On Friday, October 1, Governor David Ige issued an Emergency Proclamation that amongst several things keeps Hawaii’s Safe Travels program and statewide mask mandates in place until November 30, 2021.

Most importantly for employers, he clarified that employers are not required to pay for COVID-19 testing of employees who choose to undergo regular COVID-19 testing in place of vaccinations. 

This testing option is currently available only for large employers (those with 100 employees or more) or employers subject to the Safe Oahu Access or Safer Outside programs (for testing its employees, not patrons). All other employers do not have to offer a weekly testing option but may consider offering one to keep its valued unvaccinated employees, provided those who opt for weekly testing must personally pay for the costs. 

This Emergency Proclamation also limits social gatherings to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors and continues to allow for the extension of expirations for driver’s licenses and instructional permits that expired during the emergency period