HONOLULU (KHON2) – Vaccinated fans will not be allowed into University of Hawaii sporting events yet, including this weekend’s homecoming soccer game.
Always Investigating was the first to report last week that Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi recommended approval of a UH proposal for up to 1,000 vaccinated fans in football and 150 at indoor games like volleyball. . But this request was refused.
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“The state has informed us that the request to allow a limited number of people to attend UH matches has been denied for the time being,” city spokesman Tim Sakahara said.
Always Investigating asked who decided and why, and the governor’s office told us, “The proposals are being reviewed by the governor, the director of the Department of Health, Dr Libby Char and the DOH, the attorney general and HiEMA. They based their decision on where we are at this point. The current 7-day average still exceeds last year’s peak and the statewide critical care census. Therefore, the state team decided that it was not appropriate to reduce the restrictions at this time. “
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: “We look forward to a time when we can all attend sporting events and other activities in person. Current case rates still far exceed the number of people infected in previous outbreaks. We still need the help of 650 traveling healthcare professionals to help care for COVID-19 patients in our hospitals. “
The mayor’s office told KHON2: “We will continue to engage in dialogue with the state and the university and advocate for the amended attendance plan that would allow a limited number of spectators to safely watch the home games of the UH. “
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Always Investigating continues to ask all parties what are the specific conditions under which fully immunized sport participation is approvable. We will continue to seek this answer.