Working to Keep Residential Construction Safe and Essential

As COVID-19 cases increase, state and local governments may be considering imposing new stay-at-home orders and temporary business closures to better address virus spread. Consequently, it is critical to remind key officials how the construction industry has worked in a safe and essential manner. The message to state and local officials: construction industry and the work performed must continue to be treated as essential.

Since March, the federal government has identified home construction as an "Essential Infrastructure Business" which has been prioritized by the ability of essential workers to work safely while supporting ongoing infrastructure operations across the nation.

In April, a nationwide COVID-19 Jobsite Safety Stand-Down for residential construction was established. NAHB urged members to halt work to educate workers on how to stay safe from coronavirus. Another safety stand-down is planned in 2021 for the week of January 11th.

OSHA classifies most construction work tasks associated with exposure risk levels to COVID-19 as low to medium risk.

Gov. David Ige reduces Hawaii’s travel quarantine from 14 days to 10 days to match health guidelines. Starting Dec. 16 passengers entering the state of Hawaii and traveling between counties will only have to quarantine for 10 days instead of 14 days if they don’t have an exemption from the state’s travel entry requirements. Read more>>>

Essential Workers Travel Exemption. Those identified as essential workers by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) or their employers should seek written authorization prior to travel to break self-quarantine to perform their work. Learn more>>>

Mandatory Safe Travels App. All interisland and mainland travel into and between the Hawaiian Islands must complete mandatory forms using this app. It is encouraged to do so 24 hours prior to flight departure. Learn more>>>

Hawaii’s mass vaccination effort begins, marking a turning point in the pandemic. Read more>>>

Due to multiple COVID-19 cases associated with bars, Maui County is closing bars and bar service areas within restaurants until December 26. In addition, restaurant patrons must wear face masks at all times unless they are eating or drinking. Maui County has officially partnered with the AlohaSafe Alert app, a free, voluntary new service that can notify you if you’ve been in close contact with someone that tests positive for COVID-19.

Pre-Register for the Maui COVID-19 Testing Drive. Maui residents have access to free COVID-19 testing on Dec. 23, where Minit Medical Urgent Care sites will be open from 8 AM to 4 PM for testing and you must pre-register to be eligible. Learn more>>>

Mayor Derek Kawakami has temporarily opted out of the state’s pre-travel testing program due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in the county. Effective December 2, 2020, all travelers arriving on Kaua‘i are subject to a 14-day self-quarantine regardless of testing. This includes both trans-Pacific, international, and inter-island travelers.

17th emergency proclamation signed on Dec 16, 2020 by Gov. David Ige. Read more>>>

Hawaii’s mass vaccination effort set to begin, marking a turning point in the pandemic. Read more>>>

Information on COVID-19 Surge Testing. Testing is being offered in various locations throughout the islands. Learn more>>>

Expanded COVID Dashboard. HI-EMA provides access to daily COVID-19 case counts, seven-day case averages, positivity rates, and the number of deaths caused by COVID-19. It also features a county-by-county summary of hospital resources, economic trends, and tourism. Learn more>>>

Honolulu Tier 2 Refresher. Reminder on what is and is not allowed in Tier 2. Learn more>>>

Ho'oulu Maui Nui Website. MEDB has created an online resource directory to help Maui County’s small businesses find special services and products during COVID-19. Learn more>>>

BIA-Hawaii committees and staff are working hard to add value to your membership. We need your ideas and comments on the types of programs that are of interest to you and what you would like to see offered at BIA. Please take a moment to share your thoughts to help shape our future events!