Bars allowed to operate like restaurants in new Tier 3 modified conditions

The City and County of Honolulu has received notice from Governor David Y. Ige and the State of Hawai‘i that the request to modify the Tier 3 restrictions has been approved and are effective immediately, with the exception of the permitted team sports activities, which may begin as early as April 12, 2021.

“One year ago many activities and operations came to an abrupt stop impacting the daily lives of so many people in our community,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “This revision of Tier 3 is a huge positive step in the right direction. We are very grateful for the coordination with the Hawai‘i Department of Health and the approval from Governor Ige.”

“While we are easing the restrictions, we ask people to wear a mask, wash hands and practice physical distancing, even if they have been vaccinated,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “We are thrilled to allow team sports and competitive games, however unfortunately we cannot allow spectators or potlucks before, during or after the games because that is where the greater risk of spread happens.”

To view the new Tier 3 details and the reopening strategy please visit OneOahu.org

Some of the modification highlights include the following:

• Allowing outdoor organized teams sports to operate in Tier 3 starting April 12, 2021 for youth teams and April 19 for adult teams (no spectators or potlucks allowed; face coverings required), and providing an opportunity for indoor sports to operate in some limited capacity in Tier 4
• Team competition/games can resume, however tournaments and regatta type events are not allowed
• Allowing funerals to operate without the strict 25 person limit, but limiting capacity to ensure six foot distancing is maintained as with other controlled business categories in Tier 3
• Allowing “Bars” to operate in the same manner that “Restaurants” currently operate, but without a food service requirement (sit down service only, groups limited to 10 people or less), and extending the last call for liquor service and consumption from 10 p.m. to midnight
• Adding a new category “Structured Events at Venues” that would allow venues such as convention centers, third party conference room providers, and banquet halls to host “static” (low risk) events (e.g., graduations, seminars)
• Adjusting the categories for transportation, tours, helicopter/plane tours and skydiving for consistency with other categories and associated risk levels
• Changing the name of the “Nightclubs” category to “Dance/social/nightlife” to clarify that category applies to non-sit down establishments that allow on premises food/beverage consumption
• Easing capacity restrictions on commercial recreational boating in Tier 4 (50% to 75%)
• Easing capacity restrictions on commercial gyms in Tier 4 (50% to 75%)

The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is already preparing the permit process that will allow teams permitted access to outdoor park facilities. Leagues must follow the Hawai‘i Department of Health Guidelines and implement plans and procedures to ensure the safety of all participants. Some of those procedures include: requiring all players, coaches, and staff to wear face coverings (with the exception of certain activities such as water sports), submitting a hygiene and contact tracing plan, and no spectators as previously mentioned. Park staff will be monitoring permitted activities for compliance, and appropriate action may be taken against violations possibly resulting in the suspension or revocation of permits.

“We have missed seeing our organized sports community and the athletic opportunities they offer in our parks,” said DPR Director Laura H. Thielen. “We are thrilled to once again allow organized sports practices and competitions to return, but the overarching health concern presented by the pandemic must continue to be taken into account. We believe that these procedures strike a good balance between providing the many benefits of outdoor, group activities offer while keeping COVID-19 in mind.”

To view the Department of Parks and Recreation forms, guidelines, and permit application process please visit https://bit.ly/COVIDpermits

The City and County of Honolulu call center is available to public seven days a week, excluding City holidays, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The call center phone number is 808-768-CITY (2489). Emails are also welcome at [email protected]