Health & Safety Policies

The Native Hawaiian Organizations Association (NHOA) is committed to the health and safety of 2022 Small Business Summit participants and staff. To manage the risk of COVID-19 transmission, we continue to monitor and assess new developments as well as federal, state and local guidelines. The following measures are being implemented to protect the health and well-being of 2022 Small Business Summit participants and staff:

  - Please do not attend the 2022 Small Business Summit if you
  • Have tested positive for COVID-19,
  • Are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or
  • Are feeling unwell.

  - The Ala Moana Hotel has increased its cleaning standards by launching the ALLSAFE Cleanliness & Prevention Label which       
     represents some of the most stringent cleaning standards & operational protocols in the world of hospitality. These standards have         been vetted by Bureau Veritas, a world leader in hygiene & cleanliness inspection.
UPDATE:  Hawai‘i Safe Travels restrictions ended on March 25, 2022 and the City & County of Honolulu’s “Safe Access O`ahu” program ended on March 6, 2022. Effective Saturday, March 26th, the Ala Moana Hotel will no longer pre-screen guests, including proof of vaccination or proof of negative COVID-19 test, upon arrival to the hotel irrespective of where they have travelled from. At this time, masks are by personal preference, unless we hear otherwise from the venue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What protocols will you have in place to ensure the conference is safe?
 
The health and safety of 2022 Small Business Summit participants and staff is our first priority. In addition to requiring proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test, masks or face coverings, and practicing social distancing, NHOA will follow Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization current guidelines for large in-person gatherings. We will also comply with all state and county guidelines.
 
What is acceptable proof of vaccination?

Proof of full vaccination means demonstrating that you have completed a vaccination regimen approved by the Hawaii Department of Health in compliance with all requirements of the State’s Safe Travels program through providing:  
“Full vaccination” means two weeks have passed after the second dose in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccination series or two weeks have passed after a single-dose COVID-19 vaccination which has been authorized for emergency use or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization, regardless of whether a COVID-19 vaccine booster has been received. 

You must also present identification with the same information as the proof of vaccination. 

When do I have to present proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test?
 
Pursuant to the City & County of Honolulu’s “Safe Access O`ahu” program, starting September 13, 2021, you have to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test before entering entertainment and recreational settings, restaurants and bars, or indoor gym and fitness facilities and group physical activity classes in the county.
 
When can I uploaded my proof of vaccination?
 
You can upload your proof of vaccination when registering for the 2022 Small Business Summit. After registering for the event, you can update your participant profile, including uploading your proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test, until the start of the conference: https://www.eventzilla.net/attendee/login
 
What is an acceptable negative COVID-19 test?
 
A negative test result must be a U.S. Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorization, or approved molecular test, or antigen test taken within 48 hours of entry to the 2022 Small Business Summit.
 
At-home COVID tests are accepted only if the test was taken in the allowed 48 hour timeframe and by the individual presenting it. Some methods for verification include, but are not limited to: a screen shot of app with test result for at-home tests that have app components; a receipt for a test of the same brand within the timeframe; a photo of result with time/date visible.
 
How do I provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test?
 
  • You can upload proof of a negative COVID-19 test to your participant profile on the event registration site, https://www.eventzilla.net/attendee/login
  • You can also provide proof of a negative test in-person when checking in at the 2022 Small Business Summit.
 
What if I don’t feel comfortable uploading proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test?
 
You can provide proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test in-person when checking in for the 2022 Small Business Summit.
 
Do “face covering” and “mask” mean the same thing?
 
Yes, a fabric face mask is a “face covering” referenced in the Honolulu Mayor’s Emergency Orders as long as it meets the criteria below:
  • Tightly woven fabric without holes, valves, or vents that covers the wearer’s nose and mouth. Can be made of fabrics such as cotton, silk, linen. You can use a homemade, factory-made, or DIY face covering such as a scarf or handkerchief.  
  • Learn more about mask wearing and cloth face coverings, visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html 
  • A face shield is not an acceptable face covering unless the wearer meets the qualifications for being exempt from wearing a cloth face covering.  

Is there a Statewide mask mandate?
 
Yes, Governor David Ige’s Emergency Proclamations require individuals across the State of Hawai`i to wear a face covering when in public indoors and in other situations listed therein. Read more at https://governor.hawaii.gov/covid-19/.
 
Am I required to wear a face covering?
 
Yes, face coverings are required on O`ahu when entering a business, participating in most activities, and traveling on public transportation. This includes the common areas of condo and other housing complexes. Employees in businesses must wear face coverings when interacting with customer, visitors, and other employees. Businesses are allowed, but not required, to provide exemptions for people who meet specific exceptions. Please note, businesses shall refuse admission or services to any individual not wearing a face covering, unless an exception applies. Masks are recommended but not required outdoors in crowded environments.
 
Where can I find State of Hawai`i and Honolulu County COVID-19 regulations and information?
 
You can find COVID-19 information at the following sites:
 
What is the Refund Policy?
 
NHOA will offer a full refund for in-person registration and sponsorships through February 4, 2022. Requests for refunds received by NHOA between February 5, 2020 - February 20, 2022 will receive a 50% refund. Requests for refunds received by NHOA between February 21, 2022 - March 3, 2022 will receive a 25% refund. No refunds will be made after March 4, 2022.
 
NHOA recognizes the need to provide flexibility due to the uncertainties of the pandemic and resulting changes to guidelines and travel restrictions. We have offered these various refund options based on the organization’s obligations to the conference venue. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or need clarification.

Acknowledgement and Release of Liability for Communicable Disease

During the in-person registration process, attendees will be required to agree to the following acknowledgement and release of liability.
By registering for the 2022 Small Business Summit, I agree that I will carefully review and, during the event and all event-related activities, comply with all applicable COVID-19-related federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidance, including but not limited to, the specific local COVID-19 regulations[1] and any other protocols that may be implemented by NHOA or the conference venue. 
 
I acknowledge that NHOA cannot guarantee that attendees will not be exposed to or contract COVID-19 while attending the conference. I understand that NHOA will continue to closely monitor conditions related to COVID-19 between now and the start of the conference and that NHOA reserves the right to modify its COVID-19 related procedures and health screening protocols in its sole discretion at any time. Registrants will be informed of any such changes on an ongoing basis. As a condition of attendance and participation, I agree to follow the protocols as required by NHOA and/or the conference venue. Refusal to abide by NHOA’s COVID-19 related procedures may result in ejection from the conference and cancellation of their registration, without refund.
 
I understand the risk that I may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by attending the 2022 Small Business Summit and that such exposure or infection may result in quarantine requirements, serious illness, permanent disability and/or death. I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, and assume full responsibility for my voluntary participation in the 2022 Small Business Summit and agree not to sue NHOA for any claims released by me herein.
 
By registering for the 2022 Small Business Summit, I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge and hold harmless NHOA from all claims of any kind arising from or related to COVID-19. I understand and agree that the release of liability includes any claims towards NHOA whether a COVID-19 infection occurrence exists before, during, or after attendance and participation at the 2022 Small Business Summit.


[1]See:  https://www.oneoahu.org/, https://www.oneoahu.org/safe-access-oahu, https://www.oneoahu.org/travel, https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/travel-overview/, https://governor.hawaii.gov/covid-19/