement that other officials are calling on the governor to put his focus on.
On the Safe Travels page of the same above website which is used by visitors, we still do not see any clear indication of a mask mandate, let alone anything like Governor Ige’s “statewide mask order.”
Lieutenant Governor Josh Green, who leads our state response for COVID said yesterday “I think a mask mandate for us should be very simple. It should be like the jaywalking laws. You’re not wearing a mask outdoors, you get a $100 fine. That’s it. And that will make sure everyone is wearing a mask through the end of the year at least.” Green said his goal is to try to achieve 90-95% compliance.
Green was calling for more masks (but not indicating any mask order) while suggesting less secondary testing as the primary means of controlling the spread. Regarding testing and masks, Green said, “If we spent this much energy on mask-wearing, we wouldn’t have a pandemic here.” But again, he does not reference an actual mandate. Green did say that most people are doing the pre-travel test program and follow-up surveillance testing of 9,000 visitors to date has found only 5 additional cases.
Governor Ige noted that the COVID19 website does not have current mask information and said he has asked the webmaster to update the site. Of course, this disparity leads to more confusion for people wanting answers now, such as travelers coming to Hawaii. And furthermore, a webmaster can update the site in minutes so why wait on a subject so important?
As it stands now, it is confusing, even for us here, as to when in Hawaii masks are required. Then there is the state’s Share Aloha video we reviewed that does not fully explain when to wear a mask. According to the now perhaps out of date (per the governor) Hawaii COVID19 site, masks are to be worn outdoors when 6′ distancing is not possible. Visitors and residents alike are left to draw their own conclusion. The bottom line, it’s just not possible to predict if you can always keep 6′ distance outdoors.
For more information, read our post on island by island policy on face coverings and watch the video below from the Hawaii State Department of Health.
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Excited to try Honokowai Okazuya grill in Lahaina for Chinese / Hawaiian food. Sat outside waiting for my order and girl packing up food and working the cash register not wearing a mask for at least 5 minutes. Cancelled my order and went to Mediterranean Food and Pizza place and same thing…cook in back not wearing a mask while preparing food. I’ll be cooking my own food the rest of my trip. Hawaiians have been complaining about visitors not wearing masks but I’ve complied with the rules as I know masks save lives. When your own people aren’t following rules maybe they should look in their own backyard. If you can’t show that it’s safe for tourists you may see your restaurants close and see more job loss. Have your Health department do some surprise visits and get your house in order before throwing stones.
Thank you for your continued updates on this site. We are scheduled to be in Oahu for 10 days starting on Thanksgiving, party of 4. We understand and are preparing to comply with the testing requirements. It does not seem clear, however, what the rules are for masks when outdoors where it is just the four of us. I have seen some references to a mask requirement even among members of the same party, which would basically mean we would have to keep masks on when driving together to sightsee. However, the Oahu County regulations at oneoahu.org/masks say that the physical distancing requirement does not apply to people from the same household.
We are absolutely committed to wearing masks when we are anywhere near others, but don’t want to have masks on when it is just our household, out on a beach for example where there are few if any others around.
Can you please give me your thoughts and understanding of what is required? Another related question is what about pools or swimming in the ocean. Are there exceptions for when in the water?
Thanks
Hi Lance.
Thanks. It is unclear to us as well. The state legislature may not become involved in delineating a clear statewide policy. We should know more in a few days. No mention ever of masks in the water however.
Aloha.
Here is Maui’s latest declaration. Masks are mandatory here.
mauicounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/124575/2010196-COM_Public-Health-Emergency-Proclamation-certified–signed?bidId=
Aloha-
Just heard LG Green on the radio very specifically say it was ok to be jogging alone without the mask up. He said he was “pulled over” by police on this and corrected them. I am assuming this was on Oahu
thanks
Hi Jon.
Yes, hopefully the confusion will be rectified by the governor soon.
Aloha.
I know that the Maui County website has been updated with a PDF that covers mask usage and requirements (not sure about other counties). It looks like this comment form doesn’t want me to paste the link, but I found it by Googling “maui county covid rules”, going to the first link (which is Maui County’s COVID-19-Coronavirus-Information page), and then looking at the second PDF in the list (which is titled “Public Health Emergency Rules, Approved Oct. 26, 2020”). The part about masks begins on page 6 in rule 5 under part A “Face covering” (note that the top of page 7 is mostly where they talk about situations where mask wearing is not required).
Thanks.
Hi David.
Thank you for that.
Aloha
I am also trying to understand Maui’s policy for being outdoors visiting the beaches, going to a resort pool, etc. My interpretation is you are supposed to always wear a mask unless you are doing a strenuous activity, in the water, eating, drinking or smoking. They allow outdoor gatherings up to 10 people and you must maintain a 6 foot distance – unless you are from the same household (with no distance restrictions). Note they do not allow “neck gaiters” or bandanas as a mask substitute and do encourage everyone to stay home, if possible.
Interesting story on the news this morning. It was pointed out that Travel and Leisure Magazine has an insightful
and apolitical article about travel to Hawaii under the new norm. A realistic yet not judgmental perspective on some of the challenges as well as an observation on the nicely uncrowded beaches as well as other positive aspects about traveling here right now.
The point was then made that individual newspapers on the mainland are printing stories by quoting one person complaining and trying to paint that persons complaints as the norm.
These are challenging times for everyone, Hawaii is currently one of the safest places in the World and also very vulnerable should an outbreak get out of hand. Fingers crossed that testing, proper mask wearing and common sense social distancing can prevail over the narcissistic conspiracy dwellers among us.
There are plenty of people here right now that are enjoying themselves to a once in a lifetime uncrowded Hawaii and having a great time.
As to the people on here screeching about what a bunch of commies we are, well……..everyone wants tourism to grow in a good way, overcrowding will be a problem again someday, if the angry MAGA crowd that doesn’t like our state or doesn’t like the locals or whatever wants to stay away that’s OK with me. Plenty of other people will find the Aloha spirit that still exists here. Maybe even greater then ever thanks to so many of us facing adversity and rising to our better selves. The “Silent Majority” here is very caring and kind.
We are a blue state….. the sky, the ocean and the politics, very better or worse. We care about others more than our 401K’s.
What proof do you have that the complaints are from the stereotypical “MAGA crowd”?
Mahalo again to Beat of Hawaii for allowing comments from differing points of view without censorship. This is my go-to site for the latest news on the happenings in Hawaii.
Hi Curtis.
Thanks. We appreciate your more than 50 comments.
Aloha.
As you said Curtis “Stereotypical”….. If you said someone was angry racist and anti mask you would mostly likely
be correct by lumping them in with the MAGA crowd….But to your point there are nut cases and covidiots on both sides of the
political spectrum. Just that the Trump rallies have so profoundly defined where these people are coming from and the aggressive form of narcissism, conspiracy theories and outright lies and disrespect for others they embrace.
Perhaps I would have better worded it to say if your are a respectful, basically kind person you’ll find you are welcome here
no matter who you voted for. (and I do know Trumpies that are)
Aloha to anyone who fits that bill
Aloha to you too, JOHNW.
You are right, the “MAGA’s” have attended rallies without masks, to the detriment of themselves and many others. But you don’t see them out burning down Target stores and looting Mom and Pop pharmacies. That seems to be the domain of the “Socially Acceptable” leftists in our country.
Can’t we just get a resolution to this? With technology I am baffled at the hold up. Is there something we don’t know?
So I will not be coming to Hawaii anytime soon.
It’s evident with all the hassles imposed tight get there and once there with no mask fines being given that Aloha has been removed for tourists!
First time in 23 years we will not vacation in Hawaii .
Aloha
Me either and I have family there. Don’t see the aloha spirit anyway. Their loss
This will not work. Visitors will not go to Hawaii, not so good for the economy. This is America and Covid is 99.9 recovery rate.
For people who have been misusing the word fascist. This is fascist. Requiring a dress code of a muzzle. Please stay healthy, go outside and do NOT wear a mask. It is not about ‘safety’ it is only about control at this point. That is the definition of fascism. Stand united. Do not comply. There Has been proof that masks don’t help, people still catching Covid even when they’re not wearing a mask… The difference between the people who die and don’t die from Covid is health. Make healthier choices, exercise, eat whole foods, remove sugar, alcohol, smoking. Have a wonderful day! Aloha!
Very true lo!
Did you see today’s Garden News (10/29)? A mainland tourist completed the Safe Travel protocol and pre-tested negative before flying to Lihue. Then the adult woman voluntarily participated in the post-travel virus test. Again negative. BUT guess what – she tested positive days later. Did she have it all along? Or did she get it on the Island? Now they’re doing contact tracing. And that’s just one tourist who voluntarily participated in the post-travel testing. What about all the other travelers who didn’t? Not good.
I’ll say it’s been a bit confusing the past week that we’ve been on Maui. Mixed information and daily changes has made it a bit challenging to know what is expected.
What doesn’t make sense is being outside, at least 6’ from anyone else and having to wear a mask as I sit in a lounge chair. As I’m walking, I get that, but sitting in a chair- outside- that’s goofy.
I live in a pretty locked down state and it’s just as dumb there. I had to have a negative test to come to Maui and I appreciate the Governor needing to protect residents. Just be logical about the mandates.
Its like wearing a condom while you are mowing the lawn!! W.t.f. is the point!
Aloha and Mahalo for the Outstanding job you are doing to keep us all apprised of the ever-changing mandates and rules in Hawaii!!
As a Nurse who has extensive experience with Covid protocols and knowledge of virus transmission, the mask mandate is not the end-all solution to curbing the virus spread as it’s being touted. Frequent handwashing and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth are just as, if not more important. When a positive person sneezes or coughs, droplets from the lungs containing the virus are expelled. They fall quickly onto surrounding surfaces within a 6′ radius, hence the 6′ social distancing requirement. A mask will not contain the droplets as they will be forced through or out the sides of the thin material. Further tips – avoid touching high-touch surfaces like door handles, shopping cart handles, etc. Wash your hands thoroughly or use a hand-sanitizer that contains Alcohol and rub your hands for at least 30 seconds. (That’s a long time, much longer than most people I’ve observed ever do). Sneeze or cough into your elbow, even if you are wearing a mask! If a person who is Covid positive sneezes/coughs into their hands, then touches a door handle, if you touched that same door handle even hours later, then you touched a mucous membrane (eyes, nose, mouth) you could put yourself at risk for contracting the virus. That’s how it’s spread. It’s not hovering in the air surrounding people.
How do I know this? I have trained ICU and ER personnel in proper PPE donning and doffing (putting on and taking off), as well as personally handling used PPE worn by healthcare workers caring for Covid positive patients. I have not contracted the virus, nor do I expect to as long as I continue to follow the same simple tips as outlined above.
My hope is everyone stays healthy and we are all able to visit our beloved Aloha State soon!
Hi LB.
Thanks. We appreciate your sharing your insights from nursing.
Aloha.
I’m cancelling both of the upcoming trips I had scheduled to visit Kona and Maui. You folks are totally paranoid in Hawaii. Please, can you prove that there has been even one case of the virus being transmitted out of doors between people lounging poolside, laying on the beach, surfing, swimming, snorkeling, walking down the sidewalk past others? Can you? No. And yet your Governor is trying to micro-manage each and every life. Mexico is taking precautions, is not mandating ruinous, vacation-killing, job killing regulations and requirements, and has been open for business for months. You folks in Hawaii require double testing in order to visit there, now the near constant wearing of a mask, and expect nothing short of zero transmissions, meaning zero new cases. You are not going to stop this plague from creeping through our society, but you certainly can destroy the economy there, and very effectively. Check Sweden. My son-in-law is currently working in Stockholm: no masks required in public, elderly and infirm are sheltered, economy open, functioning and healthy. People are living free, while you restrict and regulate yourselves to a slow death. Wake up, open up, protect the vulnerable, and let people live. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. We love Hawaii, but not the way it is currently being ruled by your politicians.
Hi David.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Aloha.
Since you cant snorkel or scuba dive indoors and you must “wear a mask outdoors, that’s it,” are there any instructional videos how you attach a mask to the end of a snorkel? If masks are not required for this outdoor activity, was the “that’s it” comment meant for only dramatic effect?
I’m all for the masks because I don’t know who’s been where and who spits and has bad breath when they talk. I’m glad there’s a mandate and more room for me to roam and walk around in Waikiki. I guess people will have to wait to travel cause if they can’t keep a mask on for one minute, how will they endure for the 5+ hour flight? Y’all don’t think ahead for your selfishness.
This is a health issue for all of us. No wonder we can’t succeed, too many think it’s about control. Auwe if that’s how you think, no worries.
Hawaii and ohana here I come!
Hawaii doesn’t belong to you. If you can’t follow thier rules and respect the health and well being of it’s residents, don’t go. I’ve been wearing a mask in NYC and plan on wearing one on Kauai.
Yet another socialist act from a communist run state. Stop trying to be the like California already. Lived here my whole life. Democrats like those in office have ruined this state. Time to vote them out. Mask are only, at best, a bandaid and are more a symbol of the control the government it trying to exert over us. Come on Hawaii, wake up!! That is why me and mine say it’s time to move out of this paradise from hell!!
Aloha, planning a trip to Maui and Oahu first week in December 2020, have heard from friends that we are not allowed to lay out on the beach, even when swimming in the ocean, and that hotels can only allow one hour per day per guest to use the pool. Is this the situation? Mahalo
Hi Carey.
That is definitely not the situation as far as the beach is concerned. We can’t speak to hotel pools and have never heard of that either. Perhaps check with the hotel.
Aloha.
Hi Roger H, yesterday in Wisconsin, it was announced the recall effort of their Governor Tony Evers failed because they couldn’t gather enough signatures to get his recall on the ballot. Thankfully, in Wisconsin at least, the science believers are out numbering the science deniers. There will be no recall of Ige. He is doing what he was elected to do. Protect the people of hawaii. Come on, be a citizen of the earth, help out, and wear one. What are you afraid of? Btw what state are you from? That would help explain your science denying and hateful comments towards government officials just trying to do their job.
I’m going to cancel Christmas trip if that would be enforced on the beach.
What a weird way to reopen.
Again, masks outdoor when 6′ social distancing is not possible.
Easy to personally control. Keeps people healthy.
I agree. Moreover I think it makes sense to rule something like 8-10 feet (wind) minimum at the beaches and mask always outside of the beach. This would make sense. Possibly introducing capacity control on the beaches and elsewhere.
But laying down with my family in masks while not interacting with other humans is… strange. But more importantly – absolutely useless. And I just hate to do pointless actions because of somebody being stupid/scared/uneducated or simply can’t read couple of articles on how viral respiratory infections work.
The latest Maui County Emergency Rule from 10/26 says you DO have to wear a mask on the beach UNLESS meet the following exception (exception 7 from Rule 5):
“Of persons actively engaged in strenuous outdoor physical
activity, provided adequate social distancing is both possible and
practiced.”
Rule 7 pertaining to the beach specifies you have to follow Rule 5 which does not have an exception for social distancing EXCEPT for exception 7 above (strenuous exercise). So you will have to wear a mask when sunning on the beach or reading a book in your lounge chair ALWAYS regardless of whether you social distance or not. We are going to see some goofy tan lines.
Ok, so I havent heard of this mandate but if it is true it may be one of the more ignorant things the state has done. Just think about it for a minute. You are outside, no mask on and enjoying life like its meant to be and you cough or sneeze. Naturally 95% of people cover their mouth with their hand or something else. But let’s say it snuck up on you and you didn’t have time. The tiny molecules that exit your body are going to be so rapidly dispersed due to the wind, gravity, or the shear force behind your cough or sneeze that unless someone is right on top of you they would have virtually no chance of inhaling them. I mean come on. I can humor the suggestion that there is a “threat” say in a populated area like Waikiki with thousands of people walking around, maybe…maybe when tourism was what it used to be. But this is just another example of over reach and control. Look at the statistics, sure masks can help…but the idea that’s being suggested that masks save lives places an overwhelming reliance on this as the primary means to combat the problem.
Thank you Brian. Excellent real world take on what has become desperation to reduce Covid down to… Around zero. Or less. Good grief, the state may as well just go back to the deep sleep of 100% stay at home & no Haole’s allowed until this all goes away. So bizarre. Can Green & Ige please at least get on the same page, same sentence, same word just once.
Not going on any vacation where masks are required outside. The virus is not spreading in non gathering outside locations.
I agree 100%. Thanks.
Bravo Brian S for pointing out another common sense point that the general public and media are failing to grasp. I wrote a comment earlier in the thread and appreciate yours in pointing out how masks are not the end all be all in this! Mahalo to you and Beat of Hawaii!
Hi LB
Thanks for your comments.
Aloha.
Hawaii-Its time to graduate from diapers to pull-ups! Adopt the im a big kid now mentality and get back to normal. If so worried test everyone on the island and get the covid dogs.
No masks and no more anger towards tourists and pro American attitudes must prevail. Blow those bubbles away or pop them.
Do you have to wear a mask when hiking or running? How about when laying on the beach when you are under an umbrella and six feet away from others?
Follow the CDC Guidelines. Don’t rely on anyone else to keep you healthy.
We are supposed to land in Maui in less then a month. At home we are very mask concious and wear them when required. However, we do not wear them walking or hiking. How does one get in the water with a mask? or eat outside?