My Brothers, we have been continually monitoring the ever changing recommendations and directives from health care organizations and governmental agencies regarding the spreading Coronavirus (COVID-19).
With the latest mandate that Governor Ige has issued this last Monday issued in a sweeping “stay-at-home” order for the state as part of an aggressive push to stop the spread of coronavirus in the islands, we are compelled to follow these safety measures as well..
IT IS THEREFORE MY DIRECTION that….
A) While previously modifying participation for our Annual Comunication which was to be held on April 17/18, it is hereby altogether suspended unit further notice. Information of when it will be rescheduled will be forthcoming once we have gotten the “all clear” from our state and health care authorities.
B) I am withdrawing my previous decision to only “waive” until further notice the HMC §2036 which states that “A Lodge shall hold a stated meeting for the transaction of its regular business once in each calendar month.” I find it necessary to suspend all Masonic activities at this time until further notice. This suspension applies to all Masonic meetings within a blue lodge building. This also includes the suspension of all appendant bodies that meet in any Masonic Lodge building under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Hawaii.
C) All usual and customary bills for utilities, taxes, and services acted upon by the Lodge can be approved with consent of the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Secretary and Treasurer during this period. Phone or email are acceptable modes of communication and shall be recorded by the Secretary.
It is important that Hawaii Freemasons support all efforts to restrict the spread of Covid-19 and lessen the demands on our healthcare system. We will continue to monitor this situation and will send notice to you as soon as any changes in these policies are required.
Please direct any questions you may have to our Grand Secretary at HawaiiFreemason@hawaii.rr.com or at 808-596-9121.
Alexander A. Escasa
Grand Master
Grand Lodge of Hawaii F&AM
