The University of Hawaii system and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation’s Summer Fun Program are the latest to reinstitute indoor mask requirements amid a two-month surge in COVID-19 cases in the state.

What You Need To Know

  • Indoor masking will be required at all 10 UH system campuses

  • The University said the decision to restore its indoor masking policy is consistent with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations and was further recommended by UH medical and public health experts, as well as the state Department of Health

  • DPR is consulting with staff union representatives concerning a similar facial covering requirement for summer fun employees

  • Parents who would like to withdraw their children from summer fun as a result of the policy change may receive a full refund by contacting the park or facility where the child is enrolled

UH announced on Tuesday that face masks will be required indoors across its entire 10-campus system, except for those working alone or separated from others by at least 6 feet. The rule goes into effect on Wednesday.

The University said the decision to restore its indoor masking policy is consistent with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations and was further recommended by UH medical and public health experts, as well as the state Department of Health.

“Reinstatement of the comprehensive indoor mask requirement will help prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus and better protect the health of students and employees as every county in the state but one is currently assessed to have a ‘high’ level of COVID-19 community transmission by the CDC,” stated a UH release issued on Tuesday.

Also on Tuesday, Mayor Rick Blangiardi and DPR announced that all children participating in 2022 Honolulu summer fun programs will be required to wear masks while indoors or inside program vehicles or transportation, unless they are medically exempt from doing so.

Facial coverings are not required when outdoors. 

DPR is consulting with staff union representatives concerning a similar facial covering requirement for summer fun employees. 

“As we find ourselves in this unique situation of increasing COVID cases with stable COVID hospitalizations, we have chosen to take these precautionary measures to keep the keiki and staff of our most popular park program safe,” Blangiardi said. “A majority of our city and park staff have already chosen to voluntarily wear masks in these types of settings, and we certainly encourage all staff and the public to take the best approach for their community and personal health in these decisions.

“Ultimately, I believe this is one of the many, many qualities of Hawaii that makes our islands so amazing: the overall consideration and empathy for our neighbors and being respectful of our diverse communities with what we say and do,” he said.

Additional COVID-mitigation protocols will be in place throughout the program, including the availability of sanitizers and masks.

Parents who would like to withdraw their children from summer fun because of the policy change may receive a full refund by contacting the park or facility where the child is enrolled.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii.