As it continues to adapt to life with social distancing, the City and County of Honolulu has introduced new guidelines allowing restaurants to occupy additional public space.
Given current restrictions on dining room capacity, restaurants will now be able to add tables on open sidewalk space. The pilot program began this month and will extend until the Covid-19 emergency measures are lifted, or even longer, Honolulu mayor Kirk Caldwell said in a June 5 press conference.
Participating restaurants need to submit an online application to register their expanded seating and acknowledge compliance with the program stipulations. The application must include a layout of what the outdoor dining area will look like, contact information, and the acknowledgement that sidewalk dining will protect pedestrian safety and will not obstruct objects such as fire hydrants. The restaurants must leave sufficient space for pedestrians to pass, and the tables must be arranged so customers can maintain 6 feet of distance.