(AP) — With the holidays approaching, restaurants in Hawaiʻi want the state to ease coronavirus restrictions that limit their ability to fill their dining rooms. Despite capacity rules being eased for businesses that comply with vaccination checks, the state is still requiring social distancing rules to be enforced at restaurants, meaning tables must be situated six feet apart. Because of the small size of many establishments, they cannot seat to full capacity. Restaurants are also required to collect names and other information from patrons in case there is an outbreak at their establishment. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he asked Gov. David Ige to consider changing the rules, but the governor said the restrictions will stay in place.

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