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Some restaurant capacity limits lifted; International passengers with approved vaccines can enter Hawaiʻi

AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File

Gov. David Ige said Tuesday he will lift restaurant, bar and gym capacity limits in counties that require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter such businesses.

Counties that don't require such proof will have to continue to demand that restaurants, bars and gyms cap the number of patrons in their establishments at 50% capacity.

Currently, Honolulu and Maui are the only counties to require proof of vaccination or test results to enter such businesses.

The changes take effect Nov. 12.

Gov. David Ige announces changes to COVID-19 rules on Nov. 2, 2021.
Office of Gov. David Ige
Gov. David Ige announces changes to COVID-19 rules on Nov. 2, 2021.

“As you all have heard for the last several months, the vaccination is the most widespread and important mitigation measure during this pandemic,” Ige said at a news conference.

In another change, Ige said those who are outdoors at restaurants, bars and social establishments will not have to maintain 6 feet social distance and wear masks — as currently required.

The governor said he believes vaccinations should continue to be required of spectators at outdoor entertainment venues like football stadiums. Masking and vaccination rules allow such events to be held safely, he said.

“We still are requiring vaccinations, especially for those large gatherings, when people will not be required to maintain physical distancing,” Ige said.

To align with new U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rules governing international travelers, Ige said the state will begin accepting all vaccinations approved by the World Health Organization — such as the AstraZeneca-Oxford and the two Chinese vaccines, Sinopharm and Sinovac.

Until now, Hawaiʻi has only accepted vaccinations approved by U.S. authorities.

Starting Nov. 8, non-U.S. citizens on any direct international flight to Hawaiʻi will have to present proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days — NAAT or antigen.

U.S. citizens flying directly to Hawaiʻi from another country must show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days.

U.S. citizens who are not fully vaccinated must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 1 day.

International passengers who first arrive in a different state or territory will be treated as domestic travelers upon arrival in Hawaiʻi. The Safe Travels program remains in place for all domestic travelers.

John De Fries, president and CEO of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, said, "The recovery of Hawaiʻi’s international travel market will be a gradual process extending well into next year and beyond, so we advise our tourism industry partners to continue being patient as visitors become accustomed to these new travel guidelines."

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers.
Zoe Dym was a news producer at Hawaiʻi Public Radio.
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