In an endless string of comments, you tell us you are unclear on what the mask requirements are for each of the islands or if there is a state policy. We concur. Could it be any more confusing?
Updated 11/3. Yesterday, Governor Ige said a law clarifying masks may take until next year. He said, “Right now… the only penalty we can use to urge people to comply is a misdemeanor with a fine… That makes it a criminal penalty, and those who want to contest the citation… entitled to a jury trial…” He would prefer violators have “the option of paying it or contesting the fine — but it wouldn’t require a jury trial, which a misdemeanor does.”
Ige continued, “We’d have to pass a law, and we’d definitely do it next session. BOH: that starts in January. About doing it sooner the governor said, “Trying to get that rushed through an abbreviated session is a hard thing to work through.” BOH: Maybe what is going to happen next is a mask rules clarification coming now followed by a law next year to change penalties and make violations a mere citation and not a misdemeanor crime.
This all comes after Governor Ige said last week, “We have issued a statewide mask order.” But the lieutenant governor, mayors, State Senate, and others came back saying not so fast, that a clear mask mandate is still needed. That prompted us to write about the confusion of a Hawaii mask mandate.
For now, the counties (islands) each have their own rules listed on their various websites.
Currently, masks are to be worn whenever a person cannot maintain a physical distance of 6+ feet from someone outside their household, we think. That is true both indoors and out.
But on Maui, apparently, two-ply masks are required and they need to fit tight. That according to the Maui Police Department.
Are neck gaiters acceptable?
They are permitted on Oahu, Kauai, and on the Big Island. But on Maui, apparently not.
On Maui, businesses that don’t force the mask rule are subject to fines and potential closure whereas on the other islands. It is somewhat different on the other islands?
What about masks at the beach?
That is one area that needs addressing perhaps more than any other for visitors. And it is the one that we get the most comments about. We can tell you for sure that you do not need to wear a mask in the ocean or in a pool. But you need one walking out to the beach. What about when sunbathing on the beach? That still seems up in the air.
The one thing the islands agree on is that masks are not required while eating or drinking.
Are masks required during strenuous physical activity?
We know that here on Kauai we are required to wear masks at the gym even on the treadmills.
For those who need exemptions.
There is a policy statewide that visitors who have medical reasons can be exempted. That is closely interpreted except on Kauai, where a doctor’s exemption is required. And you’ll need physical proof of that if you are asked.
State Legislature and Attorney General to address masks.
Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim said a plan to simplify things is in the works. He said that the state is likely to have a universal mandate later this week. That after counties have apparently been asking for clarity. But that seems to contradict what the governor said yesterday.
The state senate is looking at addressing masks too according to Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, who heads the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19. He believes that consistency is more important now as more visitors arrive every day, stating, “When our own visitors go from one island to another, it got really confusing as to who should be implementing and enforcing the mask ban.”
Governor Ige and Attorney General
So last week the governor said that there was a statewide mandate in force, and yesterday he said that a new law is needed. He also said “The mayors agree that the focus now is to conform the language across all jurisdictions. The AG is working on it.” Hawaii’s COVID incident commander Maj. General Hara said, “Both the Governor and I are in full support of this mask mandate proposal making it consistent throughout the state.”
In a newly released video for visitors below, Governor Ige says, “Most important is that we malama each other by practicing the three W’s–wear your mask when you’re out and about, wash your hands at every opportunity and watch your distance from other people.”
Here are a few of the comments we have received that represent the feelings of many visitors and locals.
(Lance M.) “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.”
(Jon D.) “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.”
(Casey S.) “I have no issue wearing a mask, I just don’t like being threatened with jail or harassed on vacation.” (Beat of Hawaii: We agree with you. If the rules are vague how do people know what to do?). Casey continued: “visitors have mentioned feeling like they are continually being watched and it’s making their trip feel less like a vacation and more like someone who is guilty before being proven so.”
Please add your thoughts in the comments below. We will continue to closely watch this topic.
I understand the concern, but I also feel that despite everyone saying “Follow the Science”, this is more draconian and less the Truth. Having flown for the last 40 years on business weekly (50 Weeks a year), having done so during SARS in the early Millennia, spent every evening in a Hotel Regency Club or Concierge Lounge and never contracting anything, I still believe this is more about a lack of knowledge and precautions that really are not based in. Flying 6 Hours with a mandated Mask does not seem like fun, even in First Class. I can understand going through the Airport Lobby, any area where there is density, but to have expectations after 18 months that one is still going to be seeing reduced opportunities whether Dining, whatever, seems like Governor Ige is following the Cuomo, Pritzker, Newsom Model, but wants it both ways, bring Tourism back, but with reduced enjoyment. Having postponed our February 2020, to September 2020, only to find the Hotels had not re-opened until October, then re-scheduling for the end of May 2021, I’m just not sure it’s worth it. It would appear the best solution is to go where one is wanted and can achieve the greatest value for the time lost over the past 18 months, given Hotels are probably not fully staffed, Bars and Dining not all opened. A hui hou.
I can tell you this…. We did canceled our trip to Big Island four times before we finally decided to go . What you need for Big Island it’s covid test 72 hours before your departure. You will get second covid test here on the Airport when you get here. They will also help you here on the Airport to fill out the form to get QRcode. That’s what we did and some other people too. Hawaiian people are so nice to help you with everything. They are not like people from Mainland!!Nobody wear a mask on any beach . I have no Idea how they doit on other Islands.
I hear the mask mandate has been updated not too long ago for Maui County, not required to wear while sunbathing by the pool, just have to social distance. Have you heard the same? What about on Oahu?
Lizzy its my experience and opinion and sorry you feel how you do about me. How locals and hawaii choose to treat others, it is what it is. I do take offense to it sometimes.
However i do respect others and hawaii. I have never trashed the environment or locals when i lived there but always did seem like they think they can do whatever they want and get away with it.
Because its an island culture. People there get stuck and dont get exposure to the rest if the world. I am from the mainland originally and most people from there will very clearly understand how i feel about hawaii issues now. Hawaii just feels more uncivilized to me and its not just the culture. They should work on better relationships with the mainland i think if they want to have a good economy and remain competitive. That is my opinion.
LOL CF your such a sensitive guy. Just dont EVER go to Hawaii again problem solved. Not sure why you feel the need to post on all
We rescheduled our trip 4-times and finally gave up trying to go until Hawaii posts reasonable expectations.
Masks in restaurants, bars and shopping and maybe on the side walk on Waikiki.
No masks hiking, driving a car, lying on the beach, cycling, mostly anything outside where you can be 6-feet from others.
I’m ok with the pre departure test
Please be reasonable.
Make it ridiculous and we will go somewhere else.
Can We please maintain 6 feet and not wear mask?
This is all crap!!! The masks you are all wearing it’s not helping you at all!!! You need spacial mask for viruses !! If there is a person with covid and you have that mask crap on your face it’s up to your immunity if you get or not!!!! They just makes people stupid. !!!! Doesn’t matter if that’s Hawaii or on the mainland!!!I just hope this Bull… It’s going to be over soon !!!
Thanks rosie r i totally agree. People in hawaii and mainland need to use common sense and live life regardless of a virus. A face diaper isnt really a good idea. Staying home more and supplements and excercize and helping Others makes more sense
well CF when you go to the hospital some day and a doctor doesnt wear one of those diapers you dont like and coughs on you and gives you an infectious disease dont come back here whining about it. Good grief.
My sister works ER and she tells me that if not for those diapers most doctors wouldnt live 5 years so stop spreading your lies and propaganda. Masks DO work
Yesterday’s Maui News clearly stated if you are sun bathing/sitting or reclining on a Maui beach a face mask IS REQUIRED. Nothing nebulous about that. The article even commented on the lack of need for sunscreen under your mask.
Yeah joni i cant respect rules like that. Common sense and clearer heads in govt need to prevail. Its too much fear and baseless crap.
If hawaiians want respect from tourists also then they need to show respect to them. Usa citizens as well. That went awry w covid
I think its time you step away form Beat of Hawaii.
Actually
WHY are you on this site anyways?
Just to spread negativity and ignorance?
From everything ive read and from other posters, It makes no sense that you are here.
You are only spreading negativity.
Hopefully the moderators can observe this, and make changes. Mahalo
Hi Lizzy.
Thanks.
Aloha.