Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell today urged Oahu hotels to do their part in enforcing COVID-19 rules and restrictions, particularly during Halloween.

Last week, Caldwell warned during a news conference that Oahu could be in a “deep amount of kim chee” if people disregarded current rules and health officials’ advice, resulting in a slip back from Tier 2 to Tier 1, when efforts are underway to reach Tier 3.

“Historically, Halloween has been a holiday where large gatherings occur especially in Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu,” said Caldwell in a news release. “These gatherings have demonstrated to be ‘super-spreader’ events of COVID-19 here in Hawaii, on the Continent, in Europe, and elsewhere. We need to make sure that doesn’t happen here. A safe Halloween will keep our recovery moving forward and help us move to the next tier in a few weeks.”

Caldwell said he sent out letters to the general managers of 47 hotels that are currently open on Oahu, requesting their cooperation in enforcing the current emergency rule to ensure a safe and healthy Halloween this year.

This includes limiting social gatherings to no more than five individuals and enforcing physical distancing of at least 6 feet in shared spaces such as pool areas. Under the order, large events, parties and indoor haunted houses are not allowed.

The mayor’s office reminded hotel staff who observe violations can report it the Honolulu Police Department COVID-19 Enforcement hotline at 723-3900 or online.

Honolulu’s Halloween guidance is posted online at oneoahu.org.