Governor’s Office – News Release: Gov. Ige gives first round of businesses greenlight to re-open

HONOLULU – Gov. Ige today signed a 7^th Supplementary Emergency Proclamation(PDF) that authorizes the first group of businesses to re-open since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the temporary closure of non-essential businesses across the state on Mar. 25.

The latest proclamation also allows residents to leave their homes to patronize certain businesses and activities under the new “Safer-at-Home” order.

Under Phase 1 of the state’s re-opening, the following businesses and operations can re-open starting May 7, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.  However, everyone is advised to check the restrictions in place in each county, as they may differ.

• Agriculture (non-food), such as landscape, ornamental plant growers, and nurseries
• Auto Dealerships
• Car Washes
• Childcare services, licensed or authorized under the law
• Pet Grooming Services
• Observatories & Support Facilities
• Retail & Repair Services, such as apparel, florists, watch & surfboard repair (Note: retail does not re-open in City & County of Honolulu until May 15, and retail & most repair will not re-open in Maui county.)
• Shopping Malls – limited to retail and repair services (Note: shopping malls are not reopening in Maui county.)

“This stabilization phase allows for a reduction in restrictions for businesses classified as low-risk from a health perspective. An important consideration was the ability of the businesses to keep both employees and customers safe, and their ability to follow social distancing guidelines,” said Gov. Ige.

The 7^th Supplementary Emergency Proclamation, EXHIBIT G, lists the businesses/operations designated for re-opening, and outlines specific safety guidelines for each. It also includes county-specific requirements. For example, retail businesses on Oʻahu may not open until May 15, 2020, and Maui County will not allow retail, most repair shops and malls to reopen at this time.

These businesses/operations are required to follow the social distancing requirements in the 7^th Supplementary Emergency Proclamation.  They also are encouraged to follow the applicable guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Generally, this means they must implement physical distancing requirements such as capacity limits and ensuring 6 feet or more between individuals using floor markings and signage; limit in-person work when possible; reduce the number of high-touch surfaces and objects as much as possible; reconfigure workplace to enable physical distancing if possible; communicate health and safety protocols to all employees, customers and visitors.

Gov. Ige issued the initial emergency proclamation for COVID-19 on Mar. 4, 2020 followed by:

• Mar. 16: Supplementary proclamation suspending certain laws to enable state and county responses to COVID-19.
• Mar. 21: Second supplementary proclamation implementing mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for visitors and residents entering the State of Hawai‘i.
• Mar. 23: Third supplementary proclamation ordering stay at home/work from home and mandating social distancing measures throughout the state.
• Mar. 31: Fourth supplementary proclamation implementing a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for people traveling between the islands in the State of Hawai‘i.
• Apr. 16: Fifth supplementary proclamation implementing enhanced social distancing requirements and an eviction moratorium.
• Apr. 25: Sixth supplementary proclamation extending emergency disaster period through May 31 – including stay-at-home order, quarantine and social distancing requirements.

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