Hawaii County amended its coronavirus rules Tuesday to limit indoor gatherings to 10 people and those held outdoors to 100 people. 

What You Need To Know

  • The amendment comes as COVID-19 cases have soared across the state, with 13,966 active cases as of Monday

  • On Hawaii Island, there has been a seven-day average of 66 cases

  • The amendment was signed by Managing Director Lee Lord since Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday

The limit was previously 25 people allowed indoors, which was in the mayor’s previous order that was signed on Nov. 30. 

The amendment comes as COVID-19 cases have soared across the state, with 13,966 active cases as of Monday. The first case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 was detected in Hawaii on Dec. 3, and health officials have said it is highly contagious.

On Hawaii Island, there has been a seven-day average of 66 cases, and 66% of residents have had their initial series of COVID-19 vaccinations.

 

 

“These increased numbers necessitate reinstatement of more stringent gathering restrictions,” the amendment to the county’s Emergency Rule said. “This Emergency Rule Amendment is based upon evidence that COVID-19 continues to endure within this state and county an increased rate of infection via travel related cases as well as through community spread.” 

The amendment to the Emergency Rule was signed by Managing Director Lee Lord since Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. 

“We know people are going to gather to celebrate the New Year, and we want to ensure that if they do, that they do so outdoors, where it’s safe,” said Mayor Mitch Roth, according to Big Island Now. “The new variant is extremely transmissible and is spreading quickly.”

“We don’t want to roll back any other restrictions, and the only way for us to ensure that we don’t have to is by doing what’s in the best interest of everyone in our community — mask up, distance when possible, and stay home if you feel sick,” Roth added. 

Gov. David Ige said on Nov. 29 that limits on social gatherings and restaurants would end at the beginning of December. He also said that each county could establish its own emergency rules without requiring them to first obtain approval from the governor or the director of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.