Honolulu mayor Kirk Caldwell, who oversees the island of Oahu, has closed all county parks, gardens and beaches through Sept. 5 as part of an emergency order to help combat the spread of the coronavirus. A new hotline has also been introduced so people can report violations.
The new steps follow additional moves in late July and early August in reaction to an increase in the state's coronavirus infection rate. The seven-day average of daily new cases reported eclipsed 150 in the second week of August; by comparison, two months ago the state appeared to have the pandemic under control with a seven-day average below two. Honolulu County accounts for 87% of all reported coronavirus cases in the state to date.
Caldwell also recently closed all bars on the island for three weeks and prohibited restaurants from selling alcohol after 10 p.m. Additionally, Gov. David Ige reinstated the mandatory 14-day quarantine for interisland travelers through Aug. 31, an order that had previously been lifted in mid-June.
The new restrictions on Oahu include the closure of all state and county beaches and parks for recreation (state-run facilities on other islands remain open). Visitors may not congregate in these facilities but are still permitted to fish, swim, paddle, dive and participate in other watersports. All campgrounds and botanical gardens are closed, but the majority of hiking trails remain open for groups of fewer than 10 people. All bowling alleys, arcades, minigolf courses, pools and tennis courts are closed, but golf courses and fitness centers can remain open with social distancing restrictions.
On Aug. 9 the Honolulu Police Department launched a Covid-19 Enforcement Hotline, asking people to call (808) 723-3900 or email [email protected] when they witness quarantine and social distancing violations.