News, important questions, and some answers just one week away from reopening.
144 thoughts on “Breaking Details: Hawaii Reopening. Approved Testing Partners. Pilot 2nd Tests”
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Home » Blog » Hawaii Travel Tips » Breaking Details: Hawaii Reopening. Approved Testing Partners. Pilot 2nd Tests
Trusted partner should include any that are certified within a state, not just those in Hawaii. University Medical Center in Las Vegas offers and performs the most tests in the largest county of Nevada, why isn’t it included. It automatically should include any laboratory certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988(CLIA), 42 U.S.C. §263a, and meet
the requirements to perform high complexity tests, as per Laboratory Instructions
for Use that was reviewed by the FDA.
No reason to isolate the Hawaii favored companies when the mainland has many more approved laboratories following the approved HHS and FDA regulations.
Thank you Beat of Hawaii for your timely information and interpreting the politics behind the pre travel program. You’ve been mentioning for days about requiring specific test providers and were right on about that. Because of this post I was able to secure the last two test appointments so we can make my flight. Thank you. I’m looking forward to a socially distance and mask filled trip. [No sarcasm intended]
Hi AW.
So glad that worked out for you to get those tests. Thanks for your comments!
Aloha.
So these “partners” only exist in the US.
What about international travelers. Will they be required to quarantine because it’s impossible to get a test from one of those “partners.”???
I saw an article today saying that the mayor of Kauai is still considering opting out. This is all so confusing for someone that is trying to book a trip in November.
I found the press conference informative. I would suggest watching the recording is a good way for many who have not yet to gain some clarity. Or at least provides an opportunity to draw your own conclusions. As sadly a lot of what was said is open to interpretation for sure. It can be found on the governors Facebook page.
My key conclusions…
– must get testing within 72 hours of departure of leg of flight to Hawaii
– testing must be with a trusted partner and that will be strictly enforced. Sounds like partners are getting ramped up. Thank you for sharing the list. Going to their websites I see even more info.
– the governor says he was not informed that any mayors will not participate in the program. He also says it is up to them. He also says he expects all will open 10/15. To me this means of course he is aware of Mayor Kim’s public comments. However, they are negotiating opening (of course the mayors want more testing and protective supplies and this is a way to possibly get it) and he expects agreement otherwise he would simply say that the big island is not opening up and put the pressure on the major. Instead in order to have complete buy-in he wants the majors to make their own decision to be on board.
– For the second test it will be optional and they even mentioned incentivizing people to take the test and reach the goal of 10% taking the 2nd test. It will be for data purposes to ensure not too many are falsely passing the first test and/or getting sick during travel. There will be no quarantine and there will be no cost is how we interpreted this.
End result is we have renewed confidence that our nov 20 trip will work out. Only time will tell. And hopefully more clarity will come.
Mahalo Beat of Hawaii for keeping us all informed.
Hi Kyle.
Basically, you had the same takeaways that we did. Thanks for your many comments.
ALoha.
Kyle. You should receive post of the year award.. loved your analysis and lack of vitriol so common with those understandably frustrated With life in The midst Of COVID. Reasoned analysis always informs. Rancorous opines May make one initially feel better, but information always trump opinion.
Has there been any discussion about how to get covid-positive tourists OFF of the island? Could there be designated flights to get them back to mainland before they become sick enough to require hospitalization? What happens if a tourist gets covid-19 near the end of their trip and they don’t have the funds for an extra two weeks in an approved hotel?
Please keep up the good work and information. I live in California and had to cancel our September Kona trip. All this testing info, hotel bubbles, current guidelines in the state of Hawaii can be confusing; especially without complete details. Even if you can take visitors again, does each island set their own restrictions? They list Kaiser as a test partner – does that mean I can go to my local Kaiser facility in California and get the 72 hr test? Thank you
Hi Kym.
Yes, you can contact your local Kaiser or perhaps check first on their testing website. It does not appear at this time that different islands will have different rules. That isn’t a workable situation and the governor is negotiating towards that outcome.
Aloha.
KYM V
I called my local Kaiser and they told me if I am not a Kaiser insurance member they will NOT do a test for me. Guess I can take them of the list of places to get this test.
Mahalo BOH for keeping level heads, clear communication & ongoing current updates on Hawai’i & the local government’s plans to reopen. Fingers crossed things go well & all relevant & necessary questions get an answer. Still hoping to maybe plan a Christmas visit if the creases are ironed out:) Thanks for being a voice of calm reason in a chaotic Covid storm !
Hi Nita.
Thanks for the nice words, and for being a regular commenter (49 to date). We hope that works out for you at Christmas.
Aloha.
“Answers were still unclear”…”how that will be managed has not been made clear”…”the governor did not offer specifics one way or the other”…”it is not yet clear who will pay for these tests”. All these updates from the Governor and the Lt. Governor and still no answers. Do they honestly expect the airlines to start booking more flights, island businesses to rehire all their people and the travelers to move forward with purchasing thousands of dollars worth of plane tickets and hotel or condo reservations based on those kind of answers ? This is just like watching a train wreck in slow motion. It is exhausting and painful to watch, and the people of Hawaii deserve better.
The Safe Travels app still needs some work. I’ve tried for several days to enter data (birthday, phone, nationality) without success. Hopefully the app will be functioning in time for our trip in 2 weeks.
Mark
I just signed up and it worked perfectly. Did it from mobile phone. (iOS).
Progress?
Freudian slip guys on “Governor” Green?
Everything is so confusing and every day becomes even more confusing.
Mahalo for being there for everyone!
You’re awesome.
Hi Pam.
Thanks for that correction and everything else. 🙂
Aloha.