Hawaii outdoor mask mandate to be removed

Today Governor David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced they are lifting major COVID-19 restrictions.

First, people will not be required to wear masks while outdoors, effective immediately. Mask wearing is still highly recommended if a person is in a large group outdoors and unable to maintain physical distancing. The face covering rules for indoors remains unchanged and in effect. The City and County of Honolulu’s order regarding face coverings will be modified to match the State’s guidance.

Second, tournaments, paddling/sailing races, regattas, surf competitions and similar multi-team/individual sporting competitions will be allowed, effective June 1, 2021. This includes youth tournaments as well as permitted professional surf competitions.

Third, the Daily Park Canopy Permitting system is scheduled to be suspended effective June 1, 2021. At that time canopies will be allowed in City parks under regular first-come-first-served circumstances, with priority given to groups with valid facility use permits. Canopies larger than 2,100 square feet will require a permit per Honolulu Fire Department regulations.

“We are grateful multi-team sports tournaments like baseball and soccer, canoe regattas, and ocean sports competitions are once again allowed and just in time for summer,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “As the community continues to get vaccinated, we believe the outdoor sports and activities are safe and we will continue to work with the Governor and State on easing additional restrictions. In the meantime, I urge those who have not been vaccinated to please go and get your dose, not just for you, but for our community.”

“Surfing and outrigger canoe paddling are so much more than sports. They are a part of our culture and a way of life,” said Senator Brian Schatz. “I look forward to seeing our kids out in the water competing in surf contests and regattas again.”

To view Emergency Order No. 2121-07 please visit: http://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/may/may_docs/2105100-CCH_Emergency_Order_No._2021-07_certified_-_signed.pdf

To find a vaccination provider please visit: https://www.oneoahu.org/find-vaccine

The City’s COVID-19 information call center remains open every day from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays. O‘ahu residents are encouraged to visit the website, oneoahu.org for more information on proclamations, emergency orders, business resources, and financial and housing assistance programs in the City and County of Honolulu. If they do not find what they are looking for on the site, residents can call the (808) 768-CITY (2489) information hotline or email [email protected].