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The Hawaii Department of Transportation this afternoon announced that wearing face masks at Hawaii airports will no longer be required, while masking will be optional onboard certain airlines and city public transportation services in light of a U.S. court decision issued in Florida today.
Masks are recommended but will not be enforced, officials said.
A federal judge in Florida today struck down the national mask mandate for passengers on airplanes, trains and other public transportation. The ruling said the mandate exceeded the authority of U.S. health officials in the coronavirus pandemic.
HDOT said following this court decision, officials from the Biden administration have advised that the federal masking order is not in effect at this time.
”This means wearing masks on airport property is no longer required,” said HDOT in a news release. “Federal agencies are reviewing the decision and will provide future guidance so there may be further updates.”
The city Honolulu Department of Transportation Services announced in an email late today that masking will no longer be required onboard TheBus and TheHandi-Van effective Tuesday. “DTS still highly encourages riders to wear masks onboard public transportation. Please be mindful and courteous of others around you while using public transportation,” according to a statement.
Last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had extended the nationwide mask requirement for public transit another 15 days to May 3 as it monitored an uptick in COVID-19 cases. The requirement, enforced by the Transportation Security Administration, covered planes, buses, trains and transit hubs such as airports.
Four of the largest U.S. airlines — United, Delta, Southwest and American — have dropped their mask requirements for domestic flights in response to the judge’s decision.
Hawaiian Airlines told the Star-Advertiser this afternoon that masks will now be optional for all guests and employee on board its flights, effective immediately. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines said masks will be optional on U.S. flights.
“We ask for our guests’ patience and understanding as we update all our communications and announcements to reflect this change,” said Hawaiian Airlines in a statement. “We advise travelers to stay informed and follow mask requirements that may remain in effect at their origin or arrival airports.”
Trade industry group Airlines for America also issued a statement today on behalf of member U.S. carriers.
“U.S airlines have been strong advocates for eliminating pandemic-era policies and are encouraged by the lifting of the federal transportation mask mandate.” the group said in a statement. “The high level of immunity and widespread vaccine accessibility in the U.S. coupled with the hospital-grade cabin air on aircraft provide a strong, science-based foundation for passengers to travel with confidence as restrictions are lifted on our nation’s airlines.”
The group continued with, “Science has routinely demonstrated that the air on an airplane is some of the cleanest anywhere – including hospitals – and we continue to lean into research at every turn to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all travelers. We look forward to welcoming millions of travelers back to the skies this summer to reunite with loved ones, attend conferences or to take a vacation.”
HDOT said in the meantime, CDC recommends people continue to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.
The Associated Press and New York Times contributed to this report.
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