Hawaii’s Governor is rarely without controversy and that continues today.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
122 thoughts on “Controversy, Frustration, Confusion Reign | Hawaii To Stand Alone On Covid”
Comments are closed.
Hawaii’s Governor is rarely without controversy and that continues today.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
Why don’t they look at the 150 studies that say that masks don’t work and they are actually bad for you, especially for children? We need to replace both the Governor and the Lt. Governor.
There are not 150 studies that prove masks are harmful. There are some papers that someone wrote saying that masks are harmful but these people did not follow all the protocols required for a real study and therefore they retracted the paper but not before the misinformation was spread by certain networks. Medical professionals have worn masks for years with no ill effects.
Beat of Hawaii – how did you let this comment through? This is pure misinformation.
Because BOH is not totalitarian like social media. BTW guys, did the site get hacked recently? I tried to email you to say all BOH links were going to YAHOO. Was it your issue or something on the web?
Hi MJ.
No not hacked. Were you by any chance using a proxy server or something that could have made it appear that you were somewhere other than in the US? We block traffic from many countries due to extensive spam. Please let us know. Thanks.
Aloha.
Unfortunately Saying it and Actually Doing it are Two Totally Opposing Points of Interest in Hawaii. I wish that I could say that it’s a rarity, it’s not, where the Voter’s choose to be pillaged by their elected officials. I wonder if self mutilation began this way. Root Canals are much less painless than Voting any other way for Hawaiians. They’re not alone in the self propagation of painful experiences and angst that comes with allowing Politicians to Abuse Them, and Their Elected Offices too. All that I can say is Good Luck Hawaii, You’re going to Need it!
During our trip to Maui in summer 2019, my daughter decided she wanted to go back for her 21st birthday. We have 12 months until the big day and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that Safe Travels and mask mandates are gone so we can go. We’ve given ourselves until August to make a final decision about where to go. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻🤞🏻 it’s Hawaii.
If I were you there would be a very good and acceptable plan B, have a feeling that it will be Needed. Governor Ige is a Lame “Lame Duck” and is taking full advantage of the Power Trip he Commands. Save Hawaii for another time when hopefully it can be fully enjoyed!
I personally don’t want the virus so I will continue to wear a mask when I don’t feel safe.
And, that is Your choice.
When walking around outside I do not wear a mask. When I go into a store I mask up. Not because I am afraid of catching something, but not to cause a problem for the store. After all they are only following the rules.
This is the society we live in now. Sad.
Already booked the Caribbean.
Hi Guys,
Glad you’re traveling again. I think we learn more when you’re on the move. Ige is out of his mind. The rest of the country picks February 28th, with some small variations, and our governor has to show he’s “in charge” by adding an extra month to Hawaii’s mask mandate. That’s one month of tourists who already picked their vacation days deciding to go elsewhere, despite airlines offering discounts to “bribe” people when they no longer believe in the need for testing/mask mandates.
My wife and I have been visiting Hawaii for the past 18 years – even last year with all the covid restrictions in place.
Too much hassle now. We will miss our friends, the scenery, and weather. Until all this craziness gets worked out with your govenor we are done!
Nobody likes wearing a mask, but it really isn’t that big of a deal. I will just chill and put a mask on, it isn’t going to ruin my life. It is my body and my choice after all. Also, if you are in Hawaii and you are complaining about masks, I think you don’t really get what hawaii is all about and maybe you should go to Mexico or the Caribbean.
Ige may be the only governor to have a medical doctor with whom he can consult and apparently doesn’t.
If term limits won’t doom this man, the voters should.
This may no longer be about an idiot Governor. It may say more about the constituency.
I am a regular visitor to the islands and happy to comply with whatever is required to enter the state. I am also willing to comply with whatever masking requirements are in place. I’m so thankful to leave the gray skies and rain behind for a time and feel the sun and sand. Mahalo for asking!
Why isn’t the governor following the “Science” now? Ige is a lot like Biden….missing logical thinking skills and the ability to formulate and follow any kind of plans that make sense.
J.T,
We have stopped caring about one another. Wearing a mask is no big deal. You wear clothes don’t you?
The “Science” of which moment, there’s been far too many. Then there’s occasionally the Real Science that steps forward, the one that everyone is told to ignore and is then discarded like a 3 day old newspaper Only to discover it was the truth a year and a half later. “Science” isn’t a guessing game, it’s supposed to be well defined unlike what we’ve been told about Vaccines and Covid. That is ever changing depending upon who’s speaking and what they’re attempting to hide from us. When the Science of Opinion is all Fiction.
I’ll be arriving in May for my vacation and I’m hoping for an end to all mandates and an end to safe travel requirements, but if not I’ll adhere to whatever rules that are in place, small price to pay for my vacation
No one has been a bigger support of masking as I felt I am protecting you and you me. I now have the three shots and no longer fear getting deathly ill from covid. I am tired of masking. It’s on you if you haven’t been vaccinated, completely.
I am not sure why these Governors continue to act like dictators. Let me make the choice for myself. If masks work so great, let those who are still concerned wear them and those who are not concerned stop wearing them. We need our freedom back.
Do you feel like you’ve lost your freedom because you have to wear clothes indoors?
Amy P I don’t, nothing more relaxing than entering the house, peeling off your clothes and enjoying the freedom it brings into your life. I highly recommend it and suggest more people try it.
My wife and I have visited the islands three times during the pandemic once vaccinations were available. For us, masks are an inconvenience at most, especially since we like to do outdoor things (including eating at restaurants with outdoor seating) and masks generally are not required. Going to the store with a mask is the same thing we choose to do at home so no big deal for us.
I support your right the wear a mask if it makes you feel better about leaving the house.
Feels good to make choices for yourself and your family, doesn’t it?
Aloha, I’m currently visiting on Maui. I have zero issues with wearing a mask, and will have zero impact my traveling to Hawaii. I was on various islands for 9 weeks in 2021 due to cancellations in 2020. Wore a mask and took all the tests last year. Vaxed and boosted. Thanks.
Been here on Kauai for over 5 weeks. Have had no problems or discomfort wearing a mask indoors or outdoors in a crowded condition. Fully vaccinated. Will continue to wear mask indoors when we return home.
Third year in a row we can’t/won’t come to our timeshare condo in Maui. First year we were required to quarantine 14-days. Considering Hawaii is a state that depends on tourism, this governor has done everything but post a “You’re Not Welcome” sign at the airport.
Think of it this way if there is an outbreak, and hospital beds become full. Are you willing to volunteer your time to help out the healthcare workers? Hawaii already has a shortage of Doctors and majority of them are burnt out. This isn’t about not being welcoming it is about providing a buffer for the hospital systems.
Okay, Ige probably ran out of Federal Stimulus money or He certainly would have posted signs at the airports and every single point of entry telling visitors to Go Away. He’s proven himself to be a menace to everyone and everything Hawaii, there’s “Not a Tax that He doesn’t like!” He will be out soon enough and the Voters almost certainly will Elect another Carbon Copy of Ige so that they can continue Complaining about how Bad of a Governor they have, unreal!
Ige claims to follow the science, but it seems that’s only true when it’s convenient for him.
Can you expand on what is Ige’s convenience?
Hawaiians should stop blaming Governor Ige for everything that He Has and Hasn’t Done, They should be Blaming Themselves because They Voted For Him Twice! He was Problematic during His First Term, Why would anyone think that it would get better during his Second Term when He would be a “Lame Duck” that could do whatever he wants with no one to answer to? Now let’s see who the Voters Choose for Governor after Ige, is there an Ige Junior or a Protégé named Green waiting to take his place? Maybe Zuckerberg would want to be Governor, He knows what it’s like to run things that others create, and it should be easy for him to follow the playbook left behind by others. He wouldn’t spend $2 Billion and get nothing for it I’m fairly sure.
We’re considering making a Spring Break trip to Oahu with the kids in April but if the mask mandate stays, we won’t be coming. Every other state has dropped them. They don’t work anyway. Get rid of it.
When is a 2 week quarantine necessary ? Are you meaning for ppl arriving by plane or what ?
If You Arrive without the proper items consider yourself vacationing for 2 weeks in an enclosed space, your hotel room, so welcome to doom and gloom! You asked and here’s your answer. Thank Governor Ige and all of those Hawaiians that Voted For Him!
My wife and I greatly appreciate the mandates and policies in place, which support the general public health, safety, and welfare. We would not visit the islands without them. Let those who choose to wear the masks live in peace, safety, and security. We simply don’t want the virus in our bodies -ever- if we can avoid it. Believe it or not, masks do provide some protection. If you love or care for your family, friends, country, and economy, get vaccinated and boosted. Respect others. Aloha.
Only properly fitted N95 masks fitted by a trained medical specialist may work a little…I know because my brother-in-law runs a major hospital & his sister runs an even bigger one! You can mask and boost yourself forever but eventually a virus is going to virus…. Hawaii needs to develop some common sense and let people choose!
Though true in a hospital setting due close and frequent contact with patients this is not the same for general public. Your picking and choosing information that is misleading. How do I know this I provide Joint Commission and CMS readiness consulting for Queens Health Systems and other hospitals around the country. Masks do work and you can continue to spread misinformation just know its disingenuous.
Nita C that’s akin to Blasphemy! Choice is a grade of beef, not something that can be left to interpretation or even worse, Chance. Governor Ige’s term is nearing an end, unless he runs his Family the same way this is His last chance to order everyone around without ramifications.
I chose Hawaii for my trip this week because Hawaii seems to be taking the pandemic seriously, not despite that.
I’ll continue wear my mask because I want you to wear yours.
I think sitting back and watching for a few weeks to see what happens when the masks are dropped across the country is a good idea. If covid starts to spike due to crowded Costcos etc. on the mainland we will have avoided another round of spiking cases and tiring out our doctors here in Hawaii. What’s a few more weeks going to matter with this ongoing experiment and learning curve of covid. Much to be gained, nothing really to be lost. Keep the indoor mandates in place please.
We head back to mainland tomorrow. A long last day of maskery (two flights; three airports), then we “lose” them – hopefully for good, since we don’t head back to the island until late April. It’s not just Hawaii, but they are still required for planes and airports. Maybe keep a few in the glove box just in case.
OT – but this past month has been the best February weather on North Shore Kauai that I can remember. Every day has been gorgeous. But, starting to need some rain.
Hi David.
Safe travels and return again soon. It is very dry and things are looking quite brown after about two months without virtually any rain. This week that looks to be changing, however.
Aloha.
Really you couldn’t post my last comment?
We just returned from our Kauai visit. My husband and I were both fine with the mandates that are still in place. Totally understandable for an island thousands of miles away from larger hospitals and equipment/supplies. Locals may be tired of it, but visitors are just that, visitors. When in someone else’s home you respect their wishes. I say to those complaining about all the rules, don’t go, your loss for something so simple as wearing a mask indoors! Kauai is an amazingly gorgeous place.
We have chosen to take our vacation money elsewhere! Good luck with your economy!
“Follow the science,” and “When we hit 70% vaccination rate we will drop restrictions,” were what Governor Ige promised us.
We followed the science and did our job getting vaccinated (and boosted). Be a man of your word Mr. Governor. If not, don’t expect your constituents to respect or listen to you any further.
Justin S do you really believe that Ige cares? He’s leaving soon enough and won’t be back as Governor again, be happy for that. I’m just hoping that Ige doesn’t have Presidential aspirations, I can see Hawaiians Voting for Him while saying “who cares, he won’t be our Governor again.” Seriously, believe it.
Wearing a mask would not deter taking a trip to Hawaii. What’s the word? Malama? I frankly think the majority of the country is stupid for relaxing something proven to keep the virus down. And I still remember groups of Japanese and Chinese tourists masking up when visiting Europe back in the 70’s. It is a small courtesy to others that people seem to have taken on as an “Issue.” Seems like they are using it as a contrived excuse to vent their politics and gain personal attention like a child.
“There’s no reason to be walking around in a mask”. Not my words, but the words of Dr. Fauci, a 40-year government epidemiologist coined in March 2020. In my wife and myself experiences, we religiously wore masks and social distance along with the recommended 3 jabs. Guess what. Still got the virus. Unfortunately, the maks are giving people a false sense of security.
Masks are not a problem for us. We appreciate Hawaii moving slowly on the cautious side
Mandate or not, with my immunity system having been compromised by several factors, I intend to be wearing a mask (indoors and out) when I visit Hawaii in August. I don’t deny anyone’s “rights”, but this is a health issue, not a rights issue. Don’t get vaccinated, that’s your right. But please wear your masks. That’s everyone’s health, and I mean mine. I would, most likely, die if I get COVID and I have too much to live for!
I’m sorry, Vash, but the discovery made in this case is that they just don’t make any difference. I wish it wasn’t so, but America has been divided and many families split over the issue and those of us who masked and vaxxed got sick and gave it to our friends and families anyway. Please let up on the false mantra. It doesn’t work and it’s cost us billions!
Care to share MJ where you’ve read they don’t make a difference? Because the CDC is still recommending them to about 30% of the population.
We arrive Tuesday from Canada and are ready with masks and tests and triple vaccines! We waited 2 years almost to the day to get back!
RobertL
Thank you for this update. Hawaii’s position is C R A Z Y!
We will be vacationing elsewhere this year. Masks outdoors? Masks while driving alone in your car? Masks between bites of food?
This virus has gone the way of most viruses; mutating itself down to something almost symptom-less. I won’t downplay the sadness of those who lost loved ones to it; but feel that it is time to move on and live again.
Breathe again – freely. Smile, mask-less at your neighbor. Stop being afraid.
Hi Colleen.
We hope to see you here again soon!
Aloha.
Thank you. Maybe later this year if any semblance of ‘normalcy’ returns to Hawaii.
Masks while driving alone in your car? Oh come on lady, Collen don’t be a silly goose. You know we don’t require that here in Hawaii. I guess we’ll all have to do without you this year. So very sad. Aloha
I have no issues wearing a mask, and I have traveled quite frequently since last year. I work at a school district and come in contact with some kids that have health issues. It’s not about being afraid, just some common courtesy to others. I travel to Maui frequently, this island has two hospitals. The infrastructure isn’t setup for a epidemic that also contains tourists. I’ll be back for three weeks in May, regardless of mask mandates.
Aloha
The fact is 9 people died Feb 26th, 9 more on Feb 25th and 8 died Feb 24th.
If Ige reopens now it proves what a hypocritical farce the whole lockdown was and that the only science politicians are following is their poll numbers.
Rob T, People die. A sad fact of life. Especially old sick people. It happens a lot and Always has. Our DIL lost her mother yesterday to cancer. People die of the flu – they have for years. Omicron (Covid) is now similar to the flu. Will people die of it? Perhaps.
We advocate a healthy diet with LOTS of veggies and. Our doctor told us to take lots of Vitamin D. We should all take some responsibility for our own health. Is there a guarantee we will never die? No, unfortunately.
We have a meeting in Honolulu in early April, and were really hoping that the indoor mask mandate would go away by then, and that the Safe Travels would too. We live in Washington State, and our mask mandate will go way in March. Oregon will also drop theirs in March. The new CDC method of looking at things on the county level, and then leaving the mask decision up to the people to determine their risks seems a better way to go–just my opinion.
Thanks for keeping us up to date.
Hi Lee.
Thanks for nearly 100 comments. Happy travels!
Aloha.
You guys spend a lot of time bashing the governor. My family fully supports the actions that he has taken to keep the pandemic in check. Our case and death rates have been better than the majority of states.
Outdoor masking is stupid. Indoor masking is fine for now. People have little patience. We don’t wear masks for ourselves we wear masks for the old and the immuno-compromised.
Please get a grip. The almighty tourist dollar looks to be alive and well.
Mahalo, Kelly.
You guys need a new governor. Tourism is too important to Hawaii to keep mismanaging like your state government has done throughout the pandemic. We love Hawaii and have visited frenquently ever since we honeymooned there in 1998. We haven’t been since 2019 and decided that we’ll return only when COVID-19 is in our rear-view mirror. Unfortunately…this may be a while.
Enjoy your articles!
Our governor is trying to keep us healthy and save every last life. We currently have way more than enough tourists thank you. We all want covid to be in our rear view mirrors.
“…many of you are thinking about getting going on that long-postponed trip.”
I can’t say we’ve postponed any trips. We were in Waikiki in July and I sent a crew of 18 to Honolulu from the 18th to the 26th, they all just got home yesterday.
We are thinking of another trip soon and it will probably be Vegas or the Caribbean, but not Hawaii. We are vaxed and boosted and won’t be going anywhere that requires masks.
BTW, is Roland and his family performing at the Embassy? He wasn’t in July.
I wouldn’t travel to Hawaii if there was any mask requirement. It’s humid and warm and masks are uncomfortable even in cool weather. And, they really don’t do anything! I’m in California with King Newsom and he has gotten rid of the indoor mask requirement except in health care facilities . Last summer I traveled around the western states where no masks were required–it was great! Hawaii has to get back to normal completely before I travel there again–and I love it in your state.
I don’t mind the mask mandates at all, and I will continue to wear one indoors after they are not required. It does not decrease my freedom to wear a mask. I think maybe they could remove the travel quarantine requirements now, especially since we are still wearing masks here.