We didn’t really see this coming. Governor David Ige tonight approved the request from Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami, to shut the island down entirely to vacation travel. Effective next Wednesday, December 2, 14-day quarantine for all arrivals will be mandatory. That is true no matter whether arrivals have obtained a negative test result or not. The duration of the quarantine-based shutdown is not specified at this time. It will shut down virtually all vacation travel to the Garden Island and nearly all flights.
Visitors: Kauai visitors who have already purchased travel plans are left on their own to figure out how to proceed, with no indication of whether this could last for weeks, or even much longer. We hope to have more information and the criteria for reopening in an update soon.
Residents: While we don’t have numbers, it is a certainty that the majority of working Kauai residents are directly or indirectly involved with tourism. This is devastating news for many at the beginning of the holiday season. This also comes as many businesses have just reopened, including the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort only days ago. Restaurants are barely hanging on by a thread. And those frankly are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the economic impact.
The governor said, “The unprecedented surge of COVID-19 cases on the mainland and the rise in community spread on Kaua‘i are of significant concern for the Garden Isle. We must protect Kaua‘i residents and visitors and ensure that Kaua‘i’s hospitals do not become overwhelmed. Kaua‘i county currently has the fewest number of ICU beds in the state, and private providers are seeking ways to increase capacity. This moratorium aims to stabilize the situation on Kaua‘i.”
In looking at COVID statistics, we see Kauai has one of the lowest numbers of active cases in the last 14 days. Only 35 on Kauai compared to 80 on Maui, 122 on the Big Island, and 1,095 on Oahu. The state reports that there are 18 active cases as of today and there are zero hospitalizations.
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami justified his request as follows, “We are facing alarming COVID-19 numbers on our island (Kauai) as well as across the nation. This is not just a tourist problem. Nearly half of our recent travel cases are Kauai residents who returned home. We know that a single, pre-travel test has not stopped the virus from reaching our island and we are saddened to report our first on-island death. We must take action to prevent the further spread of disease here.”
This on-again, off-again approach to allowing travel, and by what rules, however, is going to literally kill Kauai tourism and will have both a short-term and much longer-term impact. If you read Beat of Hawaii’s comments, we need to say no more.
How this shutdown came to be.
As we said previously, the governor placed himself in an interesting position, when, early on, he allowed the mayors to make their own decisions regarding the handling of COVID rules. He subsequently began taking back control. In the most recent example before today’s approval, Kawakami proposed requiring arrivals to take a second test 72 hours after arrival and to be on quarantine for just the 3 days until that test. That proposal, however, was not approved by the governor.
Kawakami further suggested that opting-out of Safe Travels would have the island remain on the Tier 4 level of restrictions. He said, “Opting out of the Safe Travels program would be independent of our tier system, which means we could stay in Tier 4 for a longer period of time. It makes no logical sense for us to move tiers while still allowing more travelers. We shouldn’t penalize our local people by restricting activities, such as youth sports when that’s not the current source of infection.”
Not everyone agrees with the decision to remain at Tier 4 while shutting down the majority of Kauai’s business. One suggestion of a different approach comes from Beat of Hawaii reader, Jeanne who wrote, “As a Kauai resident I think Kauai should be at Tier 3. I don’t think this is a big sacrifice, although it may be an unpopular opinion. Moving to Tier 3 will help Kauai to mitigate covid.” Tier 3 would reduce the size of gatherings on the island. It was set to be implemented perhaps as early as next week due to the rising number of cases. It has previously been proposed that the island would not attempt to opt-out of pre-travel testing until Tier 2.
What are your thoughts?
Jim, I agree 100% I’ve had lots of friends and family get it and all got over it. I want to live where you live. It is a flu that a bunch of rich guys saw a way to control us.
LOREEW…
Tell that to the hundreds of families in morning and the thousands of folks who will live with the after affects for probably all their lives – dizziness, loss of smell/taste months later, “brain fog” months later. This isn’t the flu, baby!
Hi everyone.
I had to cancel our family trip after the latest round of mayor shutdowns.
This would have been our 14th trip to our home on Kauai. My state went another way, no shutdowns. Schools and Restaurants open. Life is normal. After a workout at the YMCA five of us went to good restaurant and talked about the covid. Three of the five had already had it, all are fine. If you listen to the news we are all dying. Not true. It’s less than the flu, we were over it in 4-10 days and back to work. Unknowns are scary but so is not working for a year. When I call over there and talk to friends the desperation in their voice is heartbreaking. I pray for all on Kauai and hope you get better leadership. Corona is not a death sentence it’s just another strain of flu. We are entering herd immunity at home and we still have all our small business intact. The death rate in our state is less than last year. Having lived with it for a year it is starting to feel like a War Of The worlds Con, so some billionaire can make a trillion off a new flu shot.
Merry Christmas. I wish we were there.
I missed what state you said you’re from. For many it’s just like any other flu, but for the 300,000 dead and their families it is a big deal! Mele kalikimaka!
Talk to the family of the dead in the beginning … pre-existing complication or heart attack or car accident or cancer marked as Covid. Those are the ones I know of. They wanted those numbers high to scare the flock into submission. I for one do not want aborted babies injected into me. Sorry no kool aid drinking sheep over here.
Jim H. I have to agree with most of what you said. We, too, had to cancel what would have been our 14th and 15th trips. We, too, have had family members contract and get over Covid-19 much as one would the flu. One cousin just returned to work 2 days ago. Many people do get very sick, but the vast majority of those have co-morbidities that make it much worse for them. That is far from the norm. One acquaintance tested positive but had absolutely no symptoms and never got ill.
Yes, 300,000+ people have died that had Covid-19. Every person who dies now gets tested. That does not mean Covid-19 killed them.
Cases are way up where we live, but life goes on. Schools are open, restaurants are open and gyms are open. People are traveling. We’ve taken 4 flights since September. Airports are getting busier.
I feel sorry for the people of Kaua’i who are being ruled by a tyrant. He’s still getting paid while he’s forcing thousands to lose their jobs. Mahalo.
JIM H…
You and your friends are lucky! I’ve known at least 12 folks who have had Covid and not a single one has come out unscathed even when they’ve had mild symptoms. Months later they can’t breathe properly, have dizziness and “brain fog”. One is now having to see a cardiologist after only having had loss of smell/taste for a while. Please do not base your opinions of the virus on the fairly unique experience you and your friends have had! Your experience(s) was not the norm!
Give us more facts , otherwise we will know what your Agenda is 😎
I agree with you totally ! Right on! We need to keep our liberty and stand up for it.aloha!
If you cancel your flight you’ll lose $1,500 but gain a dislike for Kauai. No refunds.
The island of fear will never recover. Only the super rich and the massive numbers of homeless will live here. Let’s cut the salaries of all elected officials.
Claudia, what you are failing to account for is the mental health toll this is taking on the residents who are unable to work or provide for their families. When the “cure” is worse than the “disease” then how is the Mayor caring about health more than dollars??? It will be interesting in the future to really see the mental health toll these lockdowns have had in comparison to those who unfortunately succumbed to the Virus.
Don’t blame the Mayor for a shut down. Blame your fellow residents and people that are not following protocol to be safe, therefore infecting others.
Wearing a mask is a major part of the “protocol”. U.s.c. 21says masks do not eliminate the risk is any disease or infection, not reduce the risk of any illness or death. Nonsurgical masks have not been fda cleared or approved. Masks have been ‘authorized” by fda for use during the vobid-19 panic declaration
I’m blaming ignorance, the belief that wearing masks equals protection, when scientific studies, federal guidelines
published admit that cloth and paper masks provide no protection. Virons pass thru like a fly through a cathedral!
Kauai is being destroyed by the Mayor. There are plenty of places to house covid unit beds. Plenty of travel nurses who would love to come to the island & help if needed. There is no reason to shut down kauai travel. The people who are suffering and dieing from this are local businesses & people who work in tourism. Which is 90% of Kauai. The mayor of Kauai is killing Kauai. Not saving it.
The thing is…it’s been shown that the virus spread is not caused by tourists but instead by returning residents, and also locals who keep up with the “leid-back” attitude of the islands. Stop blaming tourists.
Absolutely ridiculous. CDC data confirms the infection fatality ration for Covid-19 is LESS than seasonal flu. In 2018 Hawaii had 831 people die from seasonal flu – remember the shutdown then? No, neither do I.
The leadership in this state is AWOL.
Canceled my flight for December 3rd. Can’t get any work completed on my condo if I am unable to go to any building supply company. Also, would be unable to do any Christmas shopping at the local businesses and shops. Had my Vault test ready to go but won’t use it now…hopefully it will be good for when the Mayor decides to open up the island…again… and again…and then close it again…
“Canceled my flight for December 3rd.”
Don’t know what airline your were booked on, but highly likely your flight was canceled entirely, or will be. I assume all NS flights to/from Kauai will be canceled, and people will have to transfer through HNL or OGG (until Maui also shuts back down). The people who are on island now, or make it by tomorrow night’s deadline, will not have their original NS flights back to mainland. Airlines have been kept on life support by government bailouts, and don’t want to send empty jets on 6+ hour flights just to pick people up.
What is an NS flight?
DUH! Non-Stop!
I just cancelled our trip to Kauai slated for February. With the latest testing policy, prior to Kauai’s shutdown, I didn’t feel confident in our ability to avoid the quarantine. Being in Arkansas, we only had access to one of Hawaii’s testing partners (Walgreens). There are only two Walgreens in the state advertising testing turnaround times of less than 3 days. I just couldn’t get passed the idea of getting negative testing results 5 minutes after departure and still being quarantined for 14 days (if Kauai even reopens by then).
I just booked travel to St. Maartin instead. I will be able to use our neighborhood medical clinic that guarantees results in less than 24 hours. We love Kauai. It hurts that we will miss this year. We traveled in February 2019 just before the lockdown commenced. I am sad when I think about what places we visited last year that will not survive the economic abyss that is Kauai at this point. I pray for the health and economic survival of those living on the island.
Sorry, we traveled in February 2020. It does seem like forever ago though.
Thank you for the up to date coverage of news on Kauai. I am saddened to read that the cases are increasing. We will put our trip on hold and figure out a way to s support the local economy in the mean time. Order Christmas gifts online and hope they arrive on time.. I would be devastated if someone were to become ill because I selfishly went on vacation. So definitely postponing our “coming home”. Praying for better days.
I see the argument that Kauai has limited medical facilities and the population must be protected. I also see the argument that closing Kauao to visitors and Residents alike will damage the economy. My concern is that what has been implemented is the worst of both worlds.
Allowing residents to quarantine at home where their family live so they can spread to other family members does not seem sensible. Unless all family members are made to quarantine, they would then go out and soread the virus further,
Similarly allowing visitors to stay in a resort buble (which is essentially a budget resort taken over by the states could expose visitors and workers to a more concentrated virus risk and end up increasing the virus infection. Will workers be forced to quarantine there too?
It is a shame that the original 3 days isolating from family, other guests, stores, restaurants or bars at your chosen address and then getting a retest was not adopted. I thought Kauai was doing it. To me it was logical and would have given enhanced protection whilst not created infection bubbles or killing the economy. Maybe the Governor and the Mayor can agree a way to move to this over the next week, so as to increase real protection and put people back in work before Christmas.
Rich,
On small little Kauai island, thousands (yes, thousands!) of people have been quarantining at their homes since this sh*t show started last March. But they had no virus on the island. That may pop a hole in your conclusion. The state/county cannot force people to pay $200 a day (minimum) to be locked up in crappy hotel room with no food. No state in the US can do that. People are told to stay in separate room, etc. Who knows whether they do. Plus, if someone does not have symptoms after the first 3-5 days, let alone the first week, is highly unlikely they have it at all, or have enough “viral load” to be able infect someone else. This is a “just in case” paranoid number that someone came up with back at the beginning.
Thanks David.No stranger to Kauai as I have been coming 3-4 times a year except this one since 1994. Got my Hānai Ohana and I understand the issues which is why I raised it. Aside from Zuckerberg and the Hollywood crowd most folks on Kauai be they Kama’aina or Malahini are just regular people so they are not going to pay for hotel bubble. So the proposal is to quarantine at home. We know from previous experience that this does not work 100%. Partly because if there is no cousin to go to the grocery store, people have to eat so they will go. We also know children and teens are the most likely to catch Covid 2 and the most likely to be asymptomatic. Hawaiians are a very tactile society indeed the Polynesian greeting shares breath. So my concern was and remains that this may make things worse for Kauai. We hear from the Governor who is politically supporting the Mayor that the bigger issue is residents returning. Once Covid is brought onto the island it will spread. The only lockdowns that have worked have been real lock downs where a traveler or group of travelers going together have been isolated. This forms an impenetrable barrier to the virus providing airborne and garbage transmission are also stopped. Creating bubbles of potential infection where locals will work (in tropical Hazmat suits?) and potential infection risks at home will not stop it. Sure I am a bit upset it will be difficult to see everyone in the Holidays, I am hoping the political points will have been scored by New Year and I will be able to visit in early January but still not the same. My real concern is that unlike the earlier suggestion which the Governor refused (which is similar to the 2nd test the Lt Governor now proposes) which would have ramped up defense and protected jobs this may do neither, I want to be proved wrong but I have been advised by a Physician here on Oahu to give Kauai a wide berth for now. I hope the Lord protects everyone on Kauai and you all stay safe.
My heart and prayers go out to the residents of Kauai. Tourism is such a big part of our state’s economy and so many people are impacted by the absence of visitors to the state: restaurants, resorts, land, air and sea actives, etc. I imagine a shutdown of all the other islands will occur in time. Is it even possible to stop the spread through isolation and lockdowns?
Interesting that on Maui incoming arrivals from the mainland who have taken tests but don’t yet have test results must quarantine for 14 days regardless of when their negative results come through, but interisland travelers with the same problem only have to quarantine until their negative tests show up. What’s the difference in their cases? Or are we simply trying to keep out visitors?
Hi Carol,
The policy that all incoming travelers must have their negative results uploaded to the safe travels website prior to take-off to the Hawaiian islands to avoid the 14-day quarantine is for all incoming arrivals to the county’s participating in the state’s pre-travel program as of November 24th(this is a change from the previous rules) which until December 2nd at 12:01am includes Kauai.
As of December 2nd, Kauai is opting out of the safe travels program temporarily but Oahu, Maui and Hawaii County are still participating. Kauai’s opting out which actually puts greater impact on island residents both those traveling and those whose incomes depends on tourists. Please note, both residents and visitors alike can still travel to Kauai they just have to do the 14-day quarantine… which has been proven the most effective way to prevent community spread.
Hope that this helps clear things up for you!
As one of the “selfish”, “greedy”, “over indulgent”, “privileged” tourists referred to by individuals like Glenna G, Richard C, David R and others who supposedly espouse the Aloha Spirit, mahalo nui loa for working so hard to destroy my faith in that spirit. You are proof that spirit can be nothing more than hype!
And to belittle us because we have the audacity to think of Kauai as our “second home” – well again, thanks for the aloha which I always understood to mean, among other things, welcome.
All I can say is shame on you for not respecting your own culture!
And Pam M… If someone removes their mask for a minute to take a photo doesn’t mean they aren’t wearing one when not the subject of a photo. Read all the other posts that talk about “tourists” being the more conscientious on mask wearing.
I love Kauai. I try to Live Aloha and what it really means as opposed to what you represent! When I’m on Kauai, I dance hula for a Hawaiian Living Treasure. I respect the culture and try to live by the spirit of Aloha. Apparently more than you all do!
Barb
You got it right it is hype it’s trendy to speak about your Aloha Spirit. It’s the definition of cultural appropriation to talk about your Aloha Spirit.
Now if a native Hawaiian living a traditional island lifestyle compliments you for your Aloha Spirit that has meaning, but when I hear every trendy woke 60 plus mainland regular visitor to the islands telling you about their Aloha Spirit it cheapens the meaning behind it.
It’s like telling people you’re a good person without letting them judge that for themselves.
I’ve been going to Hawaii since 1973 and just here recently telling people about your Aloha Spirit has become a thing. No one cares how Aloha Spirited you are it doesn’t put you into some special category allowing you to circumvent the 14 day quarantine.
Richard C…
Your insult is not only not appreciated but extremely hurtful… As one of those “woke 60 plus mainland regular visitor to the islands” (I’m 74) “telling you about their Aloha Spirit” – “it cheapens the meaning behind it”.
First… 99.99% of the people we interact with on Kauai are either natives (many of them) or very long time residents. We tend to go our own way and find quiet new spots on our own and in doing so, meet wonderful local folks who have accepted us immediately which tells me they feel our sincerity.
Second… “It’s like telling people you’re a good person without letting them judge that for themselves.” Well, we wouldn’t receive that acceptance unless they felt our sincerity.
Third… The most precious compliments I’ve received along those lines is from a dear friend here locally who is a direct descendant of Kamehameha and a Professor of Anthropological Studies who is educating myself and a few others in the ancient traditions, beliefs and ways. If she sees the Aloha Spirit in me, I don’t need to depend on you for that.
Fourth… If it wasn’t for your ungracious nasty comments, I would never have even brought up the concept of Aloha spirit.
Fifth… “No one cares how Aloha Spirited you are it doesn’t put you into some special category allowing you to circumvent the 14 day quarantine.” When did I make that correlation?
In closing… How many descendants of Kamehameha consider you family? How many Hawaiian Living Treasures call you by your Hawaiian name (“Kehaulani”) and ask you to dance hula for them when they only see you twice a year? How many total strangers have invited you to their child’s wedding after having only known you 1/2 hour and know you are a tourist? How many people have gifted you 5 pounds of salt from the Salt Pond where their family has harvested for year with a blessing?
I want to say is “how dare you insult me like that” but what I will say is “how dare you hurt me like that”
I think this is a good time for all of us to take a breath and and think about one another. Not as red states or blue states but the United States, that all have individual needs. Each state has a right to do what they think is best for their constituents. It’s not an easy job but I think the majority of our elected officials want to do what is best for their state. If we can turn me into we
we can beat this thing by working together. Pointing fingers and blaming one another is not productive and won’t help us slow the pandemic until the vaccine is rolled out. It appears it’s only a matter of months before they start giving the vaccine. When we stand together we can do anything.
We are American strong!
Flu shot only give 30% of efficacy,and it has been around for more than 40 years ,and I talk to 45,000 people in 15 years 80% said they will not take a flu shot again
and I am a RN for 40 years in the package insert stated there is mercury formaldehyde and detergent in it.and colvit 19 vaccine is going to be 94% efficacy.it will not take a rocket scientist to figure it out,think before you take it.aoloha from the bottom of my heart.
Hi guys!!
I have a question. After all that we’re trying to do to get people back to the islands and revive the economy, why are the visitors flagrantly posting photos on social media without masks in numerous places like it’s cool?
We that live on the Islands have to do what’s required but others think they’re so privileged that they flaunt it?
I’m tired of the regulations as well, but getting sick to death of the selfishness.
Please do the right thing people.
Mahalo
Mahalo Pam! I am also sick of anti maskers! I don’t care if they come from the mainland or mars! When I came back on October 9th to visit family and friends I quarantined for 14 days and continue to wear a mask when I’m anywhere close to 6ft near my fellow man. If we want businesses to stay open then we need to protect the people that will shop in their stores. Please show Aloh friends and wear your mask!
Although the pandemic presents few easy choices, Mayor Kawakami’s results speak for themselves: thanks to a strict lockdown this spring, the island eliminated community spread of the virus, experiencing zero new infections for weeks before lifting the quarantine requirement. We dodged a bullet. Although our geography allows Kauai to control spread in ways other communities never could, our remote location also vastly increases the consequences should we fail to do so. With nine (9) ICU beds at Wilcox, even a small outbreak threatens to overrun our limited healthcare infrastructure. We simply cannot afford that.
It’s flattering to see many visitors anxious to return. Nothing is fair about the predicament we find ourselves in, and there is no question the situation devastated businesses and livelihoods. No one wants to ruin your vacation, prolong unemployment, or keep businesses shuttered a moment longer than necessary. However, we must do whatever necessary to protect our community. I am thankful for the courage shown by Kawakami and Ige in making the tough choices required to make that happen.
Aloha Jeff,
I fully agree with you. Lucky us to have a mayor who cares more about our health than dollars. Yes the struggle is a reality but one that we will go through and recover. I am way more ok with people having a really hard time financially right now than dying…..
Claudia
Agreed Claudia!
Completely.
Mahalo for the words of wisdom.
When you say “ having a really hard time financially” ,is this you? We have to be honest with ourselves; ,if /when we have a “ really hard time financially “ will we still have the same humanitarian outlook?
I continue to believe that the mandatory 14 day quarantine for Kauai is drastic; that the covid numbers on Kauai could have been mitigated by moving to tier 3 or 2, and that covid management in Hawaii has less to do with the needs of individual counties,but more about political posturing.
One died and 14 commit suicide is that protecting ?build your immunity up ,live a healthy lifestyle.flu kill more people each year in Kauai check your record.
Shutting everything down is not the answer and does more harm than good.
What is their plan the next time there’s a virus or some other illness going around?
They’ll shut everything down again destroying everyone’s life again.
It’s corruption and abuse of power and quite simply the wrong thing to do.
Illness and death are parts of nature by design.
You cannot avoid them.
Right on, good smart thinking!! It’s the flu people I have had several friends and family members tested positive and all survived at home with the flu. We have to take our country back and stop this fear. My job is called living in a Petri dish 10+ hours a day, and I see hundreds of people daily I haven’t got it.
You have been very blessed so far Loree!
I wonder how the families and friends of the 267,000 dead people in the United States feel today? Count you blessings and remember there are many people suffering from the havoc the Coronavirus has caused. Aloha!
That number is way over done! I had two friends both had been tested NEGATIVE days before died and both had Covid as cause on death certificate but neither had Covid. So I trust none of it!
I agree with you totally ! Right on! We need to keep our liberty and stand up for it.aloha!
Past time to recall Ige and Kawakami.
Everybody knows neither of them actually care about the people of Hawaii.
Anyone ignorant enough to think they can stop a virus from spreading through society is in fact a total moron.
Not only can you not stop a virus from spreading throughout society but if you lock down and quarantine everyone like Democrats are doing you are keeping it in society for longer periods of time which increases exposure to everyone. That includes people that already had it many months before. They are now susceptible to getting it again.
That means they are likely to spread it again to others.
COVID-19 is no reason to shut down society.
The fatality rate is <2%.
Out of that 2% by far most that die were very ill or elderly and would of died from the regular flu or another illness.
Shutting everything down for an extended period of time is destroying millions of lives financially.
Destroying everyone financially and controlling them is the Democratic agenda.
Vote Democratic if you want to be a slave.
If they had opened everything up and never shut anything down then the virus would of been gone by now.
So true!!!!