Mufi's Message - November 17, 2020

COVID-19 Update

Aloha,

I hope that you were able to enjoy a relaxing weekend.

Yesterday, Governor Ige issued his 15th Emergency Proclamation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this new proclamation, there are several additions that require our attention to remain in compliance.

First and foremost, the proclamation contains the following language: “All hotel operators in the State shall adopt a COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan for each property they operate while this Proclamation is in effect...A hotel property’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan shall address all applicable guidance from the CDC…All hotel operators shall publish the COVID-19 Health and Safety Plans of each property they operate, including by making it available on their websites and by submitting it to the Hawaii Tourism Authority for posting on its website.”

To submit your health and safety plan, please transmit it via email to: Hotelcovidplans@gohta.net. HLTA will maintain updated lists of properties that are in compliance and will make this information available via our website.

As you know, our organization was the first to submit health standards to the State Department of Health for its review and approval. As such, please feel free to use our standards to ensure that you are in compliance with this mandate. HLTA's Health, Safety, & Security Standards are available for download at this link.

The updated proclamation includes the following: "…and it shall be the responsibility of the hotel operator of each property to accommodate guests who become positive for COVID-19 or are identified as close contacts of a person who is positive for COVID-19, either by accommodating these guests at the property or by securing alternative accommodations.”

This makes clear that hotels are to accommodate guests who have contracted COVID-19 while in Hawai‘i. However, I must be clear that this mandate applies only to guests who have existing reservations. You are not required to take in an unannounced traveler who is COVID-19 positive.

Finally, the proclamation includes updated clarification of the statewide mask mandate, requiring any individual in public to be wearing a mask. Furthermore, it also mandates that businesses must refuse service to any individual who refuses to wear an appropriate mask. Any entity found not to be in compliance with this could face fines as well as closure.

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In other news, Hawaii News Now has run a number of articles in the past days about the current state of our local tourism economy. In an interview with Mahealani Richardson, I reiterated our position that we truly believe that we can still provide a quality travel experience for the visitors who decide to come here during this time.

"West Coast states urge against travel, putting Hawaii’s fragile tourism recovery at risk," Hawaii News Now, November 16, 2020

Mahalo,
​Mufi