Hawai‘i State Capitol Remains Closed

Building status to be re-evaluated based on COVID-19 cases

News Release from Hawaii Legislature, January 5, 2022 (With accuracy-inducing information  provided in parenthesis.)

Honolulu, Hawai‘i – Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi and House Speaker Scott K. Saiki announced that the Hawaii State Capitol will remain closed to the (dirty, unwashed) public at the present time.

“It was our intent to reopen the Capitol from January 3, 2022, but with Delta and Omicron variant positive COVID-19 cases in the several thousands, the Senate is in agreement with the House of Representatives that in an abundance of caution, the Capitol should not be opened at the present time,” said Senate President Kouchi.

“The decision to keep the building closed was a difficult (happy) one and was made to minimize the spread of COVID-19 among members, staff, visitors (ie lobbyists and other insiders), and other building occupants (ie lobbyists and other insiders). The building status will be reevaluated in the coming weeks (ie after the session is over),” noted House Speaker Saiki.

The Legislature convenes on January 19, 2022 and is scheduled to adjourn on May 5, 2022. Senate and House floor sessions and hearings will be held remotely.

The full letter is attached: Download PDF • 667KB

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