Blangiardi eases COVID restrictions, allowing all large events to operate at full capacity

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced Tuesday capacity restrictions for all large events — both indoors and outdoors — will be lifted beginning midnight on December 1.

In a news conference, Blangiardi added that along with operating at full capacity, these events will be allowed to serve food and drinks in compliance with the Safe Access Oahu program.

The mayor is also opening attendance to those who provide a negative COVID test 48 hours in advance. Previously, only those vaccinated were allowed to attend large events.

Contact tracing requirements are also being dropped, meaning patrons will no longer have to fill out forms with their name and address.

The mayor credited the effectiveness of the Safe Access Program along with the island’s high vaccination rate.

“So we’ve come to that moment in time where I realize that people may be somewhat anxious, but this is about personal responsibility,” Mayor Blangiardi said. “It is also about the responsibility of those businesses that engage customers of all kinds to allow people ... to come and to feel safe in their environments.”

Under the new rules, gyms can also operate at full capacity with Safe Access Program requirements in place. Masks will be required due to the physical activity associated with the facilities.

The governor and county mayors will be holding a press conference at 1 p.m. to discuss more updates to COVID rules in the state.

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