54 thoughts on “Breaking: Governor Eases COVID Restrictions and Addresses Hawaii Travel”
JEANIE B
I’m so confused . . . can someone please explain . . . will it soon be required to be vaccinated to fly to Hawaii, or do anything in Hawaii as a tourist? So, my husband and I are both vaccinated , but 3 weeks ago we both came down with covid!! Fairly mild case, but tested positive and were decently sick for 10 days. We could have flown to Hawaii with proof of vaccine but yet been contagious one day before our symptoms showed up. This would have made us a threat to everyone, but legal according to those in power. Someone not vaccinated but with a negative test will soon not be allowed to fly?? This makes no sense at all. Goody bye Hawaii, our favorite family vacation place.
20
Alfred H
Only 1% of the COVID cases in the Islands come from visitors. The majority of the cases comes from community spreading with a small portion of that being from locals returning to Hawaii, think trips to Las Vegas.
1
Heyward B
Summarized as follows:
These Changes modify Changes 40-47, issued as revisions to Change 34 revoking the requirements of Change 29 issued to clarify Change 23 which partially incorporated Changes 2-22 to Hawaii’s Basic Tourism Policy. We anticipate the release of additional clarifying Changes (Change 49) next week.
The more things change, the more they stay the same
– adapted from the French phrase, “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.”
Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr
Perhaps we might all contribute to buy the Governor one of those multi-colored lighted signs stating: YES-OPEN; SORRY-CLOSED.
23
Jim R.
Now that made me chuckle. Well played, Heyward…😆
7
Julie M
do not need the government to worry about my health or save my life …do not like that there pushing this vaccine so hard.why do all us legal citizens
need to be forced vaccinated…enough of the control freak stuff with our body’s .this vaccine is not a cure all … we all just want to go back to our freedom of movement to work to visit our families and friends and keep schools open
my body. my mind,my soul
Mahalo
39
Carolyn G
We’re not actually worried about your health or saving your life, beyond our societal and moral obligation to make sure you have access to the information and resources necessary for you to have the opportunity to safeguard yourself. We’re worried and wary of your ability to harm others, especially those who are too young or legitimately, due to medical inability to be vaccinated, unable to protect themselves from you.
24
Alexis D
Well, actually it’s not just about your body. If you get infected you can infect other people, your co-workers, your friends, your family, your kapuna. And if you get sick and have to be hospitalized you take a spot that someone struggling with cancer or heart disease desperately needs.
21
Sarah
You do know that vaccinated people are getting infected? Your rationale is ridiculous.
14
Alfred H
Yup, but they recover faster and reduce the burden on the health system, which provides space for people with other illnesses. Hawaii had to set up tents recently, and import 500+ healthcare workers from the mainland, because the Islands infrastructure couldn’t handle the surge.
6
JohnW
Sarah you are correct that vaccinated people are getting infected too, but it’s rare. Way less often then unvaccinated people. Seems to me that we have to realize that Covid is not going to magically disappear and what has been done is all we can do. The numbers are dropping, it will soon be time to just move on. If people want to be unvaccinated it is their choice and we have to respect and live with it. Certain jobs should require the vaccination obviously, for example I don’t think a flight attendant who travels extensively should be allowed to serve the public should be allowed to not be vaccinated. Vaccine mandates are nothing new and have saved a lot of lives and they certainly are nothing new to the travel industry. It’s rapidly approaching the time when we have to just put this behind us and make masks optional at all times….properly worn N95’s are safe bet for those that aren’t vaccinated as well as the fact that the high rate of vaccination and previously infected people are also safer to be around. The tools and knowledge to stay safe from Covid is out there. We can’t live in fear of a disease that now is less deadly then driving a car for those that want to protect themselves and those that don’t it’s their choice.
We need to stop vilifying them too.
6
Brendan B
its not “rare”
20-40% of people hospitalized and dying of covid are fully vaxxed depending on which states you look at
exaggerating effectiveness of the vaccine is doing nothing to help the situation
also it does not prevent infection and spread to others, this is well-known
rest of your comments are on point. The real risk is very low and its time to move on
1
Carolyn G
It’s not ridiculous. While vaccinated people can still get covid, they are exponentially less likely to be hospitalized and put a huge burden on hospital resources and burned out, stressed out healthcare staff (applauding our healthcare heroes is a cheap and meaningless gesture if you’re going to then demonstrate through your every action that you just expect them to keep putting them in impossible situations due to your selfishness.) Unvaccinated covid patients are making beds and resources unavailable for patients with other critical health conditions.
Vaccinated people who get infected also show a sharp drop-off in viral load after only a few days, so even if infected and unaware are overall less likely to infect others. And not insignificantly, it seems like vaccinated travelers are also much more likely to mask up wherever it’s recommended, without whining and complaining.
Most importantly, the only way to slow and halt the emergence of even more contagious and deadly variants is for all of us who are medically able to get vaccinated.
So, no, not ridiculous. Those who continue to frequent the BOH comments with their complaints about vaccinations, threats about not returning to the islands, and lack of Aloha (as if Aloha is just something you should receive as your due vs something that you live) should look up the Hawaiian word Pono. There’s no direct English translation, but Pono is a sacred concept and approach to living that no one should visit Hawaii without.
Mahalo as always to BOH for the updates!
6
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Carolyn.
Thanks for your many comments.
Aloha.
3
Brendan B
i dont think “exponentially” means what you think it means… vaccines offers light reduction in hospitalizations and deaths… typically 3-6X with delta
they do not prevent spread
best to stick to the facts if you wish to win people over
2
Jerry L
It’s all about power and control, no science behind any of these decisions. Change can come in 2022! Ige terms out next year!
4
Matt S
Now we are a country of laws an order
Heyward B
Hello JULIE M
I think you not alone.
I believe many yearn to be done with those who are so arrogant as to believe only they may be the arbiters of the question of where your rights, privileges, and morals end and mine begin.
1
Chris
This almost makes me laugh. During the hight of the travel ban, Oahu threatened to go into lockdown again if our 7 day rolling average was above a hundred. Now looking back that lockdown was so arbitrary and useless
10
John C
This makes it seem as though he doing us a favor, yet in virtually all instances of “improvement” vaccination is required. Choice as human beings is still not addressed. You want to be vaccinated, that’s your choice. You don’t want the vaxx again that should be your choice Not Gvt. I am totally fed up with the hypocrisy. I also know that many of my friends vaxx and unvaxxed agree.
We are not animals to be controlled like an assembly line for monitoring and tracking. The obvious push to have virtually 100% of us vaccinated across our country will not work!!! This Is America not a 3rd world country.
I could go on, but will only cause bigger differences of opinion in this string so I leave it here.
Please everyone, let’s respect each other no matter our differences.
50
Angie R
Well said! I agree 100%.
6
Alfred H
I would agree, if the unvaccinated just avoided the vaccinated. That way, no effect of a personal decision upon the masses.
1
Heyward B
Hello ALFRED H
Interesting.
I would inquire if the inverse not also be valid. Such would entail the vaccinated avoiding the unvaccinated.
I suppose that greatly depends upon whether the question involved is one of duty, or of status?
2
paul p
Hi thanks for everthing I am fully vaxxed but that extra test to show I do not have covid is too much if you are fully vaxxed do you still have to have that extra test thanks.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Paul.
Since you’re Canadian, at this point the answer is yes you need to also test. But we suspect that will change soon.
Aloha.
2
Lois W
How does this affect luau’s? We have one booked in November and haven’t heard anything concerning it.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Lois.
Great question. Not specifically addressed today, and not sure it fits into these categories. We’re waiting for clarification on that and on children.
Aloha.
1
MaryAnna A
Hi Lois, My friend and I attended TeAuMoana luau in Maui last evening. We had a table to ourselves and I observed that parties that came together were seated together. There were many two person tables. The staff wore masks. It was well organized. I felt comfortable and safe. While I realize this doesnt answer your question, I wanted to share. Enjoy your time in Hawaii and your luau. Thank you.
3
PAMM
Mahalo Beat of Hawai’i for once again going into the shark infested waters surrounding the Covid vs the government insanity.
I have a one word question for you,
WHAT?
Aloha and blessings to you both 🌺
2
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Pam.
Thanks for still hanging in there with us. Have a great weekend.
Aloha.
2
Alfred H
I think that this would fall under the category of “Outdoor seated entertainment” which will be set to 50%, with a cap of 1,000 max?
Sharon T
Is that vaccination or testing within 72 hours? 🙂
Ron J.
Good bye Hawaii, vacationing other places.
35
Dawn F.
Same here! I will never allow the Government to force something that’s experimental into my body!
38
Kelly
Fetal tissue? Really?
Guys why would you even post something like this.
Pure Shibai.
4
Chris R
Kelly it does actually use a fetal line created in 1960 from aborted fetuses. Even though that line is 50 years old, the fact that it originated from a fetus is the reason some people object getting the vaccine…religious and moral objectors (I don’t know why my first response was removed…it is not misleading information)
11
Alfred H
Under that scenario, can’t take other common medicines such as Aspirin as well?
2
Carolyn G
Chris, misleading at best. From the Mayo Clinic (among other reputable sources):
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines were manufactured using fetal tissue.
Fact: Neither the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine nor the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines contain fetal cells nor were fetal cells used in production of either vaccine.
While the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine may have its production based on an adenovirus and historical immortalized embryonic cell origin, the vaccine does not contain embryonic cells. In addition, the Vatican has stated to get a vaccine dose irrespective of vaccine origin.
4
TomK
Dawn – If the Feds have their way (like many foreign countries already ) you will never fly again in the foreseeable future.
6
Matt S
👎
1
Chris S
Good news.
Any speculation on whether they plan on continuing testing for unvaccinated visitors for the foreseeable future?
Have a great weekend guys.
1
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Chris.
We’re not sure on that one but as for a gut call, yes it will continue. Hawaii might be able to suspend testing for unvaccinated as one of the ways to avoid quarantine, but it probably wouldn’t go over very well. Have a good weekend too!
Aloha.
Alfred H
Future unvaccinated visitors would have to find other means then air travel to get to the Islands. The Federal government mandate to require all flyers to be vaccinated will go into effect soon.
1
Peg M
If and when that happens I will definitely feel a lot more comfortable flying.
1
Comments are closed.
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I’m so confused . . . can someone please explain . . . will it soon be required to be vaccinated to fly to Hawaii, or do anything in Hawaii as a tourist? So, my husband and I are both vaccinated , but 3 weeks ago we both came down with covid!! Fairly mild case, but tested positive and were decently sick for 10 days. We could have flown to Hawaii with proof of vaccine but yet been contagious one day before our symptoms showed up. This would have made us a threat to everyone, but legal according to those in power. Someone not vaccinated but with a negative test will soon not be allowed to fly?? This makes no sense at all. Goody bye Hawaii, our favorite family vacation place.
Only 1% of the COVID cases in the Islands come from visitors. The majority of the cases comes from community spreading with a small portion of that being from locals returning to Hawaii, think trips to Las Vegas.
Summarized as follows:
These Changes modify Changes 40-47, issued as revisions to Change 34 revoking the requirements of Change 29 issued to clarify Change 23 which partially incorporated Changes 2-22 to Hawaii’s Basic Tourism Policy. We anticipate the release of additional clarifying Changes (Change 49) next week.
The more things change, the more they stay the same
– adapted from the French phrase, “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.”
Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr
Perhaps we might all contribute to buy the Governor one of those multi-colored lighted signs stating: YES-OPEN; SORRY-CLOSED.
Now that made me chuckle. Well played, Heyward…😆
do not need the government to worry about my health or save my life …do not like that there pushing this vaccine so hard.why do all us legal citizens
need to be forced vaccinated…enough of the control freak stuff with our body’s .this vaccine is not a cure all … we all just want to go back to our freedom of movement to work to visit our families and friends and keep schools open
my body. my mind,my soul
Mahalo
We’re not actually worried about your health or saving your life, beyond our societal and moral obligation to make sure you have access to the information and resources necessary for you to have the opportunity to safeguard yourself. We’re worried and wary of your ability to harm others, especially those who are too young or legitimately, due to medical inability to be vaccinated, unable to protect themselves from you.
Well, actually it’s not just about your body. If you get infected you can infect other people, your co-workers, your friends, your family, your kapuna. And if you get sick and have to be hospitalized you take a spot that someone struggling with cancer or heart disease desperately needs.
You do know that vaccinated people are getting infected? Your rationale is ridiculous.
Yup, but they recover faster and reduce the burden on the health system, which provides space for people with other illnesses. Hawaii had to set up tents recently, and import 500+ healthcare workers from the mainland, because the Islands infrastructure couldn’t handle the surge.
Sarah you are correct that vaccinated people are getting infected too, but it’s rare. Way less often then unvaccinated people. Seems to me that we have to realize that Covid is not going to magically disappear and what has been done is all we can do. The numbers are dropping, it will soon be time to just move on. If people want to be unvaccinated it is their choice and we have to respect and live with it. Certain jobs should require the vaccination obviously, for example I don’t think a flight attendant who travels extensively should be allowed to serve the public should be allowed to not be vaccinated. Vaccine mandates are nothing new and have saved a lot of lives and they certainly are nothing new to the travel industry. It’s rapidly approaching the time when we have to just put this behind us and make masks optional at all times….properly worn N95’s are safe bet for those that aren’t vaccinated as well as the fact that the high rate of vaccination and previously infected people are also safer to be around. The tools and knowledge to stay safe from Covid is out there. We can’t live in fear of a disease that now is less deadly then driving a car for those that want to protect themselves and those that don’t it’s their choice.
We need to stop vilifying them too.
its not “rare”
20-40% of people hospitalized and dying of covid are fully vaxxed depending on which states you look at
exaggerating effectiveness of the vaccine is doing nothing to help the situation
also it does not prevent infection and spread to others, this is well-known
rest of your comments are on point. The real risk is very low and its time to move on
It’s not ridiculous. While vaccinated people can still get covid, they are exponentially less likely to be hospitalized and put a huge burden on hospital resources and burned out, stressed out healthcare staff (applauding our healthcare heroes is a cheap and meaningless gesture if you’re going to then demonstrate through your every action that you just expect them to keep putting them in impossible situations due to your selfishness.) Unvaccinated covid patients are making beds and resources unavailable for patients with other critical health conditions.
Vaccinated people who get infected also show a sharp drop-off in viral load after only a few days, so even if infected and unaware are overall less likely to infect others. And not insignificantly, it seems like vaccinated travelers are also much more likely to mask up wherever it’s recommended, without whining and complaining.
Most importantly, the only way to slow and halt the emergence of even more contagious and deadly variants is for all of us who are medically able to get vaccinated.
So, no, not ridiculous. Those who continue to frequent the BOH comments with their complaints about vaccinations, threats about not returning to the islands, and lack of Aloha (as if Aloha is just something you should receive as your due vs something that you live) should look up the Hawaiian word Pono. There’s no direct English translation, but Pono is a sacred concept and approach to living that no one should visit Hawaii without.
Mahalo as always to BOH for the updates!
Hi Carolyn.
Thanks for your many comments.
Aloha.
i dont think “exponentially” means what you think it means… vaccines offers light reduction in hospitalizations and deaths… typically 3-6X with delta
they do not prevent spread
best to stick to the facts if you wish to win people over
It’s all about power and control, no science behind any of these decisions. Change can come in 2022! Ige terms out next year!
Now we are a country of laws an order
Hello JULIE M
I think you not alone.
I believe many yearn to be done with those who are so arrogant as to believe only they may be the arbiters of the question of where your rights, privileges, and morals end and mine begin.
This almost makes me laugh. During the hight of the travel ban, Oahu threatened to go into lockdown again if our 7 day rolling average was above a hundred. Now looking back that lockdown was so arbitrary and useless
This makes it seem as though he doing us a favor, yet in virtually all instances of “improvement” vaccination is required. Choice as human beings is still not addressed. You want to be vaccinated, that’s your choice. You don’t want the vaxx again that should be your choice Not Gvt. I am totally fed up with the hypocrisy. I also know that many of my friends vaxx and unvaxxed agree.
We are not animals to be controlled like an assembly line for monitoring and tracking. The obvious push to have virtually 100% of us vaccinated across our country will not work!!! This Is America not a 3rd world country.
I could go on, but will only cause bigger differences of opinion in this string so I leave it here.
Please everyone, let’s respect each other no matter our differences.
Well said! I agree 100%.
I would agree, if the unvaccinated just avoided the vaccinated. That way, no effect of a personal decision upon the masses.
Hello ALFRED H
Interesting.
I would inquire if the inverse not also be valid. Such would entail the vaccinated avoiding the unvaccinated.
I suppose that greatly depends upon whether the question involved is one of duty, or of status?
Hi thanks for everthing I am fully vaxxed but that extra test to show I do not have covid is too much if you are fully vaxxed do you still have to have that extra test thanks.
Hi Paul.
Since you’re Canadian, at this point the answer is yes you need to also test. But we suspect that will change soon.
Aloha.
How does this affect luau’s? We have one booked in November and haven’t heard anything concerning it.
Hi Lois.
Great question. Not specifically addressed today, and not sure it fits into these categories. We’re waiting for clarification on that and on children.
Aloha.
Hi Lois, My friend and I attended TeAuMoana luau in Maui last evening. We had a table to ourselves and I observed that parties that came together were seated together. There were many two person tables. The staff wore masks. It was well organized. I felt comfortable and safe. While I realize this doesnt answer your question, I wanted to share. Enjoy your time in Hawaii and your luau. Thank you.
Mahalo Beat of Hawai’i for once again going into the shark infested waters surrounding the Covid vs the government insanity.
I have a one word question for you,
WHAT?
Aloha and blessings to you both 🌺
Hi Pam.
Thanks for still hanging in there with us. Have a great weekend.
Aloha.
I think that this would fall under the category of “Outdoor seated entertainment” which will be set to 50%, with a cap of 1,000 max?
Is that vaccination or testing within 72 hours? 🙂
Good bye Hawaii, vacationing other places.
Same here! I will never allow the Government to force something that’s experimental into my body!
Fetal tissue? Really?
Guys why would you even post something like this.
Pure Shibai.
Kelly it does actually use a fetal line created in 1960 from aborted fetuses. Even though that line is 50 years old, the fact that it originated from a fetus is the reason some people object getting the vaccine…religious and moral objectors (I don’t know why my first response was removed…it is not misleading information)
Under that scenario, can’t take other common medicines such as Aspirin as well?
Chris, misleading at best. From the Mayo Clinic (among other reputable sources):
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines were manufactured using fetal tissue.
Fact: Neither the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine nor the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines contain fetal cells nor were fetal cells used in production of either vaccine.
While the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine may have its production based on an adenovirus and historical immortalized embryonic cell origin, the vaccine does not contain embryonic cells. In addition, the Vatican has stated to get a vaccine dose irrespective of vaccine origin.
Dawn – If the Feds have their way (like many foreign countries already ) you will never fly again in the foreseeable future.
👎
Good news.
Any speculation on whether they plan on continuing testing for unvaccinated visitors for the foreseeable future?
Have a great weekend guys.
Hi Chris.
We’re not sure on that one but as for a gut call, yes it will continue. Hawaii might be able to suspend testing for unvaccinated as one of the ways to avoid quarantine, but it probably wouldn’t go over very well. Have a good weekend too!
Aloha.
Future unvaccinated visitors would have to find other means then air travel to get to the Islands. The Federal government mandate to require all flyers to be vaccinated will go into effect soon.
If and when that happens I will definitely feel a lot more comfortable flying.