Throwing this query out to the network because you all are the only people I have connections to in Hawaii...
Long story, but my best friend lives in Honolulu and is getting married in early October. Thanks to the pandemic, she already had to scrap her planned reception for a small (max 7 people) elopement, and she got a permit for beach usage to have that ceremony - but now, with the new closures going into effect, it's not clear if even that will be allowed, and she's completely frantic with the uncertainty of not being able to make any specific plans. She's a relatively recent transplant and doesn't have a lot of network or connections in Hawaii, so I'm asking my network: does anyone have any suggestions for somewhere on Oahu that these half a dozen people could reliably go to hold a small, responsible ceremony without violating any regulations or safety precautions? Do you know of any hotels or restaurants that are allowed to be open and would accommodate them? Do you know someone with a backyard who wouldn't mind a few strangers in their shrubbery for an hour? I know this is a long shot, but as her Maid of Honor, I'm feeling pretty derelict in my duties, so I'll turn over every stone!
One of the complicated things about Hawaii during the pandemic are the differences in local vs state responses. There are some mandates that are state-wide and some that are on the county level. To further add confusion, some beaches and parks are in the county’s jurisdiction and some are under state control so it depends. I live on Maui so my knowledge of the situation on Oahu is fairly limited. These changes in ordinances related to COVID-19 have been moving goal posts that are sometimes difficult to keep up with even at the local level. Enforcement is an entirely different animal as well.
That said, it sounds like you were issued a permit by whichever jurisdiction presides over that beach where the ceremony is planned. I’m not sure if new closures overrule existing permits or if those remain valid. My suggestion for this case would be to follow up with whoever issued the permit to ensure it is still valid. That is the only way to know for sure, otherwise you'll have to make the assumption that it's still valid because you haven't heard that it's not, but this is a gamble.
As far as food goes, that could be tough and one those case-by-case scenarios. I’m aware that restaurants still remain open for dine-in services but they have to follow social distancing protocols. How this affects an entire party for a wedding, I’m not sure. I would imagine it would be up to the restaurant to make a judgement call on whether they would host a small wedding party. Another option would be to find a catering company/restaurant who would supply food on-site at the location of the wedding ceremony. This is obviously dependent on the permitting situation and the restrictions (if any are spelled out) in the permit.
You also might be able to clarify any questions you have with the local officials that staff the state and county offices, including any local and state representatives in your area. I’ve found them to be generally helpful and able to at least point you in the direction of where to locate the information you need.
Wishing you and your wedding party the best of luck!
Thank you Henry, really appreciate all the information! My friend was able to hire a professional planner who is taking care of all the safety-compliance details for them, so they are all set to celebrate their special day next weekend. Thanks for your help, and be well!
No problem! I'm happy to hear that you've got a professional helping you with the logistics. Enjoy Oahu and best of luck to you and the wedding party! Stay well.
haha I WISH I were on Oahu! I'm in Virginia. Helping your friend plan a pandemic wedding that you can't attend from a distance of 6 time zones away is all kinds of interesting. Be well!