The governor rejects blockade rumors, but counties say there are more restrictions on the way

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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Although the governor made it clear on Sunday that there are no current closure plans, some mayors and health officials said they were in favor of more restrictions.

Following “rumors circulating” about a state shutdown amid a steady rise in COVID cases, Gov. David Ige posted on social media to denounce those claims.

Ige said: “There are currently no plans to close. Not all posts on social media and distribution by other means are true. “

However, while there is no statewide blockade on the table, counties are working to implement more restrictions to curb the spread of the virus, especially as concerns grow about the highly delta variant. transmissible.

In Oahu, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he plans to release more information about a “vaccine” program for restaurants, bars and gyms. The rules would apply to employers and employees and include a trial option.

Blangiardi acknowledged the seriousness of the increase in COVID on Friday, but said he was not in favor of a closure. Instead, he said the city will continue to crack down on large meetings and encourage vaccinations.

The governor said last week that he hopes to have a program up and running before Labor Day, but added that he has no immediate plans to force vaccines on entry into companies.

Meanwhile, Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth said Big Island hospitals have reached the turning point and the new restrictions announced Friday are immediate.

Among the new rules, collection limits have been reduced to 10 people indoors and 10 outdoors. Tents and canopies on beaches and parks are also prohibited and all permits for larger meetings are canceled.

Roth said hospitals have capacity, so they can’t respond quickly to patients who don’t have COVID.

In Kauai, senior health officials are also calling for restrictions across the island or across the state.

Dr. Janet Berreman, the Kauai District Health Officer, said it is the only way to control the rise in infections.

Another Kauai county official also said that as of Saturday, the island has exceeded its ability to track contacts. City officials urge anyone who test positive to immediately isolate themselves at home and notify close contacts.

Finally, Maui Mayor Mike Victorino said he is still working to end his county’s new restrictions with the governor.

Victorino said he is asking residents and visitors to Maui County to voluntarily stop non-essential activities and meetings for 21 days. It also asks employers to consider allowing employees to work from home.

He has also asked all visitors to stay at the hotel properties and not visit Hana. However, orders are voluntary for now. Maui County said there would be a seven-day window before orders were implemented.

Also, with Labor Day weekend, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said it would be much safer to issue a stay-at-home order to prevent an increase in cases.

Green said if hospitalizations exceed 500, leaders will have to make strong policy changes, meaning more restrictions are likely along the way.

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