Where is the Hawaii economy for reopening? Where can an owner get guidance to reopen?
So here in Hawaii the economy is beginning to reopen. In Honolulu, hair, nail, lash, and in general beauty operators and services were allowed to re-open past Friday. In Maui, most businesses will be allowed to reopen on June 1st, whereas in Hawaii island personal services and restaurants (excluding bars and night clubs). On Kauai, salons and barber shops, retail and mails, and cleaning and construction have been reopened since May 22nd.
In general, what is clear is the Hawaii economy is heading toward reopening, with the likelihood of gyms, bars, night clubs, and large gathering places where intimate contact is involved of remaining closed until government officials can come up with plans and guidelines. This is something determined between the governor and the mayors, as the mayors submit their proposals to the governor for approval. Therefore, the industry re-openings are not uniform between the islands.
The best thing for a Hawaii business owner that needs guidance as they consider reopening is to review the State of Hawaii COVID-19 resources, and then depending what county you are in, review the county orders and guidelines. Further, for many industries their trade groups and associations, provide industry-specific guidelines on dealing with these regulations. Finally, of course professional advisors, such as attorneys and human resource companies are there dealing with the customer/client and employee aspects of reopening.
Is there a place where the local rules and regulations are at?
Yes, the State of Hawaii and the 4 counties have websites going over the various order, mayoral proclamations, and guidelines to assist businesses in their reopening and future plans to reopen the economy. Of course this information constantly changes due to the virus. Further, the government frequently issues clarifications on unclear rules or plans as people and businesses provide feedback.
- State of Hawaii: https://hawaiicovid19.com/
- Hawaii County: https://coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/
- City and County of Honolulu (Oahu): http://www.honolulu.gov/
- Novel Coronavirus Information & Updates: https://www.oneoahu.org/
- Specific Proclamations, Orders, and Rules: http://www.honolulu.gov/mayor/proclamations-orders-and-rules.html
- Kauai County: https://www.kauai.gov/COVID-19
- Maui County: https://www.mauicounty.gov/2370/COVID-19-Coronavirus-Information
What are some of the specific requirements a business owner needs to prepare for reopening?
For the business owner that is committed to reopening soon, and especially dealing with direct interactions with clients and customers if you’ve reviewed some of the state and counties’ guidelines, then you know there are a number of changes you will have to make. This is especially true for retail, restaurants and food courts, beauty and personal health services. The following are some of the social distancing requirements a business owner in these industries need be keenly aware about:
- 6-feet distancing;
- Limited occupancy;
- Face coverings
- Providing of hand sanitizer and sanitizing products
- Regular disinfecting; and
- of course signage to notify all employees and customers of these requirements.
Again, this is a partial and general list and so a business owner needs to spend some research and review time for their business plan to reopen. One Oahu has a Business Guidance Page: https://www.oneoahu.org/business-guidance
CDC Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses Schools, and Homes: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html
