O‘ahu’s “Act With Care – Do Not Gather” Order Approved
News Release from Office of the Mayor, August 6, 2020
HONOLULU – Mayor Kirk Caldwell today announced that Governor David Ige has approved the City and County of Honolulu’s amended order that restricts certain businesses and operations in an effort to further discourage social gatherings on O‘ahu. The “Act With Care – Do Not Gather” Order is effective Saturday, August 8, 2020, at 12 a.m., and will continue through 11:59 p.m. on September 4. This Order is issued in light of a resurgence of the community spread of the COVID-19 virus on O‘ahu due in large part to residents attending large gatherings in uncontrolled environments. To protect the public health and for the long-term benefit of the economy, the City is taking targeted measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
All City parks, recreational facilities in parks (e.g., swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds), campgrounds, and Botanical Gardens will be closed. Parks will be opened for the limited purpose of traversing City Parks to engage in and return from ocean activities such as surfing, solo paddling, swimming, and other activities allowed by law. Pursuant to guidance by the Hawaii State Department of Health, outdoor organized team sports are also being suspended.
Coordinating with and with the approval from the Governor and the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Mayor’s Order also closes all beaches and State parks effective Saturday, August 8, 2020, at 12 a.m., and will continue through 11:59 p.m. on September 4.
Indoor attractions such as bowling alleys, arcades, and mini-golf facilities are close according to the “Act With Care – Do Not Gather” Order. Indoor attractions such as theaters and museums remain open.
Fitness facilities will be allowed to continue operations with physical distancing and face covering measures in place. All group classes are prohibited.
Public and private golf courses on O‘ahu will be limited to procedures in Hawai‘i Golf Phase One set forth in the Professional Golfers’ Association/Aloha Section’s “Procedures for Reintroduction to the Game and Business of Golf,” as may be updated/amended and to the extent reasonably practicable.
Designated Businesses and Operations allowed to safely resume are listed and defined under an Exhibit A to the Order. According to the Hawai‘i State Department of Health, these businesses and operations have demonstrated compliance with the Mayor’s Order and Governor’s Supplemental Proclamations related to face coverings, social/physical distancing and “gatherings,” and according to the Hawai‘i State Department of Health, clusters of COVID-19 infection have not occurred in these businesses and operations.
Social gatherings both indoor and outdoor continue to be limited to no more than ten individuals. Physical distancing must be maintained and face coverings worn in accordance with the Order.
The “Act With Care – Do Not Gather” Order will be posted at Honolulu.gov.
If you have any questions on Mayor Caldwell’s “Act With Care – Do Not Gather” Order, the City and County of Honolulu COVID-19 information call center remains open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on holidays. O‘ahu residents are encouraged to visit the website, oneoahu.org to get answers to frequently asked questions. If they do not find an answer to their questions on the site, residents can call the 768-CITY (2489) information hotline or email covidresponse@honolulu.gov.
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City parks and most park facilities closing due to COVID surge
Public may traverse parks to access ocean. Stand-alone comfort stations, outdoor showers, Koko Head Shooting Complex remain open.
News Release from Office of the Mayor, August 6, 2020
O‘AHU – Following a continued surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths, Mayor Caldwell’s Emergency Order 2020-23 includes the closure of City parks, most park facilities, all campgrounds, Botanical Gardens, and Community Gardens from Saturday, August 8 through Friday, September 4, 2020.
In accordance with that Emergency Order, the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is additionally announcing:
- The closure of parks includes the closure of the following park facilities: beaches, pools, playgrounds, courts, fields, exercise equipment, dog parks, skateparks, the Koko Crater Tramway, and People’s Open Markets. Additional information about archery ranges and parking lots is included below.
- Stand-alone comfort stations, outdoor showers, and the Koko Head Shooting Complex will remain open following their regular schedule. Stand-alone comfort stations are outdoor bathroom facilities not attached to other park buildings (such as gymnasiums or recreation rooms). Archery ranges in other City park locations will be closed.
- You may still traverse a park to access the ocean, but you may not remain in the park or on the beach. Fishing below the high-water mark is allowed, but groups are not allowed and physical distancing must be observed. You may not traverse a park for other exercise needs such as walking, jogging, running and bicycling.
- The City parks closure includes closure of the park parking lots. However, park parking lots with primary election ballot drop boxes will remain open until late Saturday, Aug. 8 to allow for the ballots to be cast by the 7 p.m. deadline. Those parking lots include: Kahuku District Park, Kāneʻohe District Park, Neal S. Blaisdell Park, and Waiʻanae District Park. Please vote.
- Lookout parking lots will be closed. This includes, but is not limited to, parking lots for Diamond Head, Lāna‘i, and Hālona Blowhole lookouts.
- All park permits are cancelled during the closure (including permits for camping, outdoor team sports, picnics, and commercial activities). Refunds will be issued, but please be patient.
- Fall DPR classes are cancelled.
Please continue to wear your facial coverings and practice physical distancing. Accommodations concerning this announcement are available upon request to persons with disabilities. Please call (808) 768-3003 or send an email to parks@honolulu.gov for further information. Mahalo and stay healthy.
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