New rules in place in Maui, limiting meetings and implementing the “vaccine pass”

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KAHULUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – Maui County’s new “vaccine pass” is already in place for several companies.

Starting Wednesday, restaurants, bars and gyms will require customers 12 and older to show their vaccination cards.

Capacity is still limited to 50% and testing a negative COVID test is not an option.

Kevin Chapman, a resident of Wailuku, said it is a step in the right direction.

“I think it’s a good idea to have it. I think it will make us safer. But I think it will affect the end result of the restaurants in the end, ”Chapman said.

While unvaccinated customers will not be allowed to sit indoors, they can still dine al fresco or order takeaway food.

The general manager of Koho Bar and Grill in Kahului is worried that they may lose business.

“The fear is that people will come in with this misunderstanding that maybe it is us. But we’re just enforcing the rules, ”Nohealani Johnson said.

“If we could, we would love to serve everyone if we had seats outside. Unfortunately, we don’t. Therefore, we just have to follow the rules at the moment and, hopefully, overcome this difficult moment ”.

Waiehu residents Christopher and Arlene Richardson say they will no longer eat out.

“We came here for breakfast every Sunday at Koho’s and we missed it,” Richardson said. “I think the more you try to force someone to do something, the more they won’t.”

County officials said they are targeting high-risk companies where clusters have been reported.

Meetings will be limited to five people indoors and 10 outdoors.

However, the rules have provoked a mixed reaction from the community, some of whom support the mayor’s decision, saying it will help protect the community, while others say it is over-reaching. .

[READ MORE: While some residents support Maui County’s vaccine order for businesses, some say it’s unfair]

The mayor said the new rules will be in place for at least 30 days, and then county officials will review.

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