State Ends Mask Requirement for Outdoors

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has issued an amendment to the latest COVID emergency proclamation to lift the mask mandate for all individuals outdoors. Residents and visitors can be mask-free outside, effective immediately.

The state mandate to wear masks indoors remains. Outdoors, the state still highly recommends using masks when in large groups.

“The virus is still circulating in our community, and unvaccinated people are particularly at risk,” Gov. Ige said. “Until more people are vaccinated, we must continue to take precautions indoors and outdoors in large groups for the safety of our loved ones, neighbors and communities.”

The governor also announced lifting the suspension of ocean sports competitions beginning June 1. These sports include surfing, canoeing, and swimming events, among others.

The state will resume issuing permits for ocean activities, and the counties will issue permits for use of parks. Permits will be issued with the understanding that health and safety protocols are followed to protect communities, contestants, and spectators.

Also announced was the governor's approval for the City and County of Honolulu’s request to lift canopy restrictions, and allow tournaments in city parks, effective June 1.

Gov. Ige also approved the County of Kaua‘i’s updated Business & Recreation Guidelines tier chart, which adds a Tier 5 and a Tier 6 to further ease restrictions on that county when Hawai‘i reaches COVID-19 vaccination milestones.

Gov. Ige expects to make changes to the Safe Travels program in June. The next step is expected to be providing quarantine exceptions to transpacific travelers who were vaccinated in Hawai‘i. The state continues to work with third-party verification services with hope to provide the same quarantine exceptions for travelers vaccinated in other states later this summer.