HONOLULU — Hawai‘i will be strictly enforcing gathering rules over the Labor Day holiday weekend as the state goes through a record surge of coronavirus cases, officials said.
State law enforcement officials said Wednesday that anyone planning to gather for parties should reconsider, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.
"To those individuals organizing or publicizing these gatherings — stop it," said Jason Redulla, chief of the state Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.
Last weekend a party of about 300 to 400 people was broken up at an Oahu beach. No one has been cited for breaking local COVID-19 restrictions, which allow no more than 25 people to gather outdoors, but several people received citations for having audio equipment and generators without a permit.
Organizers could still face consequences.
"We encourage anyone who was involved or has any information to do the right thing. Step forward and accept your punishment," Redulla said.
Redulla said officers will be patrolling this weekend and could seize equipment associated with large gatherings.
A group of residents who monitor for COVID violations thinks the state should do more.
"When you create these mandates which become law, especially during the pandemic we're in right now, those laws should be followed," said Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, a founder of the Kapu Breakers group.
