The mayors of Hawaii Island and Kauai have signed orders closing vacation rentals and bed-and-breakfast accommodations in continued efforts to hinder the spread of Covid-19 in their respective counties.
Additionally, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell (who oversees the island of Oahu) said that visitors should not be staying in vacation rentals, which are not considered to be essential businesses and should not be operating. Maui County's order for public health precautions also does not include vacation rentals as essential businesses.
The Hawaii Island order went into effect April 13 and allows those currently staying in a vacation rental to remain through the end of the prebooked period. The order in Kauai took effect April 10, and states that "vacation rentals and homestays are not hotels or motels and therefore must cease all operations."
"We have seen some alarming data points," Kauai mayor Derek Kawakami said in a video address explaining the declaration. "Most recent data on incoming flights are showing a slight rise in visitor numbers. Further, some vacation rentals are still actively advertising, including promoting themselves as Covid-19 retreats for people from the mainland. This is wrong. It is dangerous for our community, and it cannot continue."