The County of Hawai‘i announced late Tuesday that it has received Governor David Ige’s approval to reopen its beach parks islandwide, under an Amendment to Mayor Harry Kim’s COVID-19 Emergency Rule 4, originally entitled Rule 5.
The reopening of the beach parks comes as the number of active cases of COVID-19 remains low thanks to the efforts of the entire community to stem the spread of the virus.
“Section II. 7.d of Mayor’s Covid-19 Emergency Rule No. 4 is hereby rescinded and replaced as follows:
d. All County of Hawai‘i beach and shoreline parks, except Hakalau Beach Park and Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Park, are opened from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., subject to the following restrictions that seek to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
1. No group shall exceed ten (10) persons;
2. All persons using opened beach and shoreline parks who are not members of the same household or living unit shall comply with State and County social distancing requirements, provided that a caregiver may accompany a dependent;
3. All permits and reservations for use associated with these beach parks are canceled until further notice;
4. All pavilions, playgrounds, sport courts and fields, indoor facilities and similar areas where gatherings may occur in these parks shall remain closed until further notice;
5. Commercial activities are not allowed; and
6. All other State or County restrictions related to COVID-19 must be followed, including but not limited to, applicable quarantine restrictions.
“This rule shall take effect immediately and shall continue through June 30, 2020, or until extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by my subsequent order, or as otherwise provided by law.”
The Mayor is working with the Department of Parks and Recreation to determine the next phase of County facilities to reopen, such as tennis courts, pickleball courts, etc.
Although the County beach parks will reopen, the threat of COVID-19 is still present. The Mayor said that all beachgoers must follow the safe practices stated in the CDC guidelines and Hawai‘i County Rules.