Hawaiʻi public school students must continue wearing masks in classrooms despite state officials lifting the same rules for airports and public transportation following Monday's federal judge decision to remove mask requirements on U.S. flights.
Masks are no longer required in Hawaiʻi airports, on city buses or in handicapped vans. Hawaiʻi's four counties announced masks are optional on their respective public transportation systems.
But all public students will be required to wear masks through the end of the school year.
“I understand that there are different perspectives regarding the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education’s indoor masking in schools,” said interim superintendent Keith Hayashi in a letter to parents. “We will continue to implement universal indoor masking in schools.”
Masks have been optional while outdoors at school since March 9.
The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation said masks will be optional at its Summer Fun Program for keiki this year.
Federal transportation officials announced Monday they would no longer enforce mask rules after a U.S. judge’s decision to strike down the mandate on domestic flights.
U.S. airlines such as Hawaiian, Alaska, United, Delta, Southwest and American have dropped their mask requirements.
The statewide indoor mask mandate and Safe Travels program ended on March 25. Local hospitals, long-term care facilities, shelters and correctional facilities may still require masking.
