HONOLULU – Hawaii Gov. David Ige yesterday signed a Seventh Supplementary Emergency Proclamation that authorizes the first group of businesses to re-open since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the temporary closure of non-essential businesses across the state on Mar. 25.

The latest proclamation also allows residents to leave their homes to patronize certain businesses and activities under the new “Safer-at-Home” order.

Under Phase 1 of the state’s re-opening, the following businesses and operations can re-open starting May 7, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. However, everyone is advised to check the restrictions in place in each county, as they may differ.

The businesses are: Agriculture (non-food), such as landscape, ornamental plant growers, and nurseries; auto dealerships; car washes; childcare services, licensed or authorized under the law; pet grooming services; observatories and support facilities; retail and repair services, such as apparel, florists, watch and surfboard repair (note that retail does not re-open in City & County of Honolulu until May 15, and retail and most repair will not re-open in Maui County); and shopping malls, limited to retail and repair services (note that shopping malls are not reopening in Maui County).

“This stabilization phase allows for a reduction in restrictions for businesses classified as low-risk from a health perspective. An important consideration was the ability of the businesses to keep both employees and customers safe, and their ability to follow social distancing guidelines,” said Gov. Ige.

The Seventh Supplementary Emergency Proclamation, EXHIBIT G, lists the businesses/operations designated for re-opening and outlines specific safety guidelines for each. It also includes county-specific requirements.

These businesses/operations are required to follow the social distancing requirements in the Seventh Supplementary Emergency Proclamation. They also are encouraged to follow the applicable guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.

Generally, this means they must implement physical distancing requirements such as capacity limits and ensuring six feet or more between individuals using floor markings and signage; limit in-person work when possible; reduce the number of high-touch surfaces and objects as much as possible; reconfigure workplace to enable physical distancing if possible; and communicate health and safety protocols to all employees, customers and visitors.