News just in this afternoon is that the request from island mayors, legislators, and others for a 2nd test 72 hours after arrival and quarantine until then, has been firmly rejected by Hawaii Governor Ige. Hawaii travel will resume starting October 15, as previously planned. A single approved test within 72 hours of travel to Hawaii will be required to avoid quarantine.
Kauai Mayor Kawakami said, “…While this news is disappointing, we have said since day one that we must be flexible and ready to adapt to our ever-changing environment in order to keep our community safe. Today is no different. We will keep moving forward and utilize our resources to help protect our residents… Our proposed pilot was intended to augment the state’s pre-travel testing program. Our county administration has been clear that a single pre-arrival testing program alone does not provide the needed level of protection for our Kauai community.”
But, Lieutenant Governor Josh Green, the Hawaii official in charge of travel testing had said that no one will come to Hawaii with a second post-arrival testing with quarantine. We concur as did Governor Ige.
We are still awaiting an update on inter-island testing and quarantine.
At present, there is a 14-day quarantine in effect when flying from Honolulu to the neighbor islands as well as between neighbor islands. When asked today about the status of changes to that, Green said, “That’s between the mayors and the governor.”
Lieutenant Governor warns on further travel delays.
Green unambiguously admonished Hawaii today, regarding any further delays to reopening. He said, “If we are not comfortable opening up our economy safely, and we have to delay all the way until May because we will not have a vaccine, then there will be incredible consequences.”
When will we get more details needed by travelers about Hawaii’s reopening?
Governor Ige said earlier today that there will be a press conference with details coming “by mid-week.”
Today’s news should instill confidence in Hawaii travel shareholders.
It has been abundantly clear that airlines, accommodation providers, and others have been waiting for this clarification in order to begin final preparation for reopening in earnest. That can now begin.
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my wife Shelley lives in Honolulu. She’s a local, born and raised and works in Honolulu. I live on the mainland currently. When she visits and returns, what should she expect? Thank you.
Jack
Hi Jack.
We should have an update later today.
Aloha.
The Governor’s travel program discriminates infavor of economic benefits derived from trans-Pac travelers over the safety and wellness of our neighborhood island residence and our ability to travel free of the required 14 day quarantine unlike the malahini.
I’m still confused about traveling to The big Island of Hawaii?
Can we travel after Oct. 15, with a negative Covid test to avoid the 14 day quarantine?
Please make this more clear!!
Hi Suzanne.
There is no clarification on that yet from the state.
Aloha.
This is unfortunate that Kauai was unable to make decisions for our County to make extra safe guards to keep is safe. As we have remained with the fewest cases. I believe we will see a change in our number due to being denied.
I think bringing Tourists here is irresponsible all for the sake of money nor health and wellness of our State’s resident’s💔
Sorry for the typing errors lost my readers didn’t notice until I posted🌺🌴
Can I get an express Covid test to guarantee an answer within 72 hrs. ? Thanks !
Hi Gloria.
We’re waiting for more information from the state on which tests will be approved initially.
Aloha.
There really is such a thing as herd immunity just as there is politicians giving out false info regarding covid, that’s called the fear tacti.
Sure there is if you want 3-4 million to die to accomplish it. And yes Trumpco is lying every time they open their mouths about this
Masks, masks, masks! I own a business in a tourist town accessible by car. We have had a very busy summer. I understand fully the push/pull between locals and tourists. I want locals in Hawaii to know that masks work. It’s was scary when my region opened up, but almost all local businesses united in requiring masks and it seems to have worked. I feel like finding a balance is an important step toward some level of normalcy. Take this chance to rewrite some norms. I hope everyone visiting the Islands does so with respect!
If we arrive in Kauai with our Covid test still pending (hoping that doesn’t happen), can we still pick up our rental car? Thanks!
Hi Brenda.
Great question. We have no answer from the state. Hope to soon.
Aloha.
If you had the simple spit test developed by ASU, none of this would be a problem. I will NEVER take another nasal swab as long as I live. And if I have to cancel my trip to Hawaii, I will!
I believe the big island mayor has opted out of this agreement, is that correct?
that’s just asking for trouble…gotta shut down travel altogether unless its only inter-Island essential use! over 1 Million dead worldwide that’s is like everyone here in Calgary Alberta, dropping dead we have 1.3M…jeees louise
That is insane. Shut down life until whenever. Brilliant.
No Keep Hawaii’s residents safe until this situation changes. Our numbers are low the mainland are not! We could be in real trouble if our numbers rise. Shipping being what it is etc getting necessary goods Medicaid supply…