Starting September 13, things will be changing once again in Honolulu. Oahu will require that customers provide proof of either 1) vaccination or 2) testing within the previous 48-hours. This is not optional, as we once thought it might be, and all establishments covered by the order must comply. In addition, alcohol sales must now stop at 10 pm on Oahu.
The mandate will be in effect at restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, museums, arcades, commercial public/private pools, commercial boats, and indoor parts of botanical gardens, zoos, and other attractions.
The questions are 1) what are the details of the latest mandate, 2) what are the exceptions including children, and 3) will it be effective, and 4) is this the new prototype that will be deployed statewide. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced the latest mandate Monday.
“The “Safe Access O‘ahu” program requires all employees, contractors, and volunteers of businesses, such as restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, museums, arcades and other similar establishments, to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test result each week in order to operate. In addition, customers must show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within the previous 48 hours in order to enter the establishment. Children under 12 years old are exempt. “
See the link above for the entire program description. The Honolulu Mayor held a news conference where he announced the latest ruling that has been in the works for some time. It comes as hospitals are at capacity. Blangiardi said that this is the most difficult time yet for Honolulu since Covid began last year. Should this plan not work, the next steps could be closing beaches, parks, and businesses.”We don’t want a lockdown. I am on the record as saying that. We don’t want a lockdown. But we need to all work together to make sure we don’t have to do that, and this is a good, safe way to get it done. — Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
The emergency order will be in effect for 60 days, and it applies to both customers and employees.
Are there any exceptions to the ruling?
Vaccination will not be required for employees who provide proof of weekly negative testing via antigen or molecular testing.
For customers, testing is also an option. It must, however, be within the last 48 hours.
Children under 12 years old are exempt.
Fast food restaurants, where customers remain less than 15 minutes, don’t need to comply.
Take-out restaurants and food trucks are exempt.
The head of the Hawaii Restaurant Association was also at the news conference and said that what is happening on Oahu before the vaccine passport “is not acceptable.”
Other Hawaii leaders, including outspoken House Speaker Scott Saiki, agreed with Honolulu’s action.
Will this program be effective in reducing the spread of Covid-19 in Honolulu.
The goal, of course, is to see an improvement in terms of the load on Hawaii’s hospitals. And to do that without destroying the already fragile economy.
It isn’t clear to what degree this will be effective. It also addresses that most Covid clusters in Hawaii are associated with restaurants, weddings, concerts, and other gatherings. This is the option the mayor gave as a better alternative to shutdowns. Those of course remain an option should this not work out.
What do you think?
Will this be the prototype for a statewide vaccination passport?
There’s nothing official about that which we’ve heard discussed. However, it is our sense that short of some other miracle, it will become the standard for the state in the near future.
124 thoughts on “Will New Vaccination Passport Mandate Work and Become The Standard?”
David B
The Kauai Mayor just yesterday decreed (with Pop’s approval), a $250 fine for anyone who gets caught in violation of any of his COVD rules (indoor masks, group size limits, restaurant-bar at 50% capacity) and $500 fines for the business or “organizer”.
“Those with the county’s Department of Liquor Control, Department of Parks & Recreation park rangers and Kaua‘i Police Department officers have the authority to enforce the rule.”
This was met with some colorful language by the bartender/manager at the place we were having dinner last night, because he and his staff are put in the no-fun position to try and police these things to avoid the $500 fine, all while being short staffed and trying to make a living. If-when these vax passports become implemented on Kauai, it may be easier on the staff if they are accompanied with not having to police who can sit where (who came in with whom) and whether someone’s face rag fell below their nose for a moment, or was removed slightly before ate/drank. We were very careful to meet our friends outside so we could enter together as a group, and to always have a drink in progress.
OT – It is absolutely gorgeous here; weather is perfect. air is crystal clear. The only rain (so far) has been brief and when it’s dark outside. Robust trade winds. LOTS of people out on the local beach today. Residents and (mostly) tourists alike. Labor day weekend is popular time at Haena beach park, fishing, BBQ, etc. For you COVID paranoids, sorry to tell you, no masks out on the beach or in the park that I could see, which would be the ultimate virtue signaling in these strong trades.
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The Kauai Mayor just yesterday decreed (with Pop’s approval), a $250 fine for anyone who gets caught in violation of any of his COVD rules (indoor masks, group size limits, restaurant-bar at 50% capacity) and $500 fines for the business or “organizer”.
“Those with the county’s Department of Liquor Control, Department of Parks & Recreation park rangers and Kaua‘i Police Department officers have the authority to enforce the rule.”
This was met with some colorful language by the bartender/manager at the place we were having dinner last night, because he and his staff are put in the no-fun position to try and police these things to avoid the $500 fine, all while being short staffed and trying to make a living. If-when these vax passports become implemented on Kauai, it may be easier on the staff if they are accompanied with not having to police who can sit where (who came in with whom) and whether someone’s face rag fell below their nose for a moment, or was removed slightly before ate/drank. We were very careful to meet our friends outside so we could enter together as a group, and to always have a drink in progress.
OT – It is absolutely gorgeous here; weather is perfect. air is crystal clear. The only rain (so far) has been brief and when it’s dark outside. Robust trade winds. LOTS of people out on the local beach today. Residents and (mostly) tourists alike. Labor day weekend is popular time at Haena beach park, fishing, BBQ, etc. For you COVID paranoids, sorry to tell you, no masks out on the beach or in the park that I could see, which would be the ultimate virtue signaling in these strong trades.