Following the implementation of the “Safe Access Oahu” program earlier this week, Maui County launched its own set of new rules that go into effect Wednesday, September 15th.
Designed to curb the spread of Covid-19, specifically the Delta variant, the order puts restrictions on dining and gatherings.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Proof of vaccine or negative Covid-19 test will be required to eat indoors, but not outdoors.
Establishments on Maui will require proof of vaccination or negative test to eat inside restaurants or bars. However, unvaccinated folks will be allowed to dine outside with no restrictions. The rules apply to everyone 12 and older.
Gatherings are limited to groups of five people indoors and groups of 10 outdoors. Restaurant capacity will be 50%.
This means that there won’t be any outdoor festivals, and commercial boating operations will also have to adapt. Wait times at restaurants will likely be longer due to the reduced capacity limits.
The new rules will be in effect for 30 days.
After the 30 days, the rules will be reevaluated and addressed as it relates to the current Covid-19 situation. This means the current end date is October 15th.
The rules apply to all of Maui County, not just Maui.
Note that Maui County includes not just the entire island of Maui, but the islands of Lanai and Molokai as well.
The new rules are controversial with residents.
According to Hawaii News Now, some restaurant owners feel the new restrictions are an overreach of government and that the rules are not applied fairly to all businesses. On the flip side, the government maintains the rules are necessary for public health and to keep businesses open.
