Kawakami Requests Approval From Gov to Reduce Outdoor Gatherings to 25

Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami has put in a request to reduce outdoor gatherings on Kaua‘i from 100 to 25 in light of the surging numbers of COVID-19.

Kawakami submitted the request for approval to Gov. David Ige and he is awaiting his reply. This restriction would apply to social and casual gatherings. It doesn’t apply to allowable businesses and activities following state rules. Indoor gatherings remains at 10.

“While we’ve been able to successfully manage COVID-19 outbreaks on our island so far, we have to pay attention to what’s happening on O‘ahu and work to prevent that from happening here,” Kawakami said during a daily briefing Wednesday.

On Wednesday alone, 197 infections were identified on O‘ahu as well as two deaths, bringing the statewide death toll to 38. The cumulative total of COVID-19 cases statewide is 3,958.

There are currently four active cases on Kaua‘i related to inter-island travel. All individuals are in isolation and close contacts are in quarantine.

With the increase in cases related to inter-island travel, Ige reinstated a 14-day quarantine for inter-island travelers that began on Aug. 11.

“We felt strongly that reinstating the inter-island quarantine was necessary to help prevent further outbreak on our island…” Kawakami reiterated.

Additionally, the mayor said, local and trans-pacific travelers will not be allowed to rent a car during the quarantine period.

Those who believe they qualify for travel exemptions, like critical infrastructure work or medical trips, can apply for an exemption at kauai.gov/covid-19. The request must be filled out two days before travel.