Interesting- we were on Kauai for 2 1/2 months when things broke out and shut downs began there and for the next 2 1/2 months til we could get the heck out of there, we were NEVER treated like residents! We were reminded continually that we were NOT residents by law enforcement and locals and therefore not of any value or importance. We were targeted and cited for doing absolutely nothing wrong as were many other long term folks there. And so now you can finish your quarantine and then travel among the islands and be considered a “resident”? Seriously? Well, good luck to you and here’s hoping you will not be harassed into a nervous breakdown while trying to act like a “resident”. I hope my beautiful island gets back some of it’s aloha someday.
To Date:
Puerto Rico: 2.861M people; 237 covid deaths = .0082% death rate = 8.3 per 100k people
Hawaii: 1.431M people; 26 covid deaths = .0018% death rate = 1.8 per 100k people
Bahamas: 393.3K people; 14 covid deaths = .0036% death rate = 3.6 per 100k people
California: 39.78M people; 9699 covid deaths = .0244% death rate = 24 per 100k people
New York: 19.40M people; 32,422 covid deaths = .1671% death rate = 167 per 100k people
New Jersey: 8.88M people; 15,857 covid deaths = .1785% death rate = 178 per 100k people
The Largest State in the Union has a 99.9756% Survival Rate, and even in the 2 absolute WORST States (when it comes to deaths per 100k capita), the survival rate is greater than 99.82%! None of these statistics has varied drastically in the last 7 months (and they likely won’t, as they’re following the current trends). Please, do go look at the Graphs from day one…😳
As I have said before (regarding the United States), the entire point of the original shutdown was to prevent the hospitals from being overwhelmed, which questionably happened in only one place in the country (eh, I call bs on that, too). Therefore, we DID accomplish this task.
Reality Check: People have and will continue to “stop following rules”, if you don’t give them their lives back. Clearly, we have seen this with locals in Hawaii recently (well published by BoH), as well even more stupidity in many other places around the Country. Forcing people out of work, keeping them suppressed, and not providing a way to sustain their livelihood/lifestyle is only going to push more and more people to do more and more stupid stuff! It’s not going to go well, if they keep sheltering the healthy and not protecting those who actually need greater protection…ergo, continuing to “put the cart before the horse”. It will backfire eventually, and people will eventually revolt…you can bet on it!
A Couple of Questions to Ponder:
Why is MSM only focusing on “number of cases”…to perpetuate the fear, perhaps? Why are we not focusing on solutions that DO NOT require Economies to collapse, and where is the COMMON SENSE in this freakin Madness?! I am still waiting for Governments to get their ___ together, and focus on the greater problems continuing to rise, from this fiasco THEY created, and are continuing to perpetuate! Just my 2 cents…🤔
The main concern is hospital bed availability. Why isn’t Hawaii working to get federal support to lower the stress re. beds/ventilators. If the Army Cops of Engineers could set up several thousand beds at the NYC Javitz Convention Ctr., why couldn’t it be done here? Why not send smaller versions of the Comfort ship to have available if needed? Our economy CANNOT continue to be ‘locked down’ nor is life EVER risk-free so let’s be proactive in HI … maybe just once?
Why bother when the elected official’s only goal is to completely destroy the state financially and economically And its citizens for a particular result in the November 3 election just like the New York elected official refused the Javits Center beds in March and did not use them?
Just let Hawaiians destroy their beaches and riot when there are no jobs or tourists to support the island in its dumpster fire condition. Hawaii has double and tripled down that they hate tourists and will continue to not have tests and continue to push back reopening to the few really patient and dedicated tourists that respect hawaiians rediculous demands.
Just continue with the lack of progress and welfare state mentality and lack of respect for the usa. Its like the revival of kill howlie day. Except its kill hawaii day all year long.
I wish these fools (Ige, Kim, Victorino, Kawakami) would stop saying stupid things like “Hawaii is not ready”. Because it is LITERALLY their JOB to get Hawaii ready. And they’ve had five months now to do it–but they’ve done absolutely ZERO to get the job done. These idiots can’t even figure out how to effectively monitor a reatively small number of people in quarantine–or they just don’t want to. As of yesterday, big island had ZERO active cases. ZERO. And we’ve had ZERO serious illnesses and ZERO deaths in the entire 5 months we’ve been shut down. So, if ZERO cases and ZERO deaths and ZERO sick people in the hospitals is not “ready”–then WTF does “ready” even mean? Sure, Oahu has more cases–they have more people living in a much smaller area–and those people clearly are not doing what they should be doing to stop the spread of the virus there. But that’s not big island’s fault. We stay ready over here.
Where do these fools think they’re gonna get the money to pay their bills next month, the month after–next year–without tourists? How do you survive without 18 BILLION dollars of local spending–over 2 BILLION+ dollars in tax revenue–when you are already 9 BILLION dollars in debt? Tourism is at LEAST 20% of the ENTIRE state GDP–and a huge percentage of the state’s tax revenue. And what happens in a year or so–even IF a vaccine is found and widely distributed–when virtually every tourism dependent business on the islands is closed or bankrupt–including the airlines? What then?
The bottom line is that we don’t KNOW what’s going to happen unless we open back up. If it gets crazy, we can always shut back down again. I’d rather try and fail a little than do nothing and fail even bigger.
Aloha guys.
my friend just returned from a staycation on kauai. She told me how she was greeted by the nation guard. interviewed, temp taken, needed an “ok card” to rent a car. Also that mainland visitors are being escorted to their hotel by national guard – no car rental or uber – and then being checked on in person. AND the Mayor on the big screen video in the airport saying “welcome to Kauai returning residents”. now go home and quarantine. If you go to Costco I will arrest you, if you go to Walmart I will arrest you, etc. FABULOUS!! What a great sense of enforcement and control. When they returned back to Maui – NOTHING!! Not one thing. Your Mayor may be a controversial figure (anyone who draws a line is bound to be) but he needs to be recognized and to teach these other Mayors/islands how to do it!! A great sense of safety with these strong boundaries…..the opposite of over here. It feels like we are on the precipice and ready to slip over the edge. Stay safe over there.
I cannot even imagine what the people of Hawaii must be going through!!!
I’m hoping a testing option is available that will make it possible for travel. Currently where I live in Atlanta, I was tested on Friday and HD my results on Sunday. But who knows if that option will be available in February when I’m planning for a month at my vacation home in Kona??
Let’s hope there are restaurants and shops left to visit!
I am no Ige expert but I did watch the entire August 3 news conference. I was actually surprised by his tone which seemed to me indicated the September 1 date is still on and details are being worked out.
Perhaps he has said the same things before and another delay is on the way.
It might not be a bad thing that mainland testing is hard to get and delays in reporting results abound. That would initially limit the number of potential travelers who could satisfy the requirement to have a negative test within 72 hours. The State of Hawaii might have a chance to test and modify the protocol without a crush of visitors coming.
Of course clear and frequent communication would be needed both in Hawaii and on the mainland, something that has not come from the governor so far.
I pray for my State of MS and everyone during this trying time.
I am a return visitor/tourist every April to Waikiki. I have rescheduled my 2020 visit for 2021 bringing a girlfriend that has never experienced the “Welcome” from the locals of Oahu!!!! I reserve my thoughts on the way the HI government is handling the unfortunate situation.
We have reservations for Sept 30th and look forward to being in Maui again soon. Maybe Governor Ige should check out joining this state compact just posted to the CNN website:
Aruba so far seems to be doing pretty well with their opening up to tourists—knock on wood—and they’ve been at it almost a month now. You might want to discuss the reopening situation in Aruba too and not just doomsday scenarios from the Bahamas.
Now Aruba had their own coronavirus transmission nearly knocked out before opening to tourists. That doesn’t appear to be the case in Hawaii—at least now—but the whole USA is pretty much the poster child for what not to do in this pandemic—at least relative to peer nations worldwide.
Aruba is offering testing on arrival for those in all but the worst states transmission wise who are required to show negative test results before flying out. Those choosing test on arrival quarantine until the results come in. Reports are pretty much that results are coming in quickly—less than a day.
Now of course the Hawaiian govt doesn’t seem to want to want the testing on arrival option or somehow they can’t make it happen. Now of course the whole USA is pretty much a dumpster fire testing wise—if you can get a test, you can’t seem to get results in less than a week in a significant part of the country
Covid tests are difficult to get in San Diego County. My doctor wouldn’t order one for me because I was asymptomatic. I explained that the order was actually coming from a Higher Power…GOVERNOR IGE!
She acquiesced, I got my test and results before I boarded my flight. MaryMargaret asked about mandatory forms upon flying to the mainland. To be perfectly clear, anyone who was required to quarantine will have to fill out an online form and present it upon departure. Hawaii residents are exempt from this procedure.
I’m just about to finish my 14-day quarantine while at my home here in Hawaii. While it hasn’t been easy (couldn’t even get out to buy groceries in this small, isolated town) I feel really good about protecting an island that hasn’t reported a single Covid case yet. Prayers for keeping it that way for as long as possible.
Regarding the stoppage of flights from the mainland, please remember that the planes transport people arriving for other reasons than tourism. I need to get here for home maintenance issues. Others may come for their families in need. I’m sure you could envision many other scenarios.
I’m due to return in October, but may cancel that trip. It’s not that I don’t want to be in my beloved island home, but rather as an at-risk person I’m concerned about health care should I contract Covid. Blessings to all the health care workers who are currently—and will continue to be—challenged by the needs within the communities they serve and the hospitals which SO need them.
Mahalo for keeping us current, guys!
So is there a bright spot if the litmus test procedure on saliva really works? Results in 30 minutes. Read about it from a biotech company. Could easily be a pre-travel requirement.
IMHO
Hawai’i will not reopen in September. Nor October, November, or December. I believe not until well into 2021. Likely May or June. I have no plans to visit until fall 2021. Just little confidence the Gov can keep delaying monthly, encouraging people they can purchase hotel and air reservations, only to keep cancelling when the quarantine is extended monthly. The local economy must be in shambles now and quickly reaching the point of no return. My prayers continue to be with the people suffering so much there.
Prayers for the Hawaiian people and their economy. Glad I rescheduled for next May. Hopefully the vaccine and herd immunity will have the virus gone by then. A hui hou!
Some universities, such as University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, have developed their own saliva-based testing. It is cheap and fast. Could tourists be required to do that prior to boarding their flight to Hawaii? As a plus, everyone would be more relaxed about flying, knowing that everyone on board has tested negative. This is something all airlines could require. Set up a testing station at the airport, outside the terminals…It is 2020 after all, not 1918. We have the advantage of 100+ years of science and technology. There has to be a good, practical solution.
We are still hoping to make that Kauai trip in May 2021!
A reasonable solution would be to, if and when, open Hawaii to countries with low covid numbers. Ban arrivals from hi-covid countries like Brazil and the USA.
That would allow some rekindling of the economy without putting the state at mortal risk. Perhaps then people from the banned countries would understand there are consequences for their actions/inactions.
TELL ME THEN. WHY WOUKD THE AIRLINES KEEP SELLING TICKETS FROM THE MAINLAND ? Just to fly us over there and put us in a jail cell basically for 14 days. COME ON AIRLINES. THEN STIP SELLING TICKETS. SIMPLE AS THAT
If Hawai’i wants to re-open to tourism, they should consider following the lead of other countries. Allow visitors from countries and maintain the ban from countries where COVID 19 has not been controlled, like the USA, Brazil and Norway.
I feel like Hawaii should at least offer to let visitors in from states that aren’t into the red with COVID19 cases. The same way NY, NJ & CT are putting certain states on their quarantine watch list, Hawaii can easily apply a test option for states that are appropriately lowering their curves and numbers (few as that may be). At least that way there is something of note going on tourism/vacation-wise. NJ here and we’ve been behaving just so we can get back in Oahu!
On a brighter note, they have just started offering some free Covid testing sites in the Bay Area with 15 minute results. You do not have to have symptoms for this testing. They may be helpful for future travel.
I am willing to stay away. I have no choice. The health of the people is more important than putting food on their table. Their governor agrees with me. If a 5 year travel ban saves even one child from catching this killer wouldnt it be worth the loss of some profits?
I totally agree that Hawaiian’s health must come first. I am confused though by how “The health of the people is more important than putting food on their table” makes sense. The state’s economy is already devastated. Five more months will add years to the recovery. Five years would more than likely kill more children then it saves.
Thanks to your updates and information, we have decided to push our next trip to spring of 2021. It just does not seem that Hawaii will open and as senior citizens we can’t take a change on such a long flight. I really feel for the folks who depend on their salaries coming from the tourists. These include the maids, servers, etc and I will personally tip just a little more than normal when we finally do get there. In the meantime, we appreciate your updates on all the conditions.
I hope they can put a plan together to save the economy and provide a safe and secure way to handle and allow visitors. If not for the government bureaucracy, it shouldn’t be that difficult, at least for American Citizens. I imagine the “island time” factor doesn’t help either, but I see economic devastation and a bleak outlook for recovery in the Hawaiian Travel Industry, if they don’t at least solve this problem within the year. I feel for those couple hundred thousand that will be with no jobs, and struggling to collect unemployment. It’s going to get a lot worse, if they don’t work things out. That’s for sure!
Thank you for the information that you provide! We recently purchased a home in Hawaii and while slightly disappointed at the extension of the 14-day quarantine, we agree with the decision that the Governor and the mayors made. We still plan to go to our new home in early August. We are scheduled to be be tested three days before travel simply to be good citizens. We know that we still have to quarantine for 14 days. But between the pre-departure test and the quarantine, I feel like we will be less of a potential threat to public health…and public health is the top priority!
Cure worse then the virus …economic devastation, alcoholism, child abuse, drug usage, mental health decline, suicide … look at the stats of “effects of unemployment”… My sister’s neighbor in Southern California lost her 24-year-old son from dehydration from the common flu not Covid. He was afraid for his life to go to a doctor or hospital to get help-he was afraid he would die from Covid-19…sadly he died in his bed at home; tested negative for Covid.
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of truth to what Nita is saying. We’re so screwed up here in California that we can’t work out at a gym, can’t go to church, but we can go to the local CBD shop and buy a jar of dope. I guess that’s considered “essential”.
Hawaii needs to also have an option for testing on arrival. Test results within 24 hour and quarantine in your home/hotel room until then. Sure it’s a lot easier for the Hawaiian government to say ‘get it before you come’ but that’s a lot easier said than done—depending on where you are coming from. One’s ability to do this varies DRAMATICALLY from state to state. In Texas you are lucky to get a test if you’re sick—forgettaboutit if you’re looking to go on a vacay. Texas is not alone More options are necessary if the jobs and money that result from tourism is really to return. Islanders can complain all they want about tourist but they better be independently wealthy or at least have a job that literally has nothing to do with the tourism trade… or they’ll be out on the street and their kids will be hungry. We’re not going to just put the cash in the mail while we stay home.
In a perfect world the option of testing on arrival would be ideal, but we can barely get our local testing done. Some of the test kits we were supposed to receive were sent to CA, TX, FL and other states with greater need. In addition, we have limited labs to get them processed. If we had even half of our usual tourists (30,000 per day) it would be impossible to do. On top of that, what about the people who would get here and test positive? Our medical facilities are limited.
There are potential testing options in development now to speed up the results, but I find it odd that people put the onus on a little state with lack of current income so that they can vacation. Perhaps a better question to ponder would be: “Why is it that six months into a pandemic, we have never had a national testing/tracking strategy?” Or, “Why is it that when we have a Defense Production Act for wartime needs, we have never directed all labs to focus primarily of Covid-19 testing?” Answer either of those honestly, and you’ll quit blaming Hawaii for making a tough decision.
Hello since 72hrs of turn around time is not realistic I’m hoping they will extend to more than 72 hrs. So far CVS is taking at least 8 days before results are released from the time of collection and no one has the time to quarantine 14 days when most of us visits Hawaii less than 14 days which by then vacation is over. I have a trip with my family booked ffeom 10/2-10/10 hopefully by then the governor has figured out something. Thank you
Aloha, where do we look for specific directions on traveling to the mainland —California & East Coast out of Maui. Also forms & tests that need to be completed.
Mahalo!
MaryMargaret
For the health of Hawaiian locals I would like to see all tourism stopped for at least 5 years. This virus is no joke and the loss of the majority of their economy is a very small price to pay to curb C0vid cases on the islands. I have a timeshare and will continue to pay my maintenance fees but I would really like to see a travel ban to Hawaii for at least 5, years. The ban should be enforced by both the State of Hawaii and the Federal Government just in case Hawaii changes its mind. It’s for the health of the locals because Hawaiian Lives Matter. It’s not just about our selfish vacations. Hawaii Nua Loa.
As all epidemiologists have repeated over and over u kick the can down the road. Society must reopen for all except those most vulnerable in order to let the virus spread, antibodies develop — herd mentality, masks/distance remain. The virus will burn itself out.
Ppl can resume their lives and Hawaii can reopen and the total financial destruction of small businesses can be avoided.
Sounds good, until you dive into what “herd immunity (not mentality)” actually requires. Currently, even with our astounding, world leading infection and death rates, the numbers total only ~2% of the U.S. population. Those same epidemiologists that you cited tell us that the possibility of herd immunity requires ~70% infection rates. If the virus “burning itself out” by infecting ~200 million and killing ~5% of those individuals, while stripping bare the ability of medical professionals to treat the sick, is your solution, sorry, I’m not in favor of pandemic genocide.
You’re confusing testing stats with infection rates (easy to do). NYC did a survey randomly testing people for antibodies and found that over 65% of the population has antibodies. Their current numbers reflect this.
I’m pretty sure Hawaii couldn’t sustain its economic structure, or feed and house the 250k plus people that will not have jobs for 5 years. Buildings will decay, and be vandalized, for sure, and you likely won’t have a timeshare to come back to in 5 years, if that happens.
You do know that “timeshares” are illegal, and have been for a long time, right? Pretty sure they aren’t called timeshares anymore, for just that reason, but I digress…
You may want to rethink your thought process there, because it’s just not realistic. I personally won’t be paying for my ownership in a Hawaii resort property, if I don’t have access to it for 5 years. That’s just not smart financial sense. If you have the money, to waste 5 years of payments, you should just donate that to a Hawaiian Charity and have the full write off, rather than just the mortgage interest, really…just my 2 cents. 🤷♂️
That doesn’t even make sense.
You want complete economic deviation for 5 years even if the virus is under control??!!
Tell that to all the local business owners and get their opinion on that.
Honest question: will you adhere to your 5 year travel ban and stay away from your timeshare for 5 years? And keeping guests who must travel at all (even from the same island) to visit your timeshare?
I’d suggest living by your words if you think that’s the best thing to do, regardless or not the government takes up your idea.
We’ve made changes to our flight plans to go to Hawaii twice now. We’re currently slated to go end of September/early October to see family. The more time drags on, though, I’m sadly expecting Hawaii to just shut down again. The biggest hurdle I see is their requirement that those seeking an exemption to the 14 day quarantine get an NAAT Covid-19 test. You can’t get them anywhere unless you’re sick AND your doctor or clinic happen to be a client of one of the few labs that do those tests. Everyone else only does PCR tests. My guess is that either Hawaiian govt. has no clue what they’re doing, or knows exactly how difficult this test is to get and knowingly required it allowing them a back door to get what they want (lockdown) but still provide a defense to the feds lawsuit (“hey mainlanders can come in if they’re just tested”), or they have some magical solution that will provide thousands of NAAT tests. My bet is on #2. Good luck with the recovery Hawaii.
We belong to Kaiser in California, and they will NOT give us the test unless we have symptoms. Wake up Hawaii. Take temperature as people arrive on the Islands if you want to screen. Otherwise planning a trip is a “crap shoot”. No way.
And let’s infect our fellow “Americans” with our selfish, self-centered mindset! The article isn’t banning “Americans” to Hawaii it is pointing out that other island nations/territories are banning Americans because we have the highest infection rate in the world. Do a little research before expressing your opinions… Hawaii is the most isolated archipelago in the WORLD. Our resources are very limited and in some cases, single digit ICU beds and the number of respirators available per residing is .02% of the current population. So yes “HAWAII” is America, but why do you feel the need to go someplace that you’re not welcome at this time?! Do you think that the majority of the population that works directly or indirectly for the tourist industry doesn’t want to make a decent paycheck?!? We simply value the health and welfare for us and our families! This isn’t something that the local government can lookup in the history books and formulate a plan of action based on past events… this all new and there are going to be mistakes and modifications being made all the time.
Why can’t you look to history books, is this the first time we’ve had a pandemic? In the United States of America, we have a constitution that protects certain rights. The point is that restrictions on interstate travel for a-symptomatic travelers is unconstitutional. Quarantines for the healthy is unconstitutional.
You do know that the death rate from COVID-19 is not 5% as it was estimated at the beginning of this hysteria, right? The true number: 0.04%, and that is taking all reported numbers at face-value. A belief in science is fine, as long as that science is based on facts. Isolate the vulnerable, not the healthy. Also, you don’t need ventilators, but if it makes you feel better, Hawaii can have all of the thousands that we made for New York. New, never used! Please keep track of the latest information instead of buying the FUD from long since discredited news pieces?
Hey Harvey H. First of all yes we’ve had pandemics in the US previously… and how did that go!?! How many people died?!! We sure were successful in containing them right?
So you want to bring in the constitution… Yes it is a constitutional right for interstate travel, but is that really the issue? Why is it you self-righteous mainlanders feel the need to take a chance at spreading the disease to the residents of Hawaii just so you can enjoy some beach time? It just goes to show how selfish and self-centered you’re being! The islands are closed!!! If you were an essential worker needing to come to Hawaii for work or to fill a needed position then we’d welcome you with caution, but I don’t believe you’d be on your high horse complaining on this board.
Don’t throw in the statistic of number of deaths! In the big picture it is just a small percent of the long-term effects of surviving COVID…
1. Lungs: pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, other long-term lung damage.
2. Heart and Cardiovascular: myocarditis, abnormal clotting, heart failure
3. Kidneys: 30% of hospitalized coronavirus patients develop moderate to severe kidney damage.
4. Digestive Tract: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
5. Brain and Neurological System: seizures, hallucinations, Guillain-Barre syndrome
*data taken from Univ of Miami School of Medicine
Families are struggling now yes, but at least most, who have lost their medical insurance with the loss of their jobs aren’t further burdened by expensive medical bills due to treatment from getting treated for COVID! Moreover, how about when they have to stay home from work during the time for recovery. Nearly all jobs here do not provide for paid sick leave. Especially in the service industry. Do you think someone who suffers the effects of COVID is ready to go back to work in as little as two-weeks? Didn’t think about that did ya!?!?! All so you can work on your tan!
All this just so you can come to the islands and vacation?!?! You my friend are the epitome of selfish! Or maybe you just want to try and play the herd immunity card and just bring in everybody (because it’s your constitutional right) and let’s just get it over with?! How about “keeping track of the latest information” and tell me how that’s working out. On the island I live on there are (9) nine ICU beds to serve an island of 72k residents. So yeah let’s get the island infected and just get it over with!
Let’s talk about respirators… How about showing some stats on “don’t need ventilators.” I guess you’re an expert in the field of medicine!?
“Isolate the vulnerable…” What part of “Hawaii is the most isolated archipelago in the world” do you not understand?!!?! How do you isolate the vulnerable? There are many multi-generational families living under the same roof so offer up a solution for that! And again, for what?!!? So you can frolic at the beach!
I love the phrase “you can’t fix stupid” and it’s never been so prevalent during this pandemic. So with that being said, I’m out of this conversation as I know that you will not be swayed and have no regard for the health and safety of the residents of my beautiful state that I was born and raised in, except for the 20 years I spent serving in two branches of our armed forces protecting the constitutional freedoms you want to carelessly spout!
And by the way I’ve worked in the tourist industry for over 13 years so I see first hand how this is affecting our economy, but I will not compromise the health and welfare of my family and residents of this island!
Bravo!!!! Nothing matters more than the people of Hawaii. I have had 2 separate three week vacations canceled since March. One in April and one in August. Was I sad, you bet, but I looked at the island and the wonderful people living there, and I was happy to delay my trips to save lives. I WILL return when it is safe for my Hawaiian friends and adopted family. Thank you Beat of Hawaii for keeping us informed and positive that things will be better one day.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Betsy.
Thanks.
Aloha.
G B
Wow – The media has really done a marvelous job of driving you to the brink of panic. You really need to stop listening to them. Fear drives ratings and ratings drive revenue. Follow the money.
Bottom line is that the virus is in Hawaii. Case numbers are rising because that’s what a virus does. Hand washing and wrapping a rag around your head will have minimal effect on its spread just as it has everywhere else.
The real question that needs to be asked of your government: You’ve had 5 months to prepare for this – WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING?
Hawaii isn’t the only state requiring a 14-day quarantine or testing. Alaska, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont all have restrictions on visitors, either for everyone, or for those coming from certain states.
Right, the quarantine has remained in effect so the cases should go down if it is effective. Well, I think anyone with half a brain can see from the numbers that quarantining is not effective as the cases continue to rise and not because it is coming from the mainland. Follow the data people.
Banning Americans.
Like we’re the ones that invented COVID-19.
I cannot wait to hear what nonsense comes next.
Unlike the Bahamas, Hawai’i is a part of the United States of America.
The sad thing that has come out of the COVID-19 situation is the hatred of many ‘locals’ towards their fellow Countrymen.
Thank you Beat of Hawai’i for always holding the conversations that other media can’t or won’t.
Mahalo for your honesty.
Over 100 countries have banned US travel to their county. We did not “invent” COVID, but due to lack of leadership all of the states have suffered because of this at the federal level. I look forward to visiting HI soon but not at the expense and well being of the islanders and island hospital resources!
I don’t think Gov. Ige or his staff know how difficult it is to schedule a test, the cost involved, and timing it perfectly to get results within the allotted 72 hours. Hopefully the situation will change for the better before opening up Hawaii to everyone.
Our 2020 trip to Maui (mid Sept. to mid Oct.) won’t be happening and we’ll sorely miss seeing loved friends and family. But, bottom line is safety for the people and the Islands. As a Maui native, I know there is only one hospital and one road to get to it. Kamaaina First!
Here’s to 2021! A Hui Hou.
The elected governors were to take care of their states…they should of known each county individual needs. Federal provided funding and equipment fast. Stop with political divisive [edited].
And you don’t find it odd that because we have never had a national testing/tracking strategy, have not instituted a national Defense Production Act executive order to divert ALL testing operations so that testing delays of 8-14 days make such testing meaningless? Or are you saying that the same little state with limited resources and little current income is the one responsible for our response to CV-19?
I “liked” your Facebook page and after seeing the posts that are VISCOUSLY attacking anyone that thinks Hawai’i is:
A) part of the United States
B) should open up the doors
C) a place to vacation
or
D) all of the above
This isn’t Aloha. This isn’t anything I’ve seen in all my years.
This isn’t human kindness, and it’s mostly Hawai’ian transplants from “other than Hawai’i” acting like fools.
Well, here we go again.
I’d like to think that Ige would make a decision to open Hawai’i as soon as possible.
The COVID-19 virus isn’t going away, and there are contingency plans in place to deal with any consequences.
Just get it over with.
We can have hospital ships docked within hours if necessary.
This situation is getting ridiculous.
Mahalo Beat of Hawai’i for your stellar reporting 🌺
Hi Pam.
Thanks so much.
Aloha.
Interesting- we were on Kauai for 2 1/2 months when things broke out and shut downs began there and for the next 2 1/2 months til we could get the heck out of there, we were NEVER treated like residents! We were reminded continually that we were NOT residents by law enforcement and locals and therefore not of any value or importance. We were targeted and cited for doing absolutely nothing wrong as were many other long term folks there. And so now you can finish your quarantine and then travel among the islands and be considered a “resident”? Seriously? Well, good luck to you and here’s hoping you will not be harassed into a nervous breakdown while trying to act like a “resident”. I hope my beautiful island gets back some of it’s aloha someday.
We have reservations for Maui in November for a week. Do you foresee the travel ban stretching into that time period?
Aloha!
Just want to add a little perspective…
To Date:
Puerto Rico: 2.861M people; 237 covid deaths = .0082% death rate = 8.3 per 100k people
Hawaii: 1.431M people; 26 covid deaths = .0018% death rate = 1.8 per 100k people
Bahamas: 393.3K people; 14 covid deaths = .0036% death rate = 3.6 per 100k people
California: 39.78M people; 9699 covid deaths = .0244% death rate = 24 per 100k people
New York: 19.40M people; 32,422 covid deaths = .1671% death rate = 167 per 100k people
New Jersey: 8.88M people; 15,857 covid deaths = .1785% death rate = 178 per 100k people
The Largest State in the Union has a 99.9756% Survival Rate, and even in the 2 absolute WORST States (when it comes to deaths per 100k capita), the survival rate is greater than 99.82%! None of these statistics has varied drastically in the last 7 months (and they likely won’t, as they’re following the current trends). Please, do go look at the Graphs from day one…😳
As I have said before (regarding the United States), the entire point of the original shutdown was to prevent the hospitals from being overwhelmed, which questionably happened in only one place in the country (eh, I call bs on that, too). Therefore, we DID accomplish this task.
Reality Check: People have and will continue to “stop following rules”, if you don’t give them their lives back. Clearly, we have seen this with locals in Hawaii recently (well published by BoH), as well even more stupidity in many other places around the Country. Forcing people out of work, keeping them suppressed, and not providing a way to sustain their livelihood/lifestyle is only going to push more and more people to do more and more stupid stuff! It’s not going to go well, if they keep sheltering the healthy and not protecting those who actually need greater protection…ergo, continuing to “put the cart before the horse”. It will backfire eventually, and people will eventually revolt…you can bet on it!
A Couple of Questions to Ponder:
Why is MSM only focusing on “number of cases”…to perpetuate the fear, perhaps? Why are we not focusing on solutions that DO NOT require Economies to collapse, and where is the COMMON SENSE in this freakin Madness?! I am still waiting for Governments to get their ___ together, and focus on the greater problems continuing to rise, from this fiasco THEY created, and are continuing to perpetuate! Just my 2 cents…🤔
Mahalo!
Hi Jim.
Thanks.
Aloha.
The main concern is hospital bed availability. Why isn’t Hawaii working to get federal support to lower the stress re. beds/ventilators. If the Army Cops of Engineers could set up several thousand beds at the NYC Javitz Convention Ctr., why couldn’t it be done here? Why not send smaller versions of the Comfort ship to have available if needed? Our economy CANNOT continue to be ‘locked down’ nor is life EVER risk-free so let’s be proactive in HI … maybe just once?
Why bother when the elected official’s only goal is to completely destroy the state financially and economically And its citizens for a particular result in the November 3 election just like the New York elected official refused the Javits Center beds in March and did not use them?
Just let Hawaiians destroy their beaches and riot when there are no jobs or tourists to support the island in its dumpster fire condition. Hawaii has double and tripled down that they hate tourists and will continue to not have tests and continue to push back reopening to the few really patient and dedicated tourists that respect hawaiians rediculous demands.
Just continue with the lack of progress and welfare state mentality and lack of respect for the usa. Its like the revival of kill howlie day. Except its kill hawaii day all year long.
I wish these fools (Ige, Kim, Victorino, Kawakami) would stop saying stupid things like “Hawaii is not ready”. Because it is LITERALLY their JOB to get Hawaii ready. And they’ve had five months now to do it–but they’ve done absolutely ZERO to get the job done. These idiots can’t even figure out how to effectively monitor a reatively small number of people in quarantine–or they just don’t want to. As of yesterday, big island had ZERO active cases. ZERO. And we’ve had ZERO serious illnesses and ZERO deaths in the entire 5 months we’ve been shut down. So, if ZERO cases and ZERO deaths and ZERO sick people in the hospitals is not “ready”–then WTF does “ready” even mean? Sure, Oahu has more cases–they have more people living in a much smaller area–and those people clearly are not doing what they should be doing to stop the spread of the virus there. But that’s not big island’s fault. We stay ready over here.
Where do these fools think they’re gonna get the money to pay their bills next month, the month after–next year–without tourists? How do you survive without 18 BILLION dollars of local spending–over 2 BILLION+ dollars in tax revenue–when you are already 9 BILLION dollars in debt? Tourism is at LEAST 20% of the ENTIRE state GDP–and a huge percentage of the state’s tax revenue. And what happens in a year or so–even IF a vaccine is found and widely distributed–when virtually every tourism dependent business on the islands is closed or bankrupt–including the airlines? What then?
The bottom line is that we don’t KNOW what’s going to happen unless we open back up. If it gets crazy, we can always shut back down again. I’d rather try and fail a little than do nothing and fail even bigger.
Aloha guys.
my friend just returned from a staycation on kauai. She told me how she was greeted by the nation guard. interviewed, temp taken, needed an “ok card” to rent a car. Also that mainland visitors are being escorted to their hotel by national guard – no car rental or uber – and then being checked on in person. AND the Mayor on the big screen video in the airport saying “welcome to Kauai returning residents”. now go home and quarantine. If you go to Costco I will arrest you, if you go to Walmart I will arrest you, etc. FABULOUS!! What a great sense of enforcement and control. When they returned back to Maui – NOTHING!! Not one thing. Your Mayor may be a controversial figure (anyone who draws a line is bound to be) but he needs to be recognized and to teach these other Mayors/islands how to do it!! A great sense of safety with these strong boundaries…..the opposite of over here. It feels like we are on the precipice and ready to slip over the edge. Stay safe over there.
Hi Ane.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I cannot even imagine what the people of Hawaii must be going through!!!
I’m hoping a testing option is available that will make it possible for travel. Currently where I live in Atlanta, I was tested on Friday and HD my results on Sunday. But who knows if that option will be available in February when I’m planning for a month at my vacation home in Kona??
Let’s hope there are restaurants and shops left to visit!
I am no Ige expert but I did watch the entire August 3 news conference. I was actually surprised by his tone which seemed to me indicated the September 1 date is still on and details are being worked out.
Perhaps he has said the same things before and another delay is on the way.
It might not be a bad thing that mainland testing is hard to get and delays in reporting results abound. That would initially limit the number of potential travelers who could satisfy the requirement to have a negative test within 72 hours. The State of Hawaii might have a chance to test and modify the protocol without a crush of visitors coming.
Of course clear and frequent communication would be needed both in Hawaii and on the mainland, something that has not come from the governor so far.
I pray for my State of MS and everyone during this trying time.
I am a return visitor/tourist every April to Waikiki. I have rescheduled my 2020 visit for 2021 bringing a girlfriend that has never experienced the “Welcome” from the locals of Oahu!!!! I reserve my thoughts on the way the HI government is handling the unfortunate situation.
Thank you for the important updates.
Hi Jessi.
Thanks.
Aloha.
We have reservations for Sept 30th and look forward to being in Maui again soon. Maybe Governor Ige should check out joining this state compact just posted to the CNN website:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/04/politics/six-governors-3-million-covid-tests-rapid-antigen/index.html
Aruba so far seems to be doing pretty well with their opening up to tourists—knock on wood—and they’ve been at it almost a month now. You might want to discuss the reopening situation in Aruba too and not just doomsday scenarios from the Bahamas.
Now Aruba had their own coronavirus transmission nearly knocked out before opening to tourists. That doesn’t appear to be the case in Hawaii—at least now—but the whole USA is pretty much the poster child for what not to do in this pandemic—at least relative to peer nations worldwide.
Aruba is offering testing on arrival for those in all but the worst states transmission wise who are required to show negative test results before flying out. Those choosing test on arrival quarantine until the results come in. Reports are pretty much that results are coming in quickly—less than a day.
Now of course the Hawaiian govt doesn’t seem to want to want the testing on arrival option or somehow they can’t make it happen. Now of course the whole USA is pretty much a dumpster fire testing wise—if you can get a test, you can’t seem to get results in less than a week in a significant part of the country
Covid tests are difficult to get in San Diego County. My doctor wouldn’t order one for me because I was asymptomatic. I explained that the order was actually coming from a Higher Power…GOVERNOR IGE!
She acquiesced, I got my test and results before I boarded my flight. MaryMargaret asked about mandatory forms upon flying to the mainland. To be perfectly clear, anyone who was required to quarantine will have to fill out an online form and present it upon departure. Hawaii residents are exempt from this procedure.
I’m just about to finish my 14-day quarantine while at my home here in Hawaii. While it hasn’t been easy (couldn’t even get out to buy groceries in this small, isolated town) I feel really good about protecting an island that hasn’t reported a single Covid case yet. Prayers for keeping it that way for as long as possible.
Regarding the stoppage of flights from the mainland, please remember that the planes transport people arriving for other reasons than tourism. I need to get here for home maintenance issues. Others may come for their families in need. I’m sure you could envision many other scenarios.
I’m due to return in October, but may cancel that trip. It’s not that I don’t want to be in my beloved island home, but rather as an at-risk person I’m concerned about health care should I contract Covid. Blessings to all the health care workers who are currently—and will continue to be—challenged by the needs within the communities they serve and the hospitals which SO need them.
Mahalo for keeping us current, guys!
Hi Betsy.
Thank you.
Aloha.
So is there a bright spot if the litmus test procedure on saliva really works? Results in 30 minutes. Read about it from a biotech company. Could easily be a pre-travel requirement.
IMHO
Hawai’i will not reopen in September. Nor October, November, or December. I believe not until well into 2021. Likely May or June. I have no plans to visit until fall 2021. Just little confidence the Gov can keep delaying monthly, encouraging people they can purchase hotel and air reservations, only to keep cancelling when the quarantine is extended monthly. The local economy must be in shambles now and quickly reaching the point of no return. My prayers continue to be with the people suffering so much there.
Prayers for the Hawaiian people and their economy. Glad I rescheduled for next May. Hopefully the vaccine and herd immunity will have the virus gone by then. A hui hou!
Herd immunity can only happen by allowing people OUT vs. keeping them IN.
Some universities, such as University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, have developed their own saliva-based testing. It is cheap and fast. Could tourists be required to do that prior to boarding their flight to Hawaii? As a plus, everyone would be more relaxed about flying, knowing that everyone on board has tested negative. This is something all airlines could require. Set up a testing station at the airport, outside the terminals…It is 2020 after all, not 1918. We have the advantage of 100+ years of science and technology. There has to be a good, practical solution.
We are still hoping to make that Kauai trip in May 2021!
Thanks for the other-island news.
A reasonable solution would be to, if and when, open Hawaii to countries with low covid numbers. Ban arrivals from hi-covid countries like Brazil and the USA.
That would allow some rekindling of the economy without putting the state at mortal risk. Perhaps then people from the banned countries would understand there are consequences for their actions/inactions.
Thank you.
Hi Dan.
Thanks for your comments.
Aloha.
TELL ME THEN. WHY WOUKD THE AIRLINES KEEP SELLING TICKETS FROM THE MAINLAND ? Just to fly us over there and put us in a jail cell basically for 14 days. COME ON AIRLINES. THEN STIP SELLING TICKETS. SIMPLE AS THAT
If Hawai’i wants to re-open to tourism, they should consider following the lead of other countries. Allow visitors from countries and maintain the ban from countries where COVID 19 has not been controlled, like the USA, Brazil and Norway.
Thank you.
Hi Dan.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Dan – There’s a legal issue with Hawaii banning travel from the USA. It’s called the Constitution.
Hi! Just a note. Do people realize that most international flights require a 72 hour test to board the plane?
Paka M.
A message dripping with profound vitriol & sarcasm but signed,
“Aloha?!?!?”
WOW!!!
Praying for all the Islands. Thank you for the reporting
Hi Wendy.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I feel like Hawaii should at least offer to let visitors in from states that aren’t into the red with COVID19 cases. The same way NY, NJ & CT are putting certain states on their quarantine watch list, Hawaii can easily apply a test option for states that are appropriately lowering their curves and numbers (few as that may be). At least that way there is something of note going on tourism/vacation-wise. NJ here and we’ve been behaving just so we can get back in Oahu!
On a brighter note, they have just started offering some free Covid testing sites in the Bay Area with 15 minute results. You do not have to have symptoms for this testing. They may be helpful for future travel.
Or Hawaii may once again change the type of testing that they require and you land to a 14 day quarantine.
Hawaii will not accept those results.
I am willing to stay away. I have no choice. The health of the people is more important than putting food on their table. Their governor agrees with me. If a 5 year travel ban saves even one child from catching this killer wouldnt it be worth the loss of some profits?
Aloha-
I totally agree that Hawaiian’s health must come first. I am confused though by how “The health of the people is more important than putting food on their table” makes sense. The state’s economy is already devastated. Five more months will add years to the recovery. Five years would more than likely kill more children then it saves.
thank you
Hi Jon.
Thanks.
Aloha.
And exactly how many children have caught this killer 🤔 And did you actually mean 5 years🤔
Thanks to your updates and information, we have decided to push our next trip to spring of 2021. It just does not seem that Hawaii will open and as senior citizens we can’t take a change on such a long flight. I really feel for the folks who depend on their salaries coming from the tourists. These include the maids, servers, etc and I will personally tip just a little more than normal when we finally do get there. In the meantime, we appreciate your updates on all the conditions.
Hi Bob.
Thank you.
Aloha.
We had a trip for a week in September the 3rd week. That is what we are doing moving to spring or in September Again
Aloha Guys!
I hope not…
I hope they can put a plan together to save the economy and provide a safe and secure way to handle and allow visitors. If not for the government bureaucracy, it shouldn’t be that difficult, at least for American Citizens. I imagine the “island time” factor doesn’t help either, but I see economic devastation and a bleak outlook for recovery in the Hawaiian Travel Industry, if they don’t at least solve this problem within the year. I feel for those couple hundred thousand that will be with no jobs, and struggling to collect unemployment. It’s going to get a lot worse, if they don’t work things out. That’s for sure!
Take Care!
Hi Jim.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Thank you for the information that you provide! We recently purchased a home in Hawaii and while slightly disappointed at the extension of the 14-day quarantine, we agree with the decision that the Governor and the mayors made. We still plan to go to our new home in early August. We are scheduled to be be tested three days before travel simply to be good citizens. We know that we still have to quarantine for 14 days. But between the pre-departure test and the quarantine, I feel like we will be less of a potential threat to public health…and public health is the top priority!
Hi Kevin.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Cure worse then the virus …economic devastation, alcoholism, child abuse, drug usage, mental health decline, suicide … look at the stats of “effects of unemployment”… My sister’s neighbor in Southern California lost her 24-year-old son from dehydration from the common flu not Covid. He was afraid for his life to go to a doctor or hospital to get help-he was afraid he would die from Covid-19…sadly he died in his bed at home; tested negative for Covid.
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of truth to what Nita is saying. We’re so screwed up here in California that we can’t work out at a gym, can’t go to church, but we can go to the local CBD shop and buy a jar of dope. I guess that’s considered “essential”.
Thanks to BOH for letting us vent.
Hi Curtis.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Leave Hawaii alone. There is a global pandemic. Stay home and do everything you can to slow covid 19.
To go under?
Hawaii needs to also have an option for testing on arrival. Test results within 24 hour and quarantine in your home/hotel room until then. Sure it’s a lot easier for the Hawaiian government to say ‘get it before you come’ but that’s a lot easier said than done—depending on where you are coming from. One’s ability to do this varies DRAMATICALLY from state to state. In Texas you are lucky to get a test if you’re sick—forgettaboutit if you’re looking to go on a vacay. Texas is not alone More options are necessary if the jobs and money that result from tourism is really to return. Islanders can complain all they want about tourist but they better be independently wealthy or at least have a job that literally has nothing to do with the tourism trade… or they’ll be out on the street and their kids will be hungry. We’re not going to just put the cash in the mail while we stay home.
If you could get results within 24 hours I would be ok with that.
In a perfect world the option of testing on arrival would be ideal, but we can barely get our local testing done. Some of the test kits we were supposed to receive were sent to CA, TX, FL and other states with greater need. In addition, we have limited labs to get them processed. If we had even half of our usual tourists (30,000 per day) it would be impossible to do. On top of that, what about the people who would get here and test positive? Our medical facilities are limited.
There are potential testing options in development now to speed up the results, but I find it odd that people put the onus on a little state with lack of current income so that they can vacation. Perhaps a better question to ponder would be: “Why is it that six months into a pandemic, we have never had a national testing/tracking strategy?” Or, “Why is it that when we have a Defense Production Act for wartime needs, we have never directed all labs to focus primarily of Covid-19 testing?” Answer either of those honestly, and you’ll quit blaming Hawaii for making a tough decision.
Hello since 72hrs of turn around time is not realistic I’m hoping they will extend to more than 72 hrs. So far CVS is taking at least 8 days before results are released from the time of collection and no one has the time to quarantine 14 days when most of us visits Hawaii less than 14 days which by then vacation is over. I have a trip with my family booked ffeom 10/2-10/10 hopefully by then the governor has figured out something. Thank you
Hi Rowena.
We understand your concerns and hope to have more information about the state’s plans soon.
Aloha.
Aloha, where do we look for specific directions on traveling to the mainland —California & East Coast out of Maui. Also forms & tests that need to be completed.
Mahalo!
MaryMargaret
Hi MaryMargaret.
We aren’t aware at least of any forms required then leaving Hawaii. Suggest checking with the airline you will be flying.
Aloha.
For the health of Hawaiian locals I would like to see all tourism stopped for at least 5 years. This virus is no joke and the loss of the majority of their economy is a very small price to pay to curb C0vid cases on the islands. I have a timeshare and will continue to pay my maintenance fees but I would really like to see a travel ban to Hawaii for at least 5, years. The ban should be enforced by both the State of Hawaii and the Federal Government just in case Hawaii changes its mind. It’s for the health of the locals because Hawaiian Lives Matter. It’s not just about our selfish vacations. Hawaii Nua Loa.
U dont curb virus spread with shutdowns!
As all epidemiologists have repeated over and over u kick the can down the road. Society must reopen for all except those most vulnerable in order to let the virus spread, antibodies develop — herd mentality, masks/distance remain. The virus will burn itself out.
Ppl can resume their lives and Hawaii can reopen and the total financial destruction of small businesses can be avoided.
Sounds good, until you dive into what “herd immunity (not mentality)” actually requires. Currently, even with our astounding, world leading infection and death rates, the numbers total only ~2% of the U.S. population. Those same epidemiologists that you cited tell us that the possibility of herd immunity requires ~70% infection rates. If the virus “burning itself out” by infecting ~200 million and killing ~5% of those individuals, while stripping bare the ability of medical professionals to treat the sick, is your solution, sorry, I’m not in favor of pandemic genocide.
You’re confusing testing stats with infection rates (easy to do). NYC did a survey randomly testing people for antibodies and found that over 65% of the population has antibodies. Their current numbers reflect this.
LOL, 5 years? 🤣
I’m pretty sure Hawaii couldn’t sustain its economic structure, or feed and house the 250k plus people that will not have jobs for 5 years. Buildings will decay, and be vandalized, for sure, and you likely won’t have a timeshare to come back to in 5 years, if that happens.
You do know that “timeshares” are illegal, and have been for a long time, right? Pretty sure they aren’t called timeshares anymore, for just that reason, but I digress…
You may want to rethink your thought process there, because it’s just not realistic. I personally won’t be paying for my ownership in a Hawaii resort property, if I don’t have access to it for 5 years. That’s just not smart financial sense. If you have the money, to waste 5 years of payments, you should just donate that to a Hawaiian Charity and have the full write off, rather than just the mortgage interest, really…just my 2 cents. 🤷♂️
That doesn’t even make sense.
You want complete economic deviation for 5 years even if the virus is under control??!!
Tell that to all the local business owners and get their opinion on that.
Honest question: will you adhere to your 5 year travel ban and stay away from your timeshare for 5 years? And keeping guests who must travel at all (even from the same island) to visit your timeshare?
I’d suggest living by your words if you think that’s the best thing to do, regardless or not the government takes up your idea.
Are PCR tests the NAAT tests required? It appears that PCR test are a type of NAAT test.
We’ve made changes to our flight plans to go to Hawaii twice now. We’re currently slated to go end of September/early October to see family. The more time drags on, though, I’m sadly expecting Hawaii to just shut down again. The biggest hurdle I see is their requirement that those seeking an exemption to the 14 day quarantine get an NAAT Covid-19 test. You can’t get them anywhere unless you’re sick AND your doctor or clinic happen to be a client of one of the few labs that do those tests. Everyone else only does PCR tests. My guess is that either Hawaiian govt. has no clue what they’re doing, or knows exactly how difficult this test is to get and knowingly required it allowing them a back door to get what they want (lockdown) but still provide a defense to the feds lawsuit (“hey mainlanders can come in if they’re just tested”), or they have some magical solution that will provide thousands of NAAT tests. My bet is on #2. Good luck with the recovery Hawaii.
We belong to Kaiser in California, and they will NOT give us the test unless we have symptoms. Wake up Hawaii. Take temperature as people arrive on the Islands if you want to screen. Otherwise planning a trip is a “crap shoot”. No way.
We are Americans. HAWAII is America.
And let’s infect our fellow “Americans” with our selfish, self-centered mindset! The article isn’t banning “Americans” to Hawaii it is pointing out that other island nations/territories are banning Americans because we have the highest infection rate in the world. Do a little research before expressing your opinions… Hawaii is the most isolated archipelago in the WORLD. Our resources are very limited and in some cases, single digit ICU beds and the number of respirators available per residing is .02% of the current population. So yes “HAWAII” is America, but why do you feel the need to go someplace that you’re not welcome at this time?! Do you think that the majority of the population that works directly or indirectly for the tourist industry doesn’t want to make a decent paycheck?!? We simply value the health and welfare for us and our families! This isn’t something that the local government can lookup in the history books and formulate a plan of action based on past events… this all new and there are going to be mistakes and modifications being made all the time.
Why can’t you look to history books, is this the first time we’ve had a pandemic? In the United States of America, we have a constitution that protects certain rights. The point is that restrictions on interstate travel for a-symptomatic travelers is unconstitutional. Quarantines for the healthy is unconstitutional.
You do know that the death rate from COVID-19 is not 5% as it was estimated at the beginning of this hysteria, right? The true number: 0.04%, and that is taking all reported numbers at face-value. A belief in science is fine, as long as that science is based on facts. Isolate the vulnerable, not the healthy. Also, you don’t need ventilators, but if it makes you feel better, Hawaii can have all of the thousands that we made for New York. New, never used! Please keep track of the latest information instead of buying the FUD from long since discredited news pieces?
Hey Harvey H. First of all yes we’ve had pandemics in the US previously… and how did that go!?! How many people died?!! We sure were successful in containing them right?
So you want to bring in the constitution… Yes it is a constitutional right for interstate travel, but is that really the issue? Why is it you self-righteous mainlanders feel the need to take a chance at spreading the disease to the residents of Hawaii just so you can enjoy some beach time? It just goes to show how selfish and self-centered you’re being! The islands are closed!!! If you were an essential worker needing to come to Hawaii for work or to fill a needed position then we’d welcome you with caution, but I don’t believe you’d be on your high horse complaining on this board.
Don’t throw in the statistic of number of deaths! In the big picture it is just a small percent of the long-term effects of surviving COVID…
1. Lungs: pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, other long-term lung damage.
2. Heart and Cardiovascular: myocarditis, abnormal clotting, heart failure
3. Kidneys: 30% of hospitalized coronavirus patients develop moderate to severe kidney damage.
4. Digestive Tract: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
5. Brain and Neurological System: seizures, hallucinations, Guillain-Barre syndrome
*data taken from Univ of Miami School of Medicine
Families are struggling now yes, but at least most, who have lost their medical insurance with the loss of their jobs aren’t further burdened by expensive medical bills due to treatment from getting treated for COVID! Moreover, how about when they have to stay home from work during the time for recovery. Nearly all jobs here do not provide for paid sick leave. Especially in the service industry. Do you think someone who suffers the effects of COVID is ready to go back to work in as little as two-weeks? Didn’t think about that did ya!?!?! All so you can work on your tan!
All this just so you can come to the islands and vacation?!?! You my friend are the epitome of selfish! Or maybe you just want to try and play the herd immunity card and just bring in everybody (because it’s your constitutional right) and let’s just get it over with?! How about “keeping track of the latest information” and tell me how that’s working out. On the island I live on there are (9) nine ICU beds to serve an island of 72k residents. So yeah let’s get the island infected and just get it over with!
Let’s talk about respirators… How about showing some stats on “don’t need ventilators.” I guess you’re an expert in the field of medicine!?
“Isolate the vulnerable…” What part of “Hawaii is the most isolated archipelago in the world” do you not understand?!!?! How do you isolate the vulnerable? There are many multi-generational families living under the same roof so offer up a solution for that! And again, for what?!!? So you can frolic at the beach!
I love the phrase “you can’t fix stupid” and it’s never been so prevalent during this pandemic. So with that being said, I’m out of this conversation as I know that you will not be swayed and have no regard for the health and safety of the residents of my beautiful state that I was born and raised in, except for the 20 years I spent serving in two branches of our armed forces protecting the constitutional freedoms you want to carelessly spout!
And by the way I’ve worked in the tourist industry for over 13 years so I see first hand how this is affecting our economy, but I will not compromise the health and welfare of my family and residents of this island!
Aloha!
Bravo!!!! Nothing matters more than the people of Hawaii. I have had 2 separate three week vacations canceled since March. One in April and one in August. Was I sad, you bet, but I looked at the island and the wonderful people living there, and I was happy to delay my trips to save lives. I WILL return when it is safe for my Hawaiian friends and adopted family. Thank you Beat of Hawaii for keeping us informed and positive that things will be better one day.
Hi Betsy.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Wow – The media has really done a marvelous job of driving you to the brink of panic. You really need to stop listening to them. Fear drives ratings and ratings drive revenue. Follow the money.
Bottom line is that the virus is in Hawaii. Case numbers are rising because that’s what a virus does. Hand washing and wrapping a rag around your head will have minimal effect on its spread just as it has everywhere else.
The real question that needs to be asked of your government: You’ve had 5 months to prepare for this – WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING?
Amen!
Why was your governor considering letting in people from Japan then and other countries with no strict policy enforced
Hawaii isn’t the only state requiring a 14-day quarantine or testing. Alaska, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont all have restrictions on visitors, either for everyone, or for those coming from certain states.
Right, the quarantine has remained in effect so the cases should go down if it is effective. Well, I think anyone with half a brain can see from the numbers that quarantining is not effective as the cases continue to rise and not because it is coming from the mainland. Follow the data people.
Banning Americans.
Like we’re the ones that invented COVID-19.
I cannot wait to hear what nonsense comes next.
Unlike the Bahamas, Hawai’i is a part of the United States of America.
The sad thing that has come out of the COVID-19 situation is the hatred of many ‘locals’ towards their fellow Countrymen.
Thank you Beat of Hawai’i for always holding the conversations that other media can’t or won’t.
Mahalo for your honesty.
Hi Pam.
Thanks for your many comments.
Aloha.
Over 100 countries have banned US travel to their county. We did not “invent” COVID, but due to lack of leadership all of the states have suffered because of this at the federal level. I look forward to visiting HI soon but not at the expense and well being of the islanders and island hospital resources!
Peace
I don’t think Gov. Ige or his staff know how difficult it is to schedule a test, the cost involved, and timing it perfectly to get results within the allotted 72 hours. Hopefully the situation will change for the better before opening up Hawaii to everyone.
Our 2020 trip to Maui (mid Sept. to mid Oct.) won’t be happening and we’ll sorely miss seeing loved friends and family. But, bottom line is safety for the people and the Islands. As a Maui native, I know there is only one hospital and one road to get to it. Kamaaina First!
Here’s to 2021! A Hui Hou.
The elected governors were to take care of their states…they should of known each county individual needs. Federal provided funding and equipment fast. Stop with political divisive [edited].
And you don’t find it odd that because we have never had a national testing/tracking strategy, have not instituted a national Defense Production Act executive order to divert ALL testing operations so that testing delays of 8-14 days make such testing meaningless? Or are you saying that the same little state with limited resources and little current income is the one responsible for our response to CV-19?
💯% agree!
Aloha Beat of Hawai’i.
I “liked” your Facebook page and after seeing the posts that are VISCOUSLY attacking anyone that thinks Hawai’i is:
A) part of the United States
B) should open up the doors
C) a place to vacation
or
D) all of the above
This isn’t Aloha. This isn’t anything I’ve seen in all my years.
This isn’t human kindness, and it’s mostly Hawai’ian transplants from “other than Hawai’i” acting like fools.
You’re awesome.
Please keep doing what you do.
Mahalo 🌺
Hi Pam.
Thank you.
Aloha.