Governor Ige Orders Eviction Moratorium

Gov. David Ige signed a fifth emergency supplementary proclamation that includes an eviction moratorium — which prevents any eviction from a residential dwelling for failure to pay rent. Previously, all eviction proceedings and pending eviction orders were suspended with the closure of the Hawai‘i State Judiciary during the COVID-19 crisis.

In addition, the supplementary proclamation enhances social distancing requirements, ordering the closure of all state beaches in Hawai‘i and restricting recreational boating, hiking and fishing outings to no more than two people unless the group is from the same residential family.

The proclamation also sets more stringent requirements for essential businesses that continue to operate. They include requiring customers to wear face coverings while waiting to enter and while inside an essential business or operation; requiring essential business employees who have contact with customers or goods to wear face coverings; requiring personnel to monitor and enforce six-foot distances between customers and employees; and requiring limits to the number of customers in a facility.

Violations of these orders could result in a misdemeanor with fines of up to $5,000 and/or up to one year in prison or both. 

Gov. Ige issued the original emergency proclamation for COVID-19 on March 4, 2020, followed by these supplementary proclamations: 

• Supplementary proclamation of March 16, 2020 Suspending certain laws hindering state and county responses to COVID-19
• Second supplementary proclamation of March 21, 2020: Implementing a mandatory self-quarantine for all persons entering the state, effective 12:01 a.m. March 26, 2020.
• Third supplementary proclamation of March 23, 2020: Mandating and effectuating social distancing measures throughout the state.
• Fourth supplementary proclamation of March 31, 2020: Implementing mandatory self-quarantine for all persons traveling between any islands in the state, effective 12:01 a.m. on April 1, 2020.

The fifth supplemental proclamation continues through April 30.

Gov. Ige also signed Executive Order 20-04, which includes enabling the county liquor commissions to allow the sale of unopened beer or wine with food take out or delivery and gives the commissions flexibility to deal with deadlines or other administrative procedures.Executive Order 20-05 strengthens the healthcare system’s ability to respond to the COVID-19 threat.

Kahului, Maui. PC: by Wendy Osher.