COVID-19 protocols: What to do when we re-gather

---

Emergency order 2022-01 caps large indoor gatherings of more than 1,000 people at 50% capacity. For example, if an event expects to have 1,000 attendees the total capacity of the venue must be more than 2,000 people. This measure was put in place following extensive consultations with healthcare leaders including the State Department of Health. Order 2022-1 shall be effective Monday, Jan. 10 through Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. 

Services will continue resume at 8:30am, every Sunday.  Please refer below for recommendations on how to worship safely.

Effective December 1, 2021, Mayor Blangiardi in Emergency Order 2021-16 lifted the restrictions for gathering capacity requirements whether indoors or outdoors, dropping all contact tracing requirements and allowing all venues to operate at full capacity on Oʻahu. However, people must wear face masks while attending indoor gatherings.

Worship is an essential part of life for so many in Hawai‘i. For many at Kawaiaha’o Church, gathering together is at the heart of what it means to be a community of faith. 

This guidance is not intended to infringe on rights protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or any other federal law, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA). Kawaiaha’o Church is reminded to take this vital right into account when establishing its own re-opening plans. In so doing, we ask that you continue to take these steps to reduce your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19:

• Correctly and consistently wear a mask that completely covers your nose and mouth
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you
• Avoid crowds
• Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces
• Stay home when you are sick
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol)
• Get vaccinated when the vaccine is available to you
• Get tested if you have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or if you think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19

Even if you and others (including children) do not feel sick and do not have any symptoms, you can still spread COVID-19 to family, friends, and community.

Do NOT be around others if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, if you are sick, or if you have tested positive for COVID-19.

You will no longer need to register to attend services or events at Kawaiaha’o Church. Kawaiaha’o will discontinue Pre-Registration on its website and Registration on arrival.  

We value your safety above all else. If you have any of the following symptoms within two weeks prior to service, please worship with us online:

• Fever over 100 degrees
• Cough or sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Any flu-like symptoms

• Please wear facemasks at all times, 
• You may proceed directly to the entrance to the sanctuary.
• Please have your temperature taken at our free-standing temperature scanner at the top o the stairs. 
• You may then follow an usher to find your seat. 
• Please do your best to maintain a safe six-foot distance as you take your seat. 
• We will attempt to ensure safety and maintain sufficient space between people while seated. Only 5-6 people will be seated in a row unless they are family members of the same household desiring to sit together. 

Unfortunately, childcare and Sunday school will not be available until further notice. We will resume these services as soon as possible. If your children will be sitting with you, please have them wear facemasks if they are 3 years old or older.

Yes, our restrooms will be open during service. Facemasks must be worn while in the restrooms. Restrooms and toilets will be cleaned and sanitized frequently by our COVID Task Force team. We ask that you do your part in helping to keep the restroom facilities clean and in maintaining physical distancing when there is a line to enter.

To ensure your safety, we may have pre-packaged snacks and bottled water. However, we encourage you to bring your own snacks and/or beverages in a spill-proof container especially if your health is dependent on access to these at regular intervals. 

Parking is always limited on campus and available on a first come, first serve basis. Most nearby metered street parking is free on Sundays and after 6 PM as are SOME metered parking in nearby lots. Please be sure to check the parking signs.

Yes.  

• If you are arriving via Handivan or Cab services you may ask the driver to enter through the main front gate at 957 Punchbowl Street. There should be ample space for the driver to turn around and exit from the same gate.  
• If you need assistance to get up the stairs and into the sanctuary, please flag down one of our doorkeepers and they will assist you.  
• If you need audio enhancement devices, please ask the doorkeeper to have the audio tech bring it to you at your seat.
• Accessible bathrooms are nearby. Please ask our doorkeepers for directions and or assistance. 

Our online services will still be available through Kawaiaha’o Church TV and Facebook LIVE or YouTube. Online services begin at 8:30 am. We are committed to continuing the same level of excellence that you’ve been experiencing during the past several months for those who feel more comfortable attending church from home.

We are taking every precaution as prescribed by the CDC, State and County government agencies to ensure that our campus and sanctuary is clean and safe for you and your family. As mentioned earlier everyone is required to wear a facemask throughout the service. We encourage those who are most vulnerable with pre-existing conditions, low immunity or compromised health to watch our service online. 

We value your safety above all else. If you have any of the following symptoms within two weeks prior to service, please worship with us online:

• Fever over 100 degrees
• Cough or sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Any flu-like symptoms
• Contact with anyone confirmed to have COVID-19 in the past 14 days