Starting on Monday, September 13, 2021, the “Safe Access Oahu” program will require customers to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within the previous 48 hours in order to enter businesses, such as restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, museums, arcades and other similar establishments on Oahu.
Below are frequently asked questions about the types of businesses that will need to comply with this mandate.
Important things to note:
Any business that is not required to participate in the “Safe Access Oahu” program can still voluntarily participate. This means that any business (such as a clothing store) can adopt these rules and require that their customers show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter their business.
Any business that is required to comply with this program can adopt stricter rules if they so choose to. This means that in addition to showing proof of vaccination or a negative test, they can require extra things such as temperature checks, etc. before entering their business.
What types of entities need to ask for proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test?
● Certain types of indoor entertainment, recreation, dining and fitness establishments are required to check that their visitors and staff are vaccinated.
What types of entertainment and recreational settings are required to comply?
● Bowling alleys, arcades, pool/billiard halls, movie theaters, museums, other recreational game or entertainment centers, and the indoor portions of botanical gardens, aquariums, zoos, sea life attractions, commercial recreational boating, public and private commercial pools, shooting/archery ranges, and other commercial attractions (cultural attractions, go kart, mini golf).
● If a venue has both indoor and outdoor portions, only the indoor portion is covered by the emergency order requirements.
What types of restaurants and bars are required to comply with the emergency order?
● The following are required to comply, unless they offer take-out or delivery only:
○ Any establishments offering food and/or drink for on premises consumption; businesses operating seating areas of food courts; catering food service establishments that provide food/beverages for on premises consumption; and any food service establishment that is regulated by the State of Hawaii, Department of Health offering food/beverages for on-premises consumption.
○ The requirements of this emergency order shall not apply to any food service establishment offering food and/or drink exclusively for off-premises consumption, or to a food service establishment providing charitable food services (shelters, soup kitchens, etc.)
Does a food retailer such as a grocery store, food court, or other food market need to check proof of vaccine?
● Only for patrons who use an area for seated indoor eating. For example, a grocery store or food court that provides tables and chairs for patrons to sit and eat inside must check proof of vaccination for any patrons who use that area, if the business chooses to keep that area open.
What types of fitness establishments and group physical activities are required to comply?
● Standalone and hotel gyms and fitness centers, yoga/Pilates/barre/dance studios, boxing/kickboxing gyms, fitness boot camps, indoor pools, and other similar facilities.
*Note: “Group fitness classes” are defined as one (1) or more participants led by an instructor.
Can a business that is not covered by the requirements of the Safe Access Oahu program still participate?
Yes! Any business is welcome to set COVID-safety protocols as they see fit. Please note, they can be stricter than the current City rules but cannot be less strict. For example:
● Businesses covered by Safe Access Oahu can adopt stricter rules if they want.
● Businesses not covered by Safe Access Oahu can adopt these rules (or more) if they want.
Does the emergency order apply to indoor dining, entertainment and fitness settings in residences or offices? Indoor dining, entertainment and fitness located in the following settings are exempted from the emergency order:
○ Private residential buildings when those settings are available only to residents.
○ Office buildings when those settings are available only to office staff; non-staff cannot be allowed on premises
○ Pre-K through grade 12 schools
○ Senior centers
○ Community Centers
○ Child care programs
Does the emergency order apply to purely retail establishments that do not have indoor dining, such as clothing and toy stores?
● No. If an establishment is purely retail and does not have dining facilities, a fitness center, or other facilities included in the emergency order, then the establishment is not required to check for proof of vaccination.
For more information on the Safe Access Oahu program, click here