HONOLULU, Hawaii – The governor on Tuesday announced masks are no longer required outdoors, ocean sports would again be allowed, and several counties are poised to ease restrictions on businesses and gatherings.
The changes come as Hawaii pushes more people to get vaccinated, “Getting vaccinated is the best way to get to normal … so that we can relax the restrictions,” said Gov. David Ige, in a news conference.
As of Tuesday, 49% of Hawaii residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Any changes to the tiered system would need to be approved by the governor, and Ige said he has not yet seen a proposal.
Meanwhile, Hawaii Island and Maui are also considering changes to gathering size restrictions, While masks aren’t going away, Tuesday’s change is a significant one ― especially for a state that’s been more conservative than the rest of the nation when it comes to lifting emergency restrictions.
“We are moving into other stages of normalcy that we’ve all waited for,” said Maui Mayor Mike Victorino, at the news conference.
Also Tuesday, Ige said restrictions on outdoor water sports would be lifted June 1, once again allowing surfing competitions, regattas, and other water sporting events.
The state’s new mask modifications move Hawaii closer to the CDC’s guidance on masks.
Earlier this month, the CDC said vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors or indoors, except on public transportation and in other limited circumstances.
Hawaii’s mask mandate previously required you to wear a mask in most instances indoors and outdoors if you’ were within 6 feet of people.
