Hawaii Slowly Begins to Reopen
On May 18, Hawaii’s Governor David Ige signed an 8th supplemental emergency proclamation, unveiling a four-phase plan to jumpstart Hawaii’s economy and begin a recovery process from the COVID-19 crisis.
“Hawaii has done an incredible job of flattening the curve, but we are also aware that battling COVID-19 has had significant socio-economic impacts,” Ige said at his daily briefing.
For Hawaii visitors, it’s important to know that the proclamation extends the required 14-day quarantine for those arriving in Hawaii until June 30th.
From Governor David Ige’s recovery presentation deck.
The State’s Four-Phase Plan
Low-risk businesses began to reopen in May. According to the plan, medium-risk businesses will begin to resume operations beginning in June. Higher-risk businesses will eventually follow, provided that the spread of the coronavirus throughout the state remains in check.
The state government will continue to assess the situation and consult with experts before proceeding to the next phase. Along the way, county mayors will have the authority to make decisions for each individual county in the state, including re-opening businesses and implementing restrictions with the governor’s approval.
From Governor David Ige’s recovery presentation deck.
Beyond Recovery: Reopening Hawai‘i
According to the State of Hawaii’s Department of Health’s website and the Office of Public Health Preparedness, the four phases of the strategy Beyond Recovery: Reopening Hawai‘i include:
Phase 1: (Now complete) – This was the stabilization period focused on flattening the curve in our community. Low-risk businesses were able to resume operations beginning in mid-May.
Phase 2: Re-opening – Beginning in June, medium-risk businesses and activities can reopen.
Phase 3: Long-term recovery – At this level, higher-risk businesses and activities can resume operations, but only in keeping with ongoing safety assessments. This phase is expected to take much longer, as the state focuses on the state’s economic recovery through planning and policy discussions, incorporating transitional workforce modernization opportunities, supporting economic diversification initiatives, targeting the development of emerging industries, and advancing long-term resiliency planning.
Phase 4: Resilience – This is the final and intended outcome for Hawai‘i.
You can read Governor Ige’s complete presentation deck at this link.
KATHLEEN SWITALSKII
June 4, 2020
I love Hawaii so very much, I have been on the big Island–twice. It is beautiful, I am so poor right now, so I am praying that I will be back on the big Island in 2–years. I have always wanted to live there on your wonderful Island. That will always be my dream!!! I am sure you are all doing a wonderful job keeping it safe!! Take Care!