Capitol Among State Facilities to Reopen to The Public

The state is moving ahead with reopening facilities to the public as new COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations continue to decline throughout the islands.

According to a news release from Gov. David Ige’s office, the state Department of Accounting and General Services announced that all state facilities managed by the department, including the state Capitol in Honolulu, will reopen to the general public, effective Monday, March 7.

“State operations continued throughout the pandemic, and departments and agencies serviced the public by appointment or through a managed process,” said State Comptroller Curt Otaguro in the release. “Starting Monday, individuals may enter state facilities to conduct their business, after showing required documentation.”

Beginning Monday, visitors to the Capitol will be able to enter from one of two entry points — the basement rotunda entrance and the first-floor rotunda at street level. Security guards will operate a new screening process at each entry point, where visitors will be asked for their photo ID and proof of vaccination or documentation of a negative COVID test result received within 72 hours of entering.

The news release said visitors who meet the requirements will receive a daily sticker that must be worn at all times while at the Capitol. Face masks are also required at this time.

“We’re very pleased to be able to welcome the public back to the state Capitol, and to hold in-person meetings again”, said Ige. “We appreciate the public’s cooperation and patience over the past two years. The state remained vigilant in its fight against COVID-19, and I am proud to say that our collective efforts in maintaining health and safety protocols resulted in one of the lowest hospitalization and death rates in the country.”

Entry procedures will remain in place through at least March 25 and will vary by department.