Vaccine Passport Will Soon Be Required for Leisure Activities in Honolulu

Beginning September 13, you will need proof of vaccination to enter some bars, restaurants and other businesses in Hawaii. The rule will go into effect in Oahu where a vaccination pass or a negative COVID test will be required. The city’s Safe Access Oahu program is slated to remain in effect for 60 days. Children under 12, who are ineligible for vaccines, are exempt from the requirements.

The rules will be mandatory for all businesses, as per the latest emergency order. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced the program on Monday as new COVID cases in Hawaii have surged at an alarming pace. The state has long had a very low number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths, but recent developments are threatening to overwhelm Hawaii’s health care system. This month alone, Hawaii has seen more than 20,000 new COVID infections and 52 deaths, Hawaii News Now reports.

There will also be vaccine-or-test requirements in place for employees at impacted businesses. And also effective Sept. 13, restaurants and bars will have to stop serving alcohol at 10 p.m.. These are all the establishments covered by the Safe Access Oahu order:

• Restaurants and bars (takeout is exempt)
• Gyms and fitness facilities, including dance studios
• Bowling alleys, arcades and billiards halls
• Movie theaters
• Museums
• Indoor portions of botanical gardens, zoos or other attractions

The mayor said businesses covered by the Safe Access Oahu program will be expected to enforce the new rules as soon as they go into effect. Those that don’t could face fines or even temporary closure, he added.