204 thoughts on “Breaking: Kauai Proposes Complete Travel Shutdown”
ErdoganG
Kawakami is a political opportunist. His previous plan was rejected, now he is trying to take advantage of the passing away of the elderly gentleman to push his agenda of staying in the public eye again. If he wants to be transparent he should give the age and what other health problems the gentleman had before. Also his reasoning lacks logic in one sentence he says most of the spread is due to residents returning in the other he proposes to shut down tourism arrivals while keeping tier 4 for locals. Shutting down tourist arrivals will do nothing to prevent the spread by the returning residents because they are advised to quarantine at home with some local households having more than a dozen people living in crowded quarters. By removing the requirement of a negative test he is also allowing any resident who may be positive to come without testing and infecting both fellow passengers and everyone he comes into contact with until he goes to his residence to quarantine and nucleate a super spreader.
Sarah R
Thanks for sharing your viewpoint!
Nothing is perfect but the 14 day quarantine has proven to be safer for Kauai and has limited the cases.
Implementing the 14 quarantine puts the burden on the people who choose to travel rather than the people staying put. There is medical and workforces exemptions for people who actually do need to travel.
Charles C.
So very sorry about all of this. This so terrible plague (?), I’m saying brought to us from China, is destroying lives and many plans people have had for quite a while. I am sorry for us who had plans for a Hawaii Christmas; sorry for many who did, and for those who had Christmas plans for other places, now canceled! Do hope all of Hawaii is soon well and ready for all of us again. Praying for all of us to stay safe and well.
Kim P
Who would take a chance coming to Hawaii until Covid is over with rule changes with every case of covid. I am writing from Mexico where we rebooked after cancellation of our Hawaii trip. No issues here. Taking all reasonable precautions but not draconian knee jerk reactions. I feel for the local businesses I hope they will still be there when we return in 3-5 years
kathy
We love spending time on Kauai and are saddened that we are unable to visit at this time but the welfare of the islanders must come first. I pray the economic hit everyone is taking because of this virus and shutdown will not be permanent. The people are so gracious and we await the time we can return..for at least a month when we can finally go. We wait as we wouldn’t want to be the the cause of anyone getting sick and I’m not convinced that pre testing will catch all inflicted since this virus hides well. To all the islanders, I wish you well and hope to return in the future for an extended visit. A complete shut down is only temporary…safety first.
Sarah R
Mahalo Kathy,
And you will be great with Aloha because you are showing the island Aloha!
I wish more people on this site had the same view as you about travel during the Pandemic!!!
Gigi Q
Kauai has 9 ICU beds and about a dozen ventilators. If you sick there is nowhere to really go and the virus will spread quickly here. I support Mayor Kawakami and his request. As a resident I refuse to travel right now because I don’t want to spread the virus and our small island cannot handle large numbers of sick people. We do not have enough medical resources. We want to reopen but not at the human cost that will be paid. Please show aloha. Either don’t visit right now or quarantine to keep residents healthy.
RIch
Looking at this and the issue of Students getting appointments for tests on the mainland so they can return home for the holidays.
How are Hawai’s students on the mainland at Universities across the country as well as those with jobs on the mainland going to come home for the holidays if they must quarantine for 14 days? They surely cannot quarantine at home with family members as the Student Age Group are both one of the highest infection rates as well as the most asymptomatic.
Marcel R.
I knew it this is going to happen. Kauai will start it, other Islands will follow. It’s probably best to do it that way.
Rich
I do not think stopping travel or imposing a 14 day quarantine which will stop visitors is the correct approach. As the Mayor says it is not a visitor problem and at least half of the infections are returning residents. What we do not know is how many are Kama’aina and how many are Malahini.
We need to strengthen the provisions re masks, social distancing and avoiding likely sources of infection.
Are visitors and returning residents abiding by the 3 day isolation or meeting friends and family? Are shops and restaurants /bars able to offer social distancing. Should we move to outdoors only? How many are doing the 3rd day testing, how many locals are getting regular tests just to be sure. I think there is a lot to be done obeying what the rules say to strengthen protection. Suddenly bannign Kauai travel will drive visitors to other islands and cause businesses to close as no one will look to risk visiting Kauai for a long time after.
14 day quarantine is a nice soundbite for politicians but making the existing system work properly and stopping people saying oh well who cares is not as punchy but will deliver more for Kauai. I remember Kauai after Iniki and people trying to get their lives back together. We do nto want to kill Kauai businesses.
V ERN K
We’re anxiously waiting for our “final” decision as to our up-coming trip Jan 7 thru 16 for the 7-day inter-island cruise..the constant changes to the travel restrictions are making it difficult. The vaccine may be available prior to our departure but will it make a difference to travel restrictions? We’ll also be tested prior to departure and numerous times during our visit..part of the tour will be to the Smith Plantation Luau on Kauai..maybe? Time is running out for us to either go or postpone this trip..purpose is/was to celebrate my 80th birthday Jan 8 2021.. Aloha ??
Cheri D.
We are hopeful to visit Hawaii after my daughter graduates in 2021. Are nervous about booking the trip. Prayers that everything will improve so we can come.
Ed. C
We canceled our regular September trip. Booked a trip for December 1st thinking surely this mess will have ironed out by then. Just canceled that trip. We have another trip scheduled in February and I’m really beginning to wonder if that one will happen – even with a vaccine coming out.
I can understand the fear of the residents of Kaua’i because of the very limited medical resources there, but at some point Kaua’i will have to get on with living. The virus isn’t going to magically disappear on January 20th.
The one thing that has been made abundantly clear is how a large segment of Kaua’i really feels about tourists – and not in a good way.
Mahalo BOH for being the best source for Hawaii news.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Ed.
Thanks. We look forward to welcoming you back again.
Aloha.
David B
“The one thing that has been made abundantly clear is how a large segment of Kaua’i really feels about tourists – and not in a good way.”
You should have been out here on far North Shore Kauai after the flood broke the road, and closed access to non-residents for 14 months. Was like Lord of the Flies on steroids.
CS
I’m sorry but we’re no where near any financial gain yet…and I get it, businesses need to start up and thrive again, people need to make a living…Kauai took care to keep out the virus as much as possible and did so well…yes it was islanders returning home with the virus…thats a given when you leave home to the mainland where its infectious..Still, I would put a stop also, to regain stability for the island and lessen any more spread…pausing a little longer is worth saving a life till vaccinations. Just my thought.
Rob R
Greetings friends,
If someone arrives by air to HNL with negative test uploaded and approved and then sails to Kauai either via charter or friend with a boat, would that be allowed? In other words, is there another “gatekeeper” besides Kauai Airport? Does the hotel even care when you arrive in Poipu if you’re clean and COVID-free?
Thank you!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Rob.
Yes we understand that hotels are asking to see your QR code. Not sure about sailing – perhaps someone else can comment.
Aloha.
Chris W
Hotels most certainly care. And I’m sure they are held to strict rules. I arrived on Kauai with test results pending. 72 hours from my last takeoff wasnt enough time for my results to get back, it took 4 days. (The results were negative). Upon landing the national guard had me a sign mandatory self quarantine until the results were received, uploaded, and reviewed. That included where I was staying and other contact details. When I arrived at the hotel they asked for my qr code, and explained that because I did not have my results, that I would get a key that was good for a one time entrance to my room. No leaving until either results or the 14 day period were attained. You can only leave your room for medical services or an emergency. No room service was being offered, but food, extra towels, etc were dropped off at the door without answering the door. I received my results the 2nd day uploaded and called the number the gqurd gives you and was “free to go”. Finished a 3 day voluntary quarantine and retested with the quick test from amr. Both negative and continued my trip. Stayed at the Marriott on Kauai. Just my insight to answer your questions of hotels caring or not.
Jerry T
How many ICU beds in Kauai? 11 that’s right 11! Need I say more.The mayor is asking to save lives.
Ken
I know there is a bias based on a long ethnic memory. Europeans and mainlanders brought disease and destruction of the Hawaiian people. That might cause Kawai’ians to want to pull the plug on outsiders.
However Kawai’i mayor said that half the island’s cases were residents returning to the island. It is not visitors bringing the disease but Hawaiians.
Economic death is as horrible as physical death. If you save some lives but destroy the island livelihood you haven’t saved anything. The cure is indeed worse than the disease.
Jerry T
Ken do you own a rental?
Rochelle h
Nasty does not help nor do assumptions. He makes a perfect t point. Do You have all the answers?
Bob
Correct!
Barbara M
KEN…
Well said! And very accurate! I posted an article from today’s The Garden Island…
“OnlyKaua‘i now has a cumulative case count of 119, of which 104 are confirmed locally, one is a probable case, and 14 are positive cases that were diagnosed elsewhere — with tests taken on the mainland where the positive results did not arrive until they were on-island.” They don’t say whether those 14 were tourists or returning residents. Nor how long a period of time it took to accumulate those 14 cases.
Chris G
Ige needs to abandon the idea that the islands need to have uniform rules across them. What makes sense in Oahu, with significant healthcare capacity and already widespread community spread, does not make sense in Kauai right now.
Kauai should be allowed to enact their rules requiring a 3-day quarantine and a pre-travel test, then aggressively market towards longer-term travelers that want to avoid a COVID-filled mainland winter. This is not a normal year, there are many thousands of people that could potentially be interested in this sort of arrangement.
Normal short-term tourism is simply incompatible with Kauai during a pandemic. Ige needs to accept that and allow Kauai to make their own decisions until the vaccine rolls out.
Barbara M
CHRIS G…
I agree with the concept but face it – the old adage “when you’re working you have the money but not the time, when you’re retired you have the time but not the money”! Most people can’t leave their jobs, have their children leave their schooling, etc to be “long term” visitors.
Matt
The people of Kaua’i have a right to determine who may or may not visit the island, and under what circumstances. They even have a right to change their mind, via their representatives, about that whenever they so choose. BUT –
I believe it is economic suicide to continue the on-again, off-again approach adopted to date. Outsiders who truly love the island will do their best to understand and respect the will of the people, but even they will ultimately change their travel habits and vacation elsewhere, some of them forever. A great percentage of others will simply go elsewhere in the short term and likely even longer. I’m not an economist, but it doesn’t require that to see how the long term lack of tourist dollars will cause a snowball effect on business failures, and to the livelihood of islanders who are directly and indirectly linked to it.
As a former employee of Hawaii Pacific Health on Kaua’i, I think I understand the potential for an overwhelming situation should there be a large-scale increase in Covid cases, but living on Kaua’i has always posed the potential for health care inadequacies – for instance, last I checked, a person having a cardiac event requiring cardiac catheterization could not obtain that treatment on-island. That has been a fact of life on Kaua’i for a long time – a potentially fatal risk one must accept to live there.
I hope for everyone’s sake that this crisis turns a corner towards manageability for all and that islanders will not suffer financial fuin in its wake.
David B
Wrong.
Whether they like it or not, they are part of the state of Hawaii (higher authority) who is a part of the United States (higher authority). Kauai is not private property.
Yogi G
That’s rediculous. Try to think a little deeper, brah.
kathy
That may be the case (all the islands are Hawaii) but having traveled all the islands they are so different from each other that they must be be looked at individually. It is so sad to see where things were under control to go so far bad as to now have a death. I want the welfare of the people to take precidence and will wait until it is safe for everyone.
Tom B.
We’re always very saddened by the unfortunate death that was described and of course the 58 case count. But, that doesn’t paint the entire picture. How many hospitalizations and how many mild or asymptotic cases have been discovered by all the testing. The way things are going and with the starting and stopping we will probably be canceling our biannual visit to Kauai. We typically stay 5-6 weeks and have loved it for the past 25+ years. Kauai will always be our second home, but maybe not in 2021, very sad. The Mayor has to start thinking about the results of another shut down of Kauai’s tourism and all the other health concerns that go along with it. The Cure shouldn’t be worse than the Virus itself. I’m not sure when his re-election comes up, but the people of Kauai may not forget what he has been asking for.
Good Luck to all my Kauai Family!!!!
ThomA
He’s not up for re-election. If he was I think he might do things differently? But I don’t live in the state so not fair for me to judge. Just letting you know that he is not up again.
John A
Thanks BOH for these updates on the clown show. Kawakami may be the biggest clown of all, which is saying something when the competition is Ige. Does Kawakami even understand his own statement? “Nearly half of our recent travel cases are Kauai residents who returned home.” Followed later by “we shouldn’t penalize our local people by restricting activities when that’s not the current source of infection.” Listen Mayor Brainiac, if half the cases are locals coming home then, yeah, locals are a big part of the problem. But I get it. He’s standing up for Kauai – you go brah!!!! – if he shuts out all visitors. After all, it’s never a bad move on Kauai to villainize visitors and outsiders.
Dale C.
Congrats to John A for pointing out the Mayor’s lapse in logical thinking that would be normally be avoided by any bright 4th grader–and not missed by most GI readers. I also like to think the Mayor’s grandstanding for higher office is also pretty transparent.
Kale
Grandstanding? Yes, Caldwell and Green have been getting all of the attention lately.
kathy
It seems to me the island had it under control and the ‘returning residents’ brought it from the mainland. Had they stayed in Kauai perhaps they wouldn’t have contracted it. Just saying..
Janet R
Maybe he should give the “new plan” more than a day to work. The cases from “travelers” will likely die down once the negative tests have to be in hand before boarding the plane. If not, having everybody come without a test and quarantine isn’t going to help as they will all then come without a test. Why would you spend $150 to $200 to test if it doesn’t do you any good? Also, If you’re going to switch your plan, a little more notice than five days to a week away would be helpful! by the time the governor decides it could be after Thanksgiving, and December 1st is already next Tuesday. If you’re planning to come next Tuesday, you’ve likely scheduled your test already! By the way, love your articles — they really give me so much more news than the rest of the stories on the internet!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Janet.
Thanks so much for saying that. Happy Thanksgiving.
Aloha.
BERT C
Just returned yesterday from 2 week stay at my condo. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the island. I could see this coming. The locals I know whose jobs depend on the hospitality industry were afraid that this would happen. I just don’t see how Kauai and perhaps the other islands will feel comfortable allowing tourism until there is a vaccine that has proven to work and enough people have been vaccinated. No matter how hard the efforts to stop the spread of COVID the only way to completely stop it is isolate the islands. I’m not endorsing that idea I just see it as the reality. I saw the increase in homeless while I was there. It’s sad but the reality of the lack of tourism income. I hope to be back if February or March. Time will tell.
Comments are closed.
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Kawakami is a political opportunist. His previous plan was rejected, now he is trying to take advantage of the passing away of the elderly gentleman to push his agenda of staying in the public eye again. If he wants to be transparent he should give the age and what other health problems the gentleman had before. Also his reasoning lacks logic in one sentence he says most of the spread is due to residents returning in the other he proposes to shut down tourism arrivals while keeping tier 4 for locals. Shutting down tourist arrivals will do nothing to prevent the spread by the returning residents because they are advised to quarantine at home with some local households having more than a dozen people living in crowded quarters. By removing the requirement of a negative test he is also allowing any resident who may be positive to come without testing and infecting both fellow passengers and everyone he comes into contact with until he goes to his residence to quarantine and nucleate a super spreader.
Thanks for sharing your viewpoint!
Nothing is perfect but the 14 day quarantine has proven to be safer for Kauai and has limited the cases.
Implementing the 14 quarantine puts the burden on the people who choose to travel rather than the people staying put. There is medical and workforces exemptions for people who actually do need to travel.
So very sorry about all of this. This so terrible plague (?), I’m saying brought to us from China, is destroying lives and many plans people have had for quite a while. I am sorry for us who had plans for a Hawaii Christmas; sorry for many who did, and for those who had Christmas plans for other places, now canceled! Do hope all of Hawaii is soon well and ready for all of us again. Praying for all of us to stay safe and well.
Who would take a chance coming to Hawaii until Covid is over with rule changes with every case of covid. I am writing from Mexico where we rebooked after cancellation of our Hawaii trip. No issues here. Taking all reasonable precautions but not draconian knee jerk reactions. I feel for the local businesses I hope they will still be there when we return in 3-5 years
We love spending time on Kauai and are saddened that we are unable to visit at this time but the welfare of the islanders must come first. I pray the economic hit everyone is taking because of this virus and shutdown will not be permanent. The people are so gracious and we await the time we can return..for at least a month when we can finally go. We wait as we wouldn’t want to be the the cause of anyone getting sick and I’m not convinced that pre testing will catch all inflicted since this virus hides well. To all the islanders, I wish you well and hope to return in the future for an extended visit. A complete shut down is only temporary…safety first.
Mahalo Kathy,
And you will be great with Aloha because you are showing the island Aloha!
I wish more people on this site had the same view as you about travel during the Pandemic!!!
Kauai has 9 ICU beds and about a dozen ventilators. If you sick there is nowhere to really go and the virus will spread quickly here. I support Mayor Kawakami and his request. As a resident I refuse to travel right now because I don’t want to spread the virus and our small island cannot handle large numbers of sick people. We do not have enough medical resources. We want to reopen but not at the human cost that will be paid. Please show aloha. Either don’t visit right now or quarantine to keep residents healthy.
Looking at this and the issue of Students getting appointments for tests on the mainland so they can return home for the holidays.
How are Hawai’s students on the mainland at Universities across the country as well as those with jobs on the mainland going to come home for the holidays if they must quarantine for 14 days? They surely cannot quarantine at home with family members as the Student Age Group are both one of the highest infection rates as well as the most asymptomatic.
I knew it this is going to happen. Kauai will start it, other Islands will follow. It’s probably best to do it that way.
I do not think stopping travel or imposing a 14 day quarantine which will stop visitors is the correct approach. As the Mayor says it is not a visitor problem and at least half of the infections are returning residents. What we do not know is how many are Kama’aina and how many are Malahini.
We need to strengthen the provisions re masks, social distancing and avoiding likely sources of infection.
Are visitors and returning residents abiding by the 3 day isolation or meeting friends and family? Are shops and restaurants /bars able to offer social distancing. Should we move to outdoors only? How many are doing the 3rd day testing, how many locals are getting regular tests just to be sure. I think there is a lot to be done obeying what the rules say to strengthen protection. Suddenly bannign Kauai travel will drive visitors to other islands and cause businesses to close as no one will look to risk visiting Kauai for a long time after.
14 day quarantine is a nice soundbite for politicians but making the existing system work properly and stopping people saying oh well who cares is not as punchy but will deliver more for Kauai. I remember Kauai after Iniki and people trying to get their lives back together. We do nto want to kill Kauai businesses.
We’re anxiously waiting for our “final” decision as to our up-coming trip Jan 7 thru 16 for the 7-day inter-island cruise..the constant changes to the travel restrictions are making it difficult. The vaccine may be available prior to our departure but will it make a difference to travel restrictions? We’ll also be tested prior to departure and numerous times during our visit..part of the tour will be to the Smith Plantation Luau on Kauai..maybe? Time is running out for us to either go or postpone this trip..purpose is/was to celebrate my 80th birthday Jan 8 2021.. Aloha ??
We are hopeful to visit Hawaii after my daughter graduates in 2021. Are nervous about booking the trip. Prayers that everything will improve so we can come.
We canceled our regular September trip. Booked a trip for December 1st thinking surely this mess will have ironed out by then. Just canceled that trip. We have another trip scheduled in February and I’m really beginning to wonder if that one will happen – even with a vaccine coming out.
I can understand the fear of the residents of Kaua’i because of the very limited medical resources there, but at some point Kaua’i will have to get on with living. The virus isn’t going to magically disappear on January 20th.
The one thing that has been made abundantly clear is how a large segment of Kaua’i really feels about tourists – and not in a good way.
Mahalo BOH for being the best source for Hawaii news.
Hi Ed.
Thanks. We look forward to welcoming you back again.
Aloha.
“The one thing that has been made abundantly clear is how a large segment of Kaua’i really feels about tourists – and not in a good way.”
You should have been out here on far North Shore Kauai after the flood broke the road, and closed access to non-residents for 14 months. Was like Lord of the Flies on steroids.
I’m sorry but we’re no where near any financial gain yet…and I get it, businesses need to start up and thrive again, people need to make a living…Kauai took care to keep out the virus as much as possible and did so well…yes it was islanders returning home with the virus…thats a given when you leave home to the mainland where its infectious..Still, I would put a stop also, to regain stability for the island and lessen any more spread…pausing a little longer is worth saving a life till vaccinations. Just my thought.
Greetings friends,
If someone arrives by air to HNL with negative test uploaded and approved and then sails to Kauai either via charter or friend with a boat, would that be allowed? In other words, is there another “gatekeeper” besides Kauai Airport? Does the hotel even care when you arrive in Poipu if you’re clean and COVID-free?
Thank you!
Hi Rob.
Yes we understand that hotels are asking to see your QR code. Not sure about sailing – perhaps someone else can comment.
Aloha.
Hotels most certainly care. And I’m sure they are held to strict rules. I arrived on Kauai with test results pending. 72 hours from my last takeoff wasnt enough time for my results to get back, it took 4 days. (The results were negative). Upon landing the national guard had me a sign mandatory self quarantine until the results were received, uploaded, and reviewed. That included where I was staying and other contact details. When I arrived at the hotel they asked for my qr code, and explained that because I did not have my results, that I would get a key that was good for a one time entrance to my room. No leaving until either results or the 14 day period were attained. You can only leave your room for medical services or an emergency. No room service was being offered, but food, extra towels, etc were dropped off at the door without answering the door. I received my results the 2nd day uploaded and called the number the gqurd gives you and was “free to go”. Finished a 3 day voluntary quarantine and retested with the quick test from amr. Both negative and continued my trip. Stayed at the Marriott on Kauai. Just my insight to answer your questions of hotels caring or not.
How many ICU beds in Kauai? 11 that’s right 11! Need I say more.The mayor is asking to save lives.
I know there is a bias based on a long ethnic memory. Europeans and mainlanders brought disease and destruction of the Hawaiian people. That might cause Kawai’ians to want to pull the plug on outsiders.
However Kawai’i mayor said that half the island’s cases were residents returning to the island. It is not visitors bringing the disease but Hawaiians.
Economic death is as horrible as physical death. If you save some lives but destroy the island livelihood you haven’t saved anything. The cure is indeed worse than the disease.
Ken do you own a rental?
Nasty does not help nor do assumptions. He makes a perfect t point. Do You have all the answers?
Correct!
KEN…
Well said! And very accurate! I posted an article from today’s The Garden Island…
“OnlyKaua‘i now has a cumulative case count of 119, of which 104 are confirmed locally, one is a probable case, and 14 are positive cases that were diagnosed elsewhere — with tests taken on the mainland where the positive results did not arrive until they were on-island.” They don’t say whether those 14 were tourists or returning residents. Nor how long a period of time it took to accumulate those 14 cases.
Ige needs to abandon the idea that the islands need to have uniform rules across them. What makes sense in Oahu, with significant healthcare capacity and already widespread community spread, does not make sense in Kauai right now.
Kauai should be allowed to enact their rules requiring a 3-day quarantine and a pre-travel test, then aggressively market towards longer-term travelers that want to avoid a COVID-filled mainland winter. This is not a normal year, there are many thousands of people that could potentially be interested in this sort of arrangement.
Normal short-term tourism is simply incompatible with Kauai during a pandemic. Ige needs to accept that and allow Kauai to make their own decisions until the vaccine rolls out.
CHRIS G…
I agree with the concept but face it – the old adage “when you’re working you have the money but not the time, when you’re retired you have the time but not the money”! Most people can’t leave their jobs, have their children leave their schooling, etc to be “long term” visitors.
The people of Kaua’i have a right to determine who may or may not visit the island, and under what circumstances. They even have a right to change their mind, via their representatives, about that whenever they so choose. BUT –
I believe it is economic suicide to continue the on-again, off-again approach adopted to date. Outsiders who truly love the island will do their best to understand and respect the will of the people, but even they will ultimately change their travel habits and vacation elsewhere, some of them forever. A great percentage of others will simply go elsewhere in the short term and likely even longer. I’m not an economist, but it doesn’t require that to see how the long term lack of tourist dollars will cause a snowball effect on business failures, and to the livelihood of islanders who are directly and indirectly linked to it.
As a former employee of Hawaii Pacific Health on Kaua’i, I think I understand the potential for an overwhelming situation should there be a large-scale increase in Covid cases, but living on Kaua’i has always posed the potential for health care inadequacies – for instance, last I checked, a person having a cardiac event requiring cardiac catheterization could not obtain that treatment on-island. That has been a fact of life on Kaua’i for a long time – a potentially fatal risk one must accept to live there.
I hope for everyone’s sake that this crisis turns a corner towards manageability for all and that islanders will not suffer financial fuin in its wake.
Wrong.
Whether they like it or not, they are part of the state of Hawaii (higher authority) who is a part of the United States (higher authority). Kauai is not private property.
That’s rediculous. Try to think a little deeper, brah.
That may be the case (all the islands are Hawaii) but having traveled all the islands they are so different from each other that they must be be looked at individually. It is so sad to see where things were under control to go so far bad as to now have a death. I want the welfare of the people to take precidence and will wait until it is safe for everyone.
We’re always very saddened by the unfortunate death that was described and of course the 58 case count. But, that doesn’t paint the entire picture. How many hospitalizations and how many mild or asymptotic cases have been discovered by all the testing. The way things are going and with the starting and stopping we will probably be canceling our biannual visit to Kauai. We typically stay 5-6 weeks and have loved it for the past 25+ years. Kauai will always be our second home, but maybe not in 2021, very sad. The Mayor has to start thinking about the results of another shut down of Kauai’s tourism and all the other health concerns that go along with it. The Cure shouldn’t be worse than the Virus itself. I’m not sure when his re-election comes up, but the people of Kauai may not forget what he has been asking for.
Good Luck to all my Kauai Family!!!!
He’s not up for re-election. If he was I think he might do things differently? But I don’t live in the state so not fair for me to judge. Just letting you know that he is not up again.
Thanks BOH for these updates on the clown show. Kawakami may be the biggest clown of all, which is saying something when the competition is Ige. Does Kawakami even understand his own statement? “Nearly half of our recent travel cases are Kauai residents who returned home.” Followed later by “we shouldn’t penalize our local people by restricting activities when that’s not the current source of infection.” Listen Mayor Brainiac, if half the cases are locals coming home then, yeah, locals are a big part of the problem. But I get it. He’s standing up for Kauai – you go brah!!!! – if he shuts out all visitors. After all, it’s never a bad move on Kauai to villainize visitors and outsiders.
Congrats to John A for pointing out the Mayor’s lapse in logical thinking that would be normally be avoided by any bright 4th grader–and not missed by most GI readers. I also like to think the Mayor’s grandstanding for higher office is also pretty transparent.
Grandstanding? Yes, Caldwell and Green have been getting all of the attention lately.
It seems to me the island had it under control and the ‘returning residents’ brought it from the mainland. Had they stayed in Kauai perhaps they wouldn’t have contracted it. Just saying..
Maybe he should give the “new plan” more than a day to work. The cases from “travelers” will likely die down once the negative tests have to be in hand before boarding the plane. If not, having everybody come without a test and quarantine isn’t going to help as they will all then come without a test. Why would you spend $150 to $200 to test if it doesn’t do you any good? Also, If you’re going to switch your plan, a little more notice than five days to a week away would be helpful! by the time the governor decides it could be after Thanksgiving, and December 1st is already next Tuesday. If you’re planning to come next Tuesday, you’ve likely scheduled your test already! By the way, love your articles — they really give me so much more news than the rest of the stories on the internet!
Hi Janet.
Thanks so much for saying that. Happy Thanksgiving.
Aloha.
Just returned yesterday from 2 week stay at my condo. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the island. I could see this coming. The locals I know whose jobs depend on the hospitality industry were afraid that this would happen. I just don’t see how Kauai and perhaps the other islands will feel comfortable allowing tourism until there is a vaccine that has proven to work and enough people have been vaccinated. No matter how hard the efforts to stop the spread of COVID the only way to completely stop it is isolate the islands. I’m not endorsing that idea I just see it as the reality. I saw the increase in homeless while I was there. It’s sad but the reality of the lack of tourism income. I hope to be back if February or March. Time will tell.