HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-25KauaiproposesnewTierChartforGovernorIgesapprovalDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: May 25, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
SARAH K. BLANE, CHIEF OF STAFF
(808) 241-4900
Kaua‘i proposes new Tier Chart for Governor Ige’s approval
LĪHU‘E – Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami sent to Governor David Ige a proposed update to the tier
chart. Mayor’s Emergency Rule 19, Amendment 3, would add a Tier 5 and a Tier 6 to further loosen
restrictions. These tiers would be triggered by Hawai‘i’s COVID-19 vaccination rates.
“We know that vaccines are the quickest way for us to move forward,” stated Mayor Kawakami.
“Our island took early, firm actions at the start of this pandemic which helped us build a robust vaccine
program. As a result, Kaua‘i is leading the state with 48 percent of Hawai‘i residents now fully vaccinated
and protected against severe effects of COVID.”
If the proposal is approved, Tier 5 would go into effect when 60 percent of Hawai‘i residents
have been fully vaccinated, and Kaua‘i’s seven-day average case count is less than 3 with a test positivity
rate under 1 percent. Under Tier 5, maximum group size limits would be increased to 25 indoor and 75
outdoor, and max capacity for businesses and activities would increase to 75 percent.
Tier 6 would go into effect once 70 percent of residents statewide are fully vaccinated. Reaching
Tier 6 will effectively eliminate the tier system on Kaua‘i, allowing businesses and events to be open at
full capacity.
“Our counties are so closely connected that from a public health perspective, it makes the most
sense to use the statewide vaccine average, particularly with the increase in inter-island travel,”
explained Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman. “County by county differences in vaccination
rates are decreasing, and we foresee this model being used by other counties to continue to loosen
restrictions. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, please consider doing it now to protect yourself and our
Kaua‘i ‘ohana, and to help us remain open and safe.”
Vaccination appointments are now open to residents age 12 and older, with options on
weekends and evenings, including several pop-up vaccine clinics from Hanalei to Kekaha. For details,
please visit www.kauai.gov/vaccine.
People who are fully vaccinated and received their vaccine in the State of Hawai‘i can now use
their vaccine record to travel inter-island and be exempt from Safe Travels mandatory quarantine.
Travelers are considered fully vaccinated on the 15th day after the completion of their vaccine dose(s).
For program rules and additional information, visit: https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/FAQS/.
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