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 According to the now perhaps out of date (per the governor) Hawaii COVID19 site, masks are to be worn outdoors when 6′ distancing is not possible.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.
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.