Updated 12/2/20. We said you should expect changes to the Safe Travels Program soon, and today it seems that will be coming even sooner than we thought. There is currently a 3-day pre-travel testing plan valid to all islands except Kauai, and a 14-day quarantine without negative results on arrival. Kauai on the other hand, starting today, has shuttered once again to travel and is requiring a mandatory 14-day quarantine for everyone.
We said when we first published this, “We simply have not heard the last of this and you should expect more significant changes soon.” Here’s what’s going on as of today, that you’ll want to know and look out for if you plan to travel to Hawaii anytime soon.
CDC recommendation could change Kauai and statewide quarantine to 7 Days.
As of this morning, CDC is recommending that the quarantine period for those testing negative for COVID be reduced from 14 to 7 days. As a result, we do expect to see Hawaii’s rules reflect that, and here’s’ how that “might” look. We’re waiting for news from the state at this point.
1. Those who test negative but do not have test results on hand for arrival, would only be required to quarantine for 7 days instead of 14.
2. Kauai’s mandatory 14-day quarantine could be reduced to a mandatory 7-day quarantine with a negative test result in the final two days of that period. That will not help Kauai visitors to a large degree, who’s entire vacation is still only 7 days on average.
3. We still are awaiting an update on whether Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s plan for a 96-hour test rather than a 72-hour test will be put into effect.
4. It is not clear whether Hawaii has adequate testing resources to go to test all visitors on arrival. The question is could a significant shortage of tests for travel preclude that option.
What about the Lieutenant Governor’s proposal for pre and post-travel testing.
Josh Green, who is the official responsible for the state’s traveler testing program, and an emergency room physician, has proposed changes to the Safe Travels program. These are intended to make it even safer and help address the problem you’ve widely reported in comments about test results not being obtained in time to meet the current 72-hour rules. Here’s what he is suggesting:
1. Change pre-travel testing from within 72 hours of travel to within 96 hours of travel. That will ease a lot of concern for those who rightly fear not having results prior to travel.
2. Require a second rapid antigen test on arrival in Hawaii for all visitors. To make the Safe Travel program better, Green had previously indicated a desire for post-travel testing but said there weren’t adequate tests available at that time to fulfill that goal. We don’t know to what degree that has changed so we’ll wait to hear more on that.
Green, perhaps speaking to Kauai’s recent plan to require a mandatory 14-day quarantine, indicated there is no reason to make big changes to a system that is already working, with what he termed the lowest mortality and active cases per capita in the US.
The lieutenant governor was insulting to the Honolulu Mayor’s suggestions and called Caldwell’s proposal juvenile. Green is not in favor of allowing people to come to Hawaii without testing and still be able to test out on arrival. He believes the governor, who was silent on this particular discussion, concurs with him, which is why the state recently changed to require a 14-day quarantine with no exception for those who don’t produce negative results initially on arrival.
Kauai now closed with 14-day mandatory quarantine and no alternatives.
The new 14-day mandatory quarantine went into effect today without regard to whether arrivals previously obtained a negative test result or not. The duration of this shutdown and the criteria for reopening has not been specified. Nearly all vacation travel to the Garden Island and most flights will cease. Airlines have already canceleds flights.
We previously mentioned that Kauai resort bubbles may be back. Your comments overwhelmingly state you are not interested in those whatsoever. A resort bubble has been in place at Timbers Resort for example. That program expanding this week, and to prepare for it Timbers has purchased more guest monitoring bracelets. The large property adjacent to Lihue Airport does not have beach access. Rates start at $874 per night with a minimum 4-night stay, in the off-season.
Big Island testing on-arrival update.
The Big Island plans changes too and will now test 100% of all arrivals starting today. That will be in addition to the state’s required pre-travel test, currently set at within 72 hours of departure. That on-arrival test is to be provided near the airport, and we believe there will be no charge for that.
Honolulu Mayor Caldwell’s proposal.
Caldwell said recently he is in favor of several changes he’s putting forward in a new proposal to the governor.
1. Provide a way for those who have tested pre-travel but don’t have the correct test results in hand on arrival. They would be permitted to get a traveler-paid test at Honolulu’s new testing lab to avoid the 14-day quarantine.
2. Offer a new 4-day quarantine for those who do not test pre-travel. In this case, the mayor is proposing two post-travel tests. The first one would be on arrival, followed by 4-days of quarantine and a second test. These visitors would be required to use Honolulu’s contact testing app. Those arriving would be required to pay for all testing, although prices aren’t known yet.
Updated 12/2/20.
I am planning to fly to Big Island on 12/17. I got the Vault home kit test already. My flight departs at 7:00 am from Phoenix to LA and arrives at Kona Airport at 12:30 pm. My question is do I count 72 hours from departure from Phoenix or from LA or arrival time?
Have plans to fly into Honolulu Airport early January 2021 from Alabama Do not have any signs of the virus only have sinus allergies Do not intend to be quarantined for any length of time can do that at my own house Concerns are not about traveling just want to be able to experience Hawaii able to go around enjoy myself with enough freedom Have thought about changing my plans until later in 2021 am definitely coming to at some point it is my dream trip Would appreciate your feedback on this
Hi Melinda.
There are countless comments from people who are either here now or have just been here. Peruse those for their feedback. Our sense is you will have a great time.
Aloha.
Terry, unless you can schedule a rapid test with Embry, I would suggest you avoid them. I had scheduled a test with them for travel to the USVI which has a 5-day test window. At that time I scheduled my test, Embry was quoting a 48-hr to 72-hr turnaround. At the time of my test, they quoted 3 to 5 days. On the 4th day, I decided to go to Gateway Urgent Care in Gilbert ($75) for a rapid test. Thank God I did because Embry didn’t return my results for 5 1/2 days…after I had arrived in the USVI.
Resort bubbles are a joke. You will always have the possibility of new guests arriving this contaminateing the ones already there. It only benefits the rich. Not your average tourists. I do not agree with the mayor on kauai. He set a plan of tiers that you need to be a rocket scientist to figure out and then does not even follow his own plan but quickly goes directly to a 14 day mandatory quarantine. Makes no sense. Think before you act. Rely on the lieutenant governor. His proposed numbers were very accurate under the safe travels plan. Kauai’s numbers have been lower than the anticipated numbers. And it’s not the tourists bringing on COVID. It’s the locals. And if they are worried about ICU/ventilators staffing issues ect they have had 9 months to get that up to snuff and chose not too. Very very sad indeed. The homeless situation of camp clusters is despicable. Elderly. Families and babies. That should be a concern not shutting down the island.
Hawaii lists two partners for COVID testing in the state of Arizona. I have discovered a testing facility, Embry Women’s Health with multiple locations, tests NAAT, results 7 days a week. The lab processing is CLIA, Labcorp. It would be very helpful to research and add as an approved partner
TERRY L.
There are actually 4 Trusted Partners in Arizona (granted two are mail in) – Costco/Azova, Walgreens, Xprescheck and Vault Health. Hawaii doesn’t even have Mayo as a partner and the following may be why! Same reason CVS and Quest Diagnostics eventually bowed out – the testing facility has to agree to consistently meet Hawaii’s 72 hours pre-flight requirement which eventually, when they got overwhelmed, CVS and Quest could not do. It is not the reputation of the facility nor their CLIA certification – it is whether they can meet other requirements. But you are correct – the more the better – hopefully! (Would you want to bet on the fact there just might be financial “feedback” in negotiating a Trusted Partner?!?!?!
We are planning a trip at the end of February 2021 and are worried about getting the covid test 72 hrs before the flight. We are flying Hawaiian airlines and since we are flying with them, are we guaranteed to get our results through Valut Health in time? Any other thoughts?
I’m sure there are no guarantees, but I keep hearing that the fastest way to get results is through an airline. After all, they are motivated.
Thank you for all of the valuable information you’ve been providing during these difficult times. While we are chomping at the bit to get back to Kauai, we understand the limited hospital capacity on the island and are willing to wait so Kauai residents are protected.
Do you know if the government has plans related to vaccinated travelers? I understand vaccinated people will be provided a proof of vaccine card and I am hoping this will be used in lieu of testing results.
Hi Robert.
Thanks. There has been no information thus far on vaccines as relates to Hawaii travel. Currently, the state is still struggling to deal with testing and its Safe Travels program.
Aloha.
Rob or Jeff
I’ve spoken to my friends on Maui and they’re telling me that since the new quarantine was announced on Kauai there’s been stepped up threats made to senior condo owners.
These individuals are long time annual visitors to Kauai staying 2 to 3 months at a time. They passed all testing the original 72hr pre flight test and voluntary post test only to be threatened and harassed with property damage if they don’t leave the island.
I trust the folks on Maui with the information they’re sharing with me. They have spoken to 2 of their senior couples friends (75+) on Kauai who’ve received these threats and made the decision to cut short their visit and return to their homes on the mainland.
To reiterate these are senior couples who visit Kauai annually they help out at food banks, the humane society and are vested into preserving Hawaiian culture. They’d been on the island covid free for 6 weeks then got targeted by locals after the quarantine announcement was made.
Is this an isolated case or are you seeing a growing threat against tourist on Kauai
Thanks
Richard
Hi Richard.
We have heard absolutely nothing of the kind.
Aloha.
I’ve reached out to my friends to get a location of where this happened as soon as I hear from them I will let you know.
To make matters worse in Kauai, on top of the mandatory 14 day quarantine, visitors apparently cannot stay in condos or vacation homes during their quarantine. This, from the Kauai.gov/COVID-19 website:
“Travelers subject to the quarantine are prohibited from renting a vehicle or staying in a short-term rental or vacation rental until completion of the quarantine period, so please plan ahead.”
Sounds like visitors are required to stay in hotels or resident accommodations ONLY. BOH, is that your take as well?
And $874 per night? Good grief! I just want to visit, not buy the place.
Hi Rob.
That has been the case throughout COVID, so nothing has changed. Quarantine cannot be in a vacation rental.
Aloha.
Thank you for the update but I suggest that you just plainly shutdown all tourist travel until spring 2021! Your ever changing rules and unreasonable 72 hour testing time frame just doesn’t work as quick as you think plus you run the risk of buying air, hotel etc then you change the rules like last summer when you kept on delaying the 72 hour testing. Where can i file a claim for air and hotel? Then the now new rule of being quarantined if a traveler arrives without a test result but waiting for it in your expensive hotel watching TV??
Get real, think about the tourist that spend $millions to visit and be treated with hardly any respect. Also hate your native folks reporting on tourist to the cops and get arrested. These same native folks gladly accept the overpriced meals, shows, tourism taxes in good times. So, why don’t you shut down all tourism until at least spring to avoid paying for a trip then you change the state arrival rules?? Also don’t think about a “covid tax” when you re-open!
Plus, I wonder what’s open, things for tourists to do. Restaurants, bars, museums, parks, activities.
To all travelers willing to abide by Hawaii’s pre-travel requirements, e komo mai (welcome) and mahalo for your understanding. In a small state with limited resources, widespread testing is necessary to keep our O’hana safe during this pandemic. For those that are not willing to abide or do not like Hawaii’s pre-travel requirements, mahalo for not coming. As far as getting a refund for your airfare and hotel, take it up with the airlines and hotel they have the liberty to refund or retain your money.
Agree. Y’all can visit us in 2022. Gotta take care of our islands first. Then Y’all can come spend yah moola with us native folks!
Aloha!
First mahalo for your continuing accurate information. Even as a Kaua’i resident, I follow your emails. I have also forwarded them to Mainland friends …all of whom have now cancelled their trips to Kaua’i
I recently went to HNL on a trip I’d scheduled well before Covid. Fortuantely, I was scheduled to return yesterday…pure luck! I had ordered the Vault test thru the HA link, but after reading all the comments about not getting results in time, I chose to save it for a Mainland trip. I made an appt w/Urgent Care Hawaii which has an office in Waikiki, and had the results in 48hrs…$209.00 but worth it. They were very nice and helpful, even after when I had trouble opening the file om ,y phone. My understanding is that they are only doing tests for inter-island travel.
Keep up the good work!
Mahalo!!
Lynn
Hi Lynn.
Thanks for your nice words, and for sharing your experience.
Aloha.
Hello-since you recently did inter island travel and are a Hawaii resident, I was wondering if you had any insight on Minit Medical or Clinical Labs of Hawaii on Maui. It sounds like you are on Kaua’i but as someone with “boots on the ground” wondered if you had any thoughts. thank you and stay well!
Hi Cherie.
We have not had any recent experience interisland, but perhaps Lynn or someone else can give us a hand.
Aloha.
Thank you! I look forward to the replies. Stay well!
BOH,
I look forward to newsletter and find the information interesting and valuable. Lately, I’ve been trying not to comment, but here I go. I do think the government in Hawaii needs to get it together, but what people don’t seem to understand is how quickly the health system in Hawaii can get overrun, they’re just trying to protect people.
Furthermore, the CDC is recommending that people not travel right now, so why not stay home?
The federal government needs to get some relief for people who have been hit so hard economically, I hate to see the locals suffer but it doesn’t make sense to head to Hawaii when covid is out of control in much of the U.S. Diligence is necessary.
We had planned to be on Maui right now, but it looks like we’ll postpone until we have vaccinations.
Be safe everyone.
Lani
Hi Lani.
Good to hear from you again. Thank you.
Aloha.
Myself and my 2 young boys are visiting my husband who is deployed there currently. Not all of it is for vacation, doesn’t my family deserve to be together for the holidays?
Hawaii has known about it’s poor hospital facilities for how long? Tourists in Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island have been subsidizing the insane light rail project to nowhere on Oahu for years, and on Maui car rentals subsidize road repairs and the new rental terminal at around $5.00/day per car. Fix your medical care! I always see this excuse, but seriously, Hawaii had 8MM tourists last year and I’m guessing that not a few of them might have needed medical care. But somehow can’t deal with their COVID cases now? As far as needing to go to Oahu for treatment of serious injuries, I live in a rural area and we get life-flighted to hospitals over 60 miles away when things are serious, too.
How about asking for the hospital ship Mercy if things might get really out of hand? This hand-wringing just seems overblown. Why are HI public (government run) schools and (state run) hospitals reported as being so chronically terrible? Could it have something to do with your politicians? Hold them accountable and refuse to accept their inaction and incompetence. They obviously know how to spend tax dollars, maybe they could start addressing this concern. The virus isn’t going anywhere, time to make sure the islands have the medical care they need.
Let me make sure I understand. What you’re suggesting is that we not try to stop the massive spread of this disease. But rather that we do nothing and simply increase our hospital capacity to handle the huge wave of sick and dying people that will result? Do you realize that we topped 100,000 hospitalizations today (Thurs) alone? When the post-thanksgiving wave hits, that number is going to go up even further. Our Dr.s and nurses are already stretched to the breaking point, and you want there to be more patients for them to try and deal with? You realize this isn’t just about numbers of beds and numbers of ventilators, you have to staff those beds. Where are all the extra Dr.s and nurses in your scenario going to come from?
Normal people defer the confrontation with death. The protectors run to it as it threatens the innocent. Fools are engulfed and perish dragging family and friends with them.
An ancient story. All we are missing is the girl.
The whole idea of the Safe Travels program was to create 1 set of rules for everyone traveling to Hawaii, to keep it simple enough for travelers to follow. The biggest mistake was leaving Options for Mayors to opt out. Now they all are back to different rules, some of which make no sense at all.
It also seems the Tourists are taking the blunt of the blame when many of the Covid positive travelers has been by returning residents & those bouncing for island to island. If you’ve paid attention to some of Lt. Gov conferences Residents are horrible at wearing masks & social distancing. I get it, that for a good period of time there were no cases on Kauai, but when tourism started back their habbits didn’t change.
The other rediculousness is these leaders know tourism is their economy. Shutting it down slaps their residents into food lines, $0 income, and dispair. Within hours of Kawakami’s action Thousands more residents were put out of jobs. One of the larger hotels just said the hell with it & said they’d be closed at least for the rest of the year. Landlords of commercial & residential properties have taken it in the chin. Vacation Rental’s have been basically shutdown for 9 months now forking out thousands in HOA Dues & mortgages with only a few weeks of reprieve for some while Inter-island travel was allowed & the few weeks tourism was allowed. Hotels & the Vacation Rental’s had to hold funds to cover the cancellations that were likely because they had a gut feeling Rules would change or get shut down again. I don’t know how they expect anyone to be able to make a plan for their business, family with what money they have to survive.
These leaders keep saying we’ve got to get away from reliance on Tourism, without any plan to do it. Until they can come up with a valid plan to do that, they’ve got to get their acts together a not cut the noses off of everyone that lives, works or conducts business in their County / State!
I’m wondering why the Big Island is going back to testing 100% of arriving passengers instead of the 25+% they’ve been doing recently.
It appears the number of positive tests (not “cases” in my book) are going down on Hawaii Island which would seem to indicate those arriving by air are not causing a problem. The monetary cost of testing everyone must be high, unless few people are coming now because of the erratic and ever-changing State rules.
I agree. I wish they used the word “positive tests” instead of “cases”. An accurate word choice could stop the spread of fear.
DENVER travelers –
I am planning to go to HNL in a week. As best as I can tell, Walgreens rapid NAAT “ID NOW” is my safest bet. Should I plan a back up? Vault or AFC? If my result is still pending, is United good about rescheduling 24 hrs later? I bought trip insurance, but I feel pretty good that it will all work out. I am extremely careful and it is worth the cost and a certain degree flexibility going somewhere that is trying to be as cautious as reasonably possible.
On Kauai new policy. New Zealand tried that back in the spring. It didn’t work, just delayed the inevitable. They shut down at around 1200 cases, declared victory, opened back up and the virus magically returned. They are now up over 2000 cases. It’s a virus. It will do what all viruses do. Viruses don’t listen to politicians and find their way around whatever roadblock we think will stop it. Now vaccines! That’s a different story. Viruses hate vaccines.
Thank the Maui gods we got to spend 9 days there last week, we knew we got in under the wire,
it was very organized and a perfect trip but here we go again, rules changing daily, had hoped to go back in April, doesn’t look promising.
I made 3 cancelations
1 never lifted 14 day stay home.
2 changed preferred test vendors on mainland.
3. Now talking about 7 day for my 6 day vacation in maui next week.
I’ll go to Alaska to vacation.
John
Hi I am concerned as well. I have a trip planned to Maui for Christmas. But I haven’t heard anything about Maui….Any info that I am missing???
It seems that travel to Hawaii will have to wait until vaccines become widely available. We cancelled our trip this morning to the Big Island. Second time. Having said that, we are hoping to visit in early September. Hopefully, by that time things will have returned to “normal” whatever form that takes.
Beat of Hawaii has been our guiding light not only before the pandemic, but especially this year. Kudos and a shout out to the both of you.
Stay healthy and centered.
Hi Frederick.
Thanks so much for saying that. Much appreciated. We hope that you can return to the Big Island in September. Please stay in touch.
Aloha.
Hi there,
I have a question, please. I realize that no one has a crystal ball, but wondering if anyone has any thoughts or feelings about whether quarantine will still be in place on Kauai during the summer, say July 2021. I know, its not easy to say.. but just looking for an opinion.
Mahalo,
Theresa
Hi Theresa.
Our gut says no it will not. But like you said, who knows.
Aloha.
Holy cow what a big mess. Its amazing how much more confusing they can make things, ugh. I sure am hoping by March they finally have a worked out plan across all islands that works for everyone. Like most have said, resort bubbles are a big no for us and we’ll continue to push out until its figured out. We are not going to kauai for a hotel, tourist, sit on the beach vacation. We like to see historic sites and the beautiful nature that makes the island special. So fingers crossed. Thanks again for always being ontop of these neverending changes.
Hi Lynde.
Thanks for your more than 3 dozen comments. We hope you can return in March.
Aloha.
Hi helpful BOH! It seems like the mayors of Kauai, Big Island and Oahu all have an idea of how they would like to proceed but I don’t think I have seen anything from Maui’s mayor. Has there been any hint to how they are thinking/recommending to proceed?
Hi Pam.
Thanks. Not so far as we have seen recently. We certainly haven’t heard the last word and still have to think the islands and the governor will come together with some unified plan that people can understand and work with.
Aloha.
I’m beginning to feel like I am earning a PhD in Hawaiian Safe Travel!
Hi Barbara.
LOL. That makes 3 of us.
Aloha.
Where did you get the idea that Kawakami will be running for Governor in 2022? He has repeatedly said “No”….maybe check your facts?
Worst Hawaii experience ever! My family did all the required PCR test, pre travel.Hawaii.gov site etc. we all were negative! Unfortunately we had an early flight and the test results didn’t post until the evening! 72 hr is not enough time for CVS ($139/ person)to process the results! Since you need the results in hand, at the airport, Sorry you have to stay in quarantine and remain there till you leave Hi, even though you are Negative! How does that make any sense?
So we upload the results it says no quarantine! Great we can head to Condo in Maui. Well the Gov decided to make a new rule only for Thanksgiving week 11/24-11/30, stating now if you do an intra island travel you need another test, before the 11/24 not Needed! Again no way to get result in time, not informed at the HNL that this change was in effect, nor told we could take a quick test at HNL for a fee of $125/ person or in Honolulu for $300/person. Well when we landed and showed our code the scanner told us sorry your test that we took on the mainland is now past the 72 hr! So you need to be in quarantine! Then we were told two different things #1: if we would have stayed at the airport for the 48 hr (without food, because all the restaurants were closed then you would not have to quarantine! Really no one told us that till after we arrive at the airport in Maui! #2 : were told in Maui upon arrival we can fly back to Honolulu take the quick test at the airport then return to Maui! Well after so much misinformation I was able to finally reach a person to confirm no that wouldn’t work either to eliminate quarantine because once you are in quarantine you need to remain there till you go back to the mainland! The stupidest most expensive waste of $! Extra flight, fee for test that you can’t get the results within a crazy timeframe, can’t rent a car, no room service instead you need to use insta cart for food x4 more expensive, because except for two of restaurants ( Thai & LL Hawaii) won’t deliver!
Crazy you can take the a Lyft , taxi or a shuttle but you can’t rent a car?? Really so stupid who ever came up with these rules!
Rebecca, I feel so bad that your family experienced the cost, frustration and waste of valuable time. It’s exactly what I’m afraid of for our late January trip. Changes to policies midstream will ruin tourism.
The inter island testing requirements have been in place for awhile. They did not just change a week and a half ago.
It’s just not yet the time to visit Hawaii!
Not sure why you haven’t high-tailed it back to airport (via UBER!) and flown back to mainland. Why the heck you want to spend to weeks locked in a room, as you have described?
Rebecca, sorry to hear about your trip. That is a nightmare. I was there the week before Thanksgiving. My girlfriend and I didn’t have our test results by the time we landed. Check through the airport was fine as we showed them our test appts from the mainland and we were good to go. We go to get our rental car and they say they can’t rent to us as we don’t have the passing QR code. We take $100 taxi ride from airport to Kahannapali. Get to our Condo and we get a one time use wristband. Can’t leave until we get our negative results. Not sure how long it will take. Had to order Instacart (safeway). My girlfriend got her test results the next day. I took mine through CVS so I was locked in the condo until Sunday which was 5 days after I took the test (Thanks CVS). Crazy times…….
We cancelled our 2 week Maui Christmas vacation for family of 8 – just too many variables out of our control. It was a hard decision but we are greatly relieved not to be stressing about it anymore. Thank you BOH for your excellent updates on this sad saga – you have been best source of info. We are sad for Hawaii and hope for better leadership and restored health and prosperity soon!
Hi Melissa.
Thanks for letting us know. Hopefully, you can return again soon.
Aloha.
Hawaii has made it too confusing to plan travel. They have forgotten that these are people who needed to be told not to eat soap pods.
I suggested back in March that the hospitality industry of Hawaii invest in testing packages and monitoring devices to test visitors upon arrival, track them and retest them 72 hours later. The Visitors would pay for all the testing, upon arrival to reimburse the Hospitality Industry, and if “cleared” would be free to go play. Testing 72 hours before someone leaves from thousands of miles away and travels through multiple airports is simply a waste of time and money, and a false hallmark of sucurity that is useless.
Michael L – I disagree. Who wants to get Covid on their flight to Hawaii? Even though it’s not 100% fool proof, it gives me comfort to know that everyone on my flight has already tested negative. It’s not a waste….it’s a good start.
Hi Lorie- just an fyi- I just flew to Maui and there were multiple people on my flight that did not take tests prior because they were planning to quarantine since they were residents. I mistakenly thought everyone was tested, but not the case!
🤦♂️…You are cray cray, if you think people spending several thousand dollars for a family vacation, would or should have to endure the cost of multiple tests on arrival, and wear “ankle bracelets”, to be tracked like a criminal, after already testing negative within 72 hours of departure from their final flight to the islands. The Big Island secondary tests are free, as they should be, for Any travelers dropping thousands supporting this tourist based economy.
Your idea was ridiculous then, and, frankly, it is even more so now…especially since the death rate has leveled off or taken a downward decline since mid summer.
Too little too late. As usual it’s the people that suffer because of selfish politicians. You think these putzes are missing a paycheck? Heck no. I have cancelled my 2 weeks in Maui and Oahu. Usually I spend about 10,000 dollars in expenses. I play a lot of Golf and we pretty much eat out every night. Going to Miami instead where we are welcomed. See ya, or maybe never.
Be safe and careful in Florida! They just hit 1 Million today.
Positives, from the anything other the the last few weeks, mean next to nothing. What statistical point does 100k positives from last Spring mean?
A positive from last March is as significant as a positive case of the measles from 30 yrs ago.
Aloha S,
I’ve been saying this for months. It’s just another fear mongering number that has no relevance to , which are the impact on hospital capacity, and the death rate…neither of which have been significantly impacted in the last several months.
Mahalo for pointing out the obvious. Too many people have been delusioned, by ambiguously misleading, and sometimes (as in this case) useless Covid statistics.
Testing makes no sense. When we have someone test positive they social distance and wear a mask, same with someone that didn’t test positive.
So now a week will suffice says the CDC. What a gigantic scam. Yes Karen, I know, a lot of people have died. Nursing home residents, the elderly, and those with underlying issues should be extremely careful. They should quarantine. The rest of us should be able to live our lives. Instead, idiot politicians are ruining our lives in ways they cant yet even imagine. No one has ever given two poops about how many die from the flu. But our way of life is being forever damaged by an illness that in most cases has no symptoms or the symptoms of the common cold. Turn off CNN and live your lives.
Amen Barry!!
The trouble with your approach is that more than 50% of the spread of the virus is via asymptomatic people. Since not everyone knows if they are “vulnerable” there’s a great chance that someone like you who doesn’t get much, if anything in the way of symptoms might spread the disease to someone who doesn’t know that it’s going to put them in the hospital. if you look at the current hospitalization rates across the country they are skyrocketing, and if they continue at this rate we are going to run out of beds, etc. Also, you’re missing the fact that there is a significant number of people who have no to mild symptoms as well as those that have moderate to acute symptoms who later suffer on-going chronic symptoms. This has different names, post-covid, “long haulers”, etc. So, overall, I suggest that we should all take COVID a bit more seriously and care a bit more about our friends and neighbors. Certainly, complaining about the government trying to put things into place that helps protect people is, in my opinion, counterproductive.
Too right!
100%
No, that’s not how it is done. A positive individual is isolated for a period of time. A mask and distancing is helpful, but a known positive needs to be separated until the infectious period is completed and symptoms are resolving.
At what point will Hawaii listen to the top medical experts on what works and what doesn’t. Quarantine prolongs the virus or makes the virus worse.
Do you mind sharing the data that suggests this? thanks!
Which top medical experts are you referring to? The CDC says no such thing.
Omg! This is the most dysfunctional state government I have ever seen
Mark,
It seems like you love to travel to Hawaii. If you spend at least 10000 dollars here then a quarantine won’t hurt you. We have this pandemic because people from the mainland are selfish. Hawaii is not Hawaii without our people. You can go to the Caribbean if you not happy with Hawaii. Spend your money there.
I and so many others will do exactly that!!! You Hawaiians will some be sorry for this when your islands are in poverty and people are starving death.
What a crock……. Hawaiians live on Tourism and the US Government…….. They gladly charge 200% of what “locals” pay and then call mainlander selfish……. we probably are foolish. We should stop coming all together and we should implement policies in our states that charge hawaii residents more
Actually, no, Hawaii is still Hawaii with our without “out people”. And this conversation / thread is not about Hawaii with out without anyone. Your comments are as ignorant and pointless as the various Hawaii counties’ ever-changing testing / quarantine requirements.
The reality is that not one single Hawaii death from this virus has been linked specifically to a tourist. Virtually EVERY SINGLE local death has been due to community spread–not foreign invaders. On big island, for example, virtually every single death has been in one retirement community for veterans; all of those poor souls were killed by their own doctors and nurses and support staff–not tourists. And the same is true on Kauai and Maui as well. Auntie comes back from the mainland with COVID and spreads it to her immediate family–and virtually every single person who catches is survives and recovers with no problem.
So stop your silly \talk about some kind of apocalyptic viral genocide by the white man coming to the islands to swim in the ocean and lay on the beach.
Actually I find mainlanders, outside of the big cities like LA, much more accepting of people than locals out here.
Fake Aloha out here is rampant
Way over done. Punish everyone for a few who might get ill.
So I have been infected. No symptoms. It’s like a flu. Elderly and obese may have more symptoms. Take the right vitamins;
Zinc, Vit D, Vit C, B6 and B12. Just wear mask and keep distance. Too much paranoid reaction. Costing way too much to society, with way too few results. Way too much hype by the news and hospitals. The hospitals get huge dividends from public coffers (thru gov’t aid) if they claim death by Covid. dis-information. Creating a world of lies and oppression sowing seeds for world dominance and control.
You pinned that right !!! 100% agree