Honolulu amends reopening guidelines to increase crowd capacity for certain facilities, specific events

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi (second from the left) with local officials and celebrities after a press briefing to announce the amendments to Oahu’s Tier 3 reopening guidelines. (Photo courtesy Office of the Mayor of Honolulu)

HONOLULU (Eagle News) – In an effort to continue reviving Hawaii’s economy while stemming the spread of COVID-19 through mass testing and vaccinations, Governor David Ige approved on Thursday, March 11, the amendments to Oahu’s Tier 3 reopening guidelines.

Below are just some of the approved amendments:

  • Outdoor organized team sports will be allowed to operate beginning April 12. However, masks are still required for all attendees, and there will be no spectators.
  • Indoor sports is now permissible in limited capacity according to Tier 4 reopening guidelines.
  • Capacity restrictions are being relaxed for commercial gymnasiums and recreational boating from 50% to 75%, also according to Tier 4 guidelines.
  • Funerals will no longer be restricted to the 25-person limit.
  • Honolulu has added another category called “Structured Events at Venues,” which will allow venues to host low-risk events like seminars and graduations.
  • Categories for transportation, tours, helicopter/plane rides, and skydiving are being adjusted for consistency with other categories and associated risk levels to address issues raised by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

At a press conference earlier, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi thanked the governor and his cabinet for listening to his administration’s concerns and suggestions in modifying the Tier 3 guidelines. He noted that the tiered reopening strategy was implemented last summer, during which COVID-19 cases were surging statewide and there was no definitive timeline for the shipment of vaccines.

“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,” the mayor later took to Twitter, urging residents and visitors to continue with the necessary precautions against the virus.

Finally, Blangiardi described the governor’s approval as good news at a time when the entire Aloha State continues to be battered by spontaneous heavy rains and ensuing floods, which have damaged or destroyed dozens of properties and roadways.

(Eagle News Service)