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O?ahu Moving Into Tier 3 On Thursday, Blangiardi Considering Modifications

Casey Harlow / HPR
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi

Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced Tuesday that Honolulu will be moving from Tier 2 to Tier 3 on the county's framework of reopening. The move will loosen certain restrictions on businesses and other activities.

It will allow restaurants to serve patrons at their regular capacity, and in groups of up to ten -- compared to the previous limit of five. Businesses from retailers to auto dealerships to helicopter tours will also be allowed to operate at full capacity.

During an afternoon press conference, Blangiardi says he plans to make some modifications to the next phase of the island's reopening -- with Governor David Ige's approval. 

One is the return of organized youth sports and other activities. Blangiardi says he is considering several safety guidelines for leagues to follow.

"We're gonna ask the leagues to enforce, or any coaches, that we don't have spectators on the sidelines," he said. "And so, for those parents who want to see their kids, we're going to ask to wait in the car for them."

Blangiardi says he has not finalized his proposed modifications, but plans to discuss them soon with Ige.

Honolulu has been under Tier 2 restrictions since October. The move to Tier 3 requires that the seven-day average of new cases remains below 50, and the positivity rate stays below 2.5% for two weeks.

Last week's numbers were an average of 33 new cases with a positivity rate of 1.3%. And today's numbers are expected to remain within the limits.

More information about the city's reopening plan can be found at oneoahu.org

Casey Harlow was an HPR reporter and occasionally filled in as local host of Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
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