Hawaii Governor David Ige addressed the public on April 17 regarding the new rules that he implemented in the continued battle against the coronavirus.
With currently 37 percent of Hawaii residents unemployed, landlords cannot evict renters under a new coronavirus-related moratorium, a legal authorization to debtors to postpone payment.
“With no paychecks coming in, families across the state are worried about how to pay the rent, or mortgage and provide for basic needs of family,” said Gov. Ige.
The eviction moratorium is until April 30th.
Anyone out in public must wear a face covering, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the exception of outdoor exercises and activities so long as social distancing requirements are maintained.
All state beaches are closed. Sitting, standing, lounging, sunbathing, or loitering on beaches and sandbars are prohibited. However, any water activities, such as swimming and surfing, are still allowed so long as social distancing requirements are maintained.
Boating, fishing, or hiking are still allowed with no more than two people in a group unless they are a part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address.
All boats must stay 20 feet apart. Hikers must maintain 20 feet distance from other hikers unless they are part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address.
Violations of the emergency rules are considered to be a petty misdemeanor and could result in fines of up to $5,000 and one year in jail, or both.
By Kristofel Abella
Ka Lā staff writer
Sources:
KHON – A look at Hawaii’s new state rules
Star Advertiser – Stricter coronavirus rules issued for Hawaii’s outdoor activities to enforce social distancing
KITV4 – Gov. Ige: All Hawaii beaches now closed; Boating, fishing, hiking social distancing requirements expanded
