Hawaii’s New Vaccination Initiatives: Everything You Need to Know
Hawaii will launch a new digital app that allows people to show their vaccination status on their smartphones at venues where it’s required. This initiative comes as Maui and O’ahu prepare to restrict access to places like restaurants and bars for those unable to prove their COVID-19 health status.
Introduction of the Hawaii Smart Health Card
Governor David Ige announced that the Hawaii Smart Health Card will be available starting Friday, September 10, through the Safe Travels Hawaii website. Although participation is voluntary, this feature will benefit residents in Maui and O’ahu, as venues begin requiring health passes next week to certify that individuals are vaccinated.
“Participation in the Hawaii Smart Health Card is voluntary. It is strictly a convenience for those residents who have been vaccinated here in the state of Hawaii,” Ige stated during a news conference via the Associated Press.
Guidance for Tourists
It is important to note that tourists cannot join the Hawaii Smart Health Card program; however, they can still present an official paper version of their vaccination card, specifically the white Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) card, for those visiting from the mainland.
Safe Access O’ahu Program
Starting September 13, O’ahu will require proof of vaccination for individuals seeking entry into restaurants, bars, museums, cinemas, theaters, arcades, gyms, or similar indoor venues. Under the Safe Access O’ahu program, all patrons and employees must show evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19, or a negative result from a test taken within the past 48 hours. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from this requirement.
Moreover, individuals visiting a restaurant for less than 15 minutes, such as to collect take-away food or drinks, will also be exempt from this mandate.
Objective of the Initiatives
The Safe Access O’ahu program aims to avoid reintroducing lockdown measures due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 infections and to mitigate the spread of the Delta variant. Rick Blangiardi, mayor of Honolulu, stated that the program will remain in effect for 60 days as officials assess its impact.
“I really want this to come off as really more common sense and appeal in what we’re trying to do to combat this Delta variant and where we are with case counts, and really for the sake of the community,” Blangiardi remarked to reporters.
Alcohol Sale Regulations
In conjunction with the Safe Access O’ahu initiative, officials will also impose a 10pm cut-off time for alcohol sales at establishments serving alcohol for on-premises consumption, such as bars and restaurants.
How to Present Proof of Vaccination
To sufficiently demonstrate full vaccination, individuals will need to show a hard copy of a state-approved vaccination card after two weeks have passed since their final dose. Valid options include the white CDC card, a photograph of it, or the Hawaii Smart Health Card mobile app if applicable.
Additionally, Maui is set to implement a similar initiative on September 15 at “high-risk” venues where the virus is likely to spread. Named “Safer Outside”, this program will require patrons to provide their vaccination status at restaurants, bars, and gyms, without the option of submitting a negative COVID-19 test.
