We are excited to be hosting our annual state championship at the Hawaii Convention Center this year! Below are some helpful items from the Tournament Director:

Check In
As long as you are listed on either the Wall Chart & Master List when you go to SwissSys.com and click on 2023 Hawaii Open, there is no need to “check-in”. Your next step is to check for your pairing on the Pairings page on SwissSys.com and head to your board at the time of your scheduled round. The pairings will be listed on SwissSys no later than 10 minutes before your scheduled round time.

USCF Membership
Will you please check your USCF membership expiration date before you arrive? There are some that are expiring today (They have an expiration date of 8/31/2023). If you are expired, we need all players/competitors to renew to have a current USCF membership or else the USCF does not allow this player’s participation. The rating report will dismiss this player’s games and tournament participation as not valid because the player is not a current member. Thank you in advance for this.

Byes
I have received all bye requests and confirm with you all that you will receive this bye. If you are still in need of a bye, it is not too late. You can email me back here to request your bye(s). There is a limit of 2. You will find these byes when you go to SwissSys.com, click on 2023 Hawaii Open, and go to the Master List.

Pairings, Standings, and Advanced Registrants
Please use the website SwissSys.com to view the pre-registered player list.  We will use the same site during the tournament to post all results, standings and pairings. It is my understanding this is the same method that is being used for all other tournaments here locally that the Hawaii Chess Federation puts on. 

Parking
There is a big parking lot at the Convention Center, but it will fill up both days because of a huge Okinawan festival happening the same weekend.  Please plan to arrive very early if you want to park there.  The cost is $15 each time you enter, and is good for the whole day. You might find it easier to park for free at the Ala Moana Mall and walk a few blocks to the tournament.  

Cell Phones
Cell phones have become a problem at major tournaments because they create the temptation to cheat.  All cell phones are required to be turned off and not on your person while you are in any Tournament Competition Room. Please leave them in your bag and turned off while you are playing a tournament game. If you need to leave to use the restroom during tournament play, it is illegal to bring your phone with you. Cell phone penalties range from time deducted from your clock to a possible expulsion from the tournament. There are no appeals nor refunds in these situations. If your opponent leaves the Tournament Competition room for longer than 20 minutes, please pause the chess clock, raise your hand, to alert me to your board. Anything less than 20 minutes absence is allowable by rule.  Parents, please review these cell phone rules with your kids who are participating.

Food/Drink
No food nor drink is allowed at the tournament tables (exception: water). There are many local eateries near the vicinity of the Convention Center, and the Ala Moana Mall is only a few blocks away.

Internet
Internet is available only through your own cell-phone or wireless hotspot.

Any Conflict/Disagreement During Play
Please pause your clock and raise your hand to alert me there is an issue at your game. It is never recommended to discuss with your opponent if you have an initial conversation but cannot come to a solution with them.

Schedule & Other Notes
Parents and players, please help us maintain quiet in the tournament hall, and outside the doorways to the tournament hall. 

Please bring a hydro-flask if you have one.  There is a water source in the hallway outside the playing halls.