336 thoughts on “With Cases Soaring, Standby For New Hawaii Covid Restrictions”

  1. “Hawaii will likely implement some form of post-arrival testing. Initially, that may be for those who have opted neither for vaccination nor testing. That could be applied to those who are choosing to quarantine instead, and the tests might happen three days after arrival.”

    I don’t understand the point of testing someone who is stuck in quarantine, unless a negative test let’s them out early, as with the “bubble” resorts? Is that what you mean?

    1. Hi David.

      Unclear for now how the state might plan to roll this out. Your point is well taken.

      Aloha.

  2. this is obviously because they are not testing people who are vaccinated

    vaccines do next to nothing to stop infection and spread. they need to test all people regardless of vax status

    1. Science proves you wrong. Vaccines stopped the spread of polio and chicken pox. And many other diseases.

      1. Unfortunately Delta is partially vaccine resistant and in many parts of the world is spreading through the vaccinated population. The UK Health Secretary has just tested positive having been fully vaccinated (check the international news).
        This means that you have to test everyone.
        The vaccinated are less likely to catch the virus and spread it, but it’s still highly possible.

        You can’t compare the covid vaccine to the measles vaccine as they are completely different viruses.

        Thanks

      2. just because previous vaccines reduced spread of disease doesnt mean that this ‘vaccine’ does. reduction of infection and spread is not claimed at all by the manufacturers, only attenuatuon of symptoms. this has been true since day one although any people are misinformed about how these ‘vaccines’ actually work.

        1. I’m not sure why it is you keep putting ‘vaccine’ in quotes like that. It appears that you don’t think that the current COVID vaccines aren’t vaccines in the traditional sense. However, the current COVID vaccines fit the definition of a vaccine exactly. Vaccine – “a substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases”.

          1. its because these covid ‘vaccines’ really dont fit the classic definition of vaccine, which up until a few months ago, specifically were defined as agents which provide immunity. This was the common defintion, as well as the medically agreed upon term

            Merriam-Webster feb. 5th:

            “a preparation of killed microorganisms, living attenuated organisms, or living fully virulent organisms that is administered to produce or artificially increase immunity to a particular disease”

            Feb. 6th:

            a preparation that is administered (as by injection) to stimulate the body’s immune response against a specific infectious agent or disease”

            this may seem inconsequential, but right in these comments you see people saying “well all vaccines are good, see:polio”

            if i punch you in the arm and then go have merriam webster change the definition of vaccine to encompass that, did i just impart immunity to you?

          2. You must have missed the quotes in my posting. That was another definition of vaccine that’s out there. It seems that there are a number of slightly different definitions out there. Here’s the one that the CDC uses: “Vaccine: A product that stimulates a person’s immune system to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the person from that disease. Vaccines are usually administered through needle injections, but can also be administered by mouth or sprayed into the nose.” By this definition all of the current COVID vaccines are vaccines.

            But, beyond this semantic argument. The fact is that the current COVID vaccines protect you against COVID. Like many other vaccines, they are 100%. In the case of the CODIZ mRNA-based vaccines, they protect you VERY WELL against severe illness and death. Less so against just plain illness. That’s the reason that there are some breakthrough cases occurring right now, especially with the Delta variant that’s running around. That variant BTW is more than 2 times more contagious than the original.

            So what it all boils down to, is you can take the jab or not, your choice. But please don’t play semantic games with people’s lives. Right now the VAST majority of people who are in the hospital with COVID are unvaccinated. Nearly ALL deaths from COVID are people who are unvaccinated. If you want to roll the dice for yourself, well, that’s up to you. However, the fact remains, if you catch it, you can spread it. Which means you can give it to your friends and loved ones.

          3. Joerg H. you said, “Here’s the one that the CDC uses: “Vaccine: A product that stimulates a person’s immune system to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the person from that disease. Vaccines are usually administered through needle injections, but can also be administered by mouth or sprayed into the nose.”

            You go on to say, “The fact is that the current COVID vaccines protect you against COVID. Like many other vaccines, they are 100%. In the case of the CODIZ(sic) mRNA-based vaccines, they protect you VERY WELL against severe illness and death. Less so against just plain illness.”

            Since no Covid vaccine produces immunity, at this point, then it does NOT meet the definition. You seem to push contradictions here, which makes your entire premise false. Way to spread misinformation…🤦‍♂️

      3. Byron B,

        You are comparing apples to oranges. Polio and Chicken Pox are vastly different diseases than Covid 19, and their respective vaccines are nothing like the mRNA vaccine designed for.

    2. Vaccinations do limit the spread level. It is unfortunate those without facts or knowledge to support their case opine as fact. What is true is that no vaccination will completely remove the possibility of passing on the infection. Hence we have the “why should I wear a mask on a plane as I am vaccinated”, which is like saying “I have air bags fitted to my car why do I need brakes?”

  3. we are traveling to Kona Hawaii in November 2021 , can you predict what will be happening then? thank you

    1. Hi Laura.

      No, we simply cannot predict. We’ll will all have to figure this out together

      Aloha.

  4. Iceland will be ‘back-tracking’ starting July 27th. Starting July 27th they will require everyone (once again) to get a PCR/antigen test 72 hrs prior to departure to Iceland. On July 1st they had dropped that requirement for fully-vaccinated individuals along with the need to get tested at the airport upon arrival to Iceland.
    Wouldn’t be surprised to see this occur in many more places including Hawaii.

  5. Aloha BOH Bro’s

    Question to the vaccinated…..

    How long will your vaccination continue to protect you from covid?

    Answer: Nobody knows…..But I know it’s not lifetime protection.

    Are early vaccinated individuals now the ones getting infected with covid?

    There’s a nursing home in California where vaccinated and non-vaccinated patients all tested positive for covid. The vaccinated patients were some of the early receivers of the vaccine.

    Just food for thought.

    1. People who are vaccinated can still get COVID and/or test positive for COVID. Please don’t forget that the vaccines don’t completely prevent you from getting COVID. What it does is build up the antibodies in your system so that if you are exposed to COVID they are ready, willing, and able to fight it off. So, if you are vaccinated, you can still get COVID, however, your chances of being hospitalized or dying are very low (nearly zero). We see that from the current hospitalization rates. They are almost entirely made up of unvaccinated people. What we don’t know is how that affects the spread of the virus. Logic would suggest that that means that someone who’s been vaccinated and catches a breakthrough case of COVID might be asymptomatic, and thus potentially spread the virus. But that’s speculation since there aren’t any current studies published that have looked at that. However, I can see where, out of an abundance of caution, Hawaii may choose to bring back pre-travel testing in order to catch those “end cases”. I’m keeping a close eye on all this since I have plans to travel to Kona near the end of August, so thanks for keeping us al informed BOH!

  6. The narrative is slowly eroding.. first it was 99% of vaccinated people don’t get Covid.. Bow its slowly eroding.. LG Green is at 97% now… factor in all the highly public breakthrough cases( NY Yankees, TX Dems. Pelosi’s staffers)

    Soon Biden’s admin will succumb to Isreal and Britain’s realization.

    Too bad Kamala was so against the vaccine before the election. As well as Cuomo.. oh well

    Enjoy the suck.. Cheers from Florida

    1. Boy. You sure have a bee in your bonnet about a highly effective vaccine. As soon as you show me a double blind study that comports with your ad hoc examples, you might have a point.

      As for your political dig at VP Harris, what she was against was the proven pressure that Trump was putting on the FDA for early approval in July and August 2020 run-up to the election.

      Be cheerful from FL. leading the nation in new infections 21,700 today. Since your Gov. remains at the boot of his dear leader, if I were you, I would stay inside for the remainder of the year. Hope you don’t have children returning to school.

      1. hes not wrong, they are constantly moving the goalposts. CDC currently estimating 35000 breakthrough cases *per week*

        FL also is still #26 in deaths per capita, despite being wide open for over a year now, and having a much older population

        this is all just shots at front-runner desantis. kids still arent dying

        1. Let’s be honest about the FL “success”. Basically, Florida’s government has prioritized Florida’s economy over human life. But what has any of that to do with BOH? Well, the difference between the two states is that Hawaii has decided to prioritize human life over its economy. You can choose to agree or disagree over the approach each has taken, but they are what they are. BTW, July 31’s death toll in Florida was 108 people, but their infection rate is up to over 21K. That’s the highest since Dec. 2020. Keep in mind that deaths are a lagging indicator. That’s the reason we also watch infection rates and hospitalization rates. Both of which are exploding with the advent of the Delta variant in Florida. What’s really important is the hospital beds. This is where you can really see the difference in approach. When normalized for population (specifically per 100,000 in population) today’s rate for Florida is 43.85, and Hawaii’s is 6.61. That would suggest that Hawaii is doing a much better job of “keeping people safe” than Florida as I read these numbers. Again, in keeping with how all this matters in regards to BOH, I’m watching the numbers in Hawaii because I have a trip planned there near the end of August. Specifically to the Big Island. So, the way that Hawaii is keeping people safe, infections down, etc. is important to me since I will be going there, and I want to be sure that everything that can be done to keep everyone safe in Hawaii is being done so I can feel comfortable going. Yes, some of it may be a bit of an inconvenience, but at least they appear to care and aren’t hiding their heads in the sand and pretending that nothing is wrong. I also believe that part of the reason that travel to Hawaii has exploded is that people DO feel safe in vacationing there right now. Personally, you couldn’t PAY me to go to Florida.

          1. You could not pay me enough to visit that state. Talk about a tyrant dictator. This man has written executive orders that NO city county or school be able to have a mask mandate. He has chosen politics over health. Yet is fully vaccinated himself.

  7. Vaccination is key! Hawaii has been so careful, so I don’t understand why you’re allowing unvaccinated travellers to come there! We are watching Hawaii’s Covid-19 statistics very closely, as we hope to be back in 2022. We are fully vaccinated and hoping to travel again soon! Thank you! Bill

    1. “so I don’t understand why you’re allowing unvaccinated travellers to come there!”

      Your lack of knowledge is astounding. Try going back to 5th grade and learning about the US Constitution.

      1. I believe they said it was returning residents who chose quarantine at home over testing or vaccination. Not vacationers from the mainland.

        1. They said “the bulk”, not “all”. However, this suggests to me that Safe Travels is working…

        2. yeah Millions of visitors showing up has nothing to do with it. Blame the locals. Wow. Please stay away from Hawaii.

      2. Yeah you do need to do that. Go read your constitution again. NO WHERE in the Constitution does it say your at liberty to spread a virus or a disease.

        1. you better end society, then. your colds and flu literally kill some people. dont get me started at how many lives you risk every time you get behind the wheel

          restrictions without limiting principles are fundamentally problematic

    2. I have been vaccinated and have encouraged all of my friends and family to do so as well. But before you condemn all of the anti-vaxxers, take into account the recent trip to Washington DC by Texas politicians. A member of the delegation was covid positive and has already spread the virus to a number of others(seven and counting). All of them had been vaccinated. Vaccinated people can spread this virus as well as un-vaccinated. My point in saying this is that science is not perfect. You’re never going to have a 100% solution to this problem.

      1. Right Curtis, and you’re Never going to have 100 of the population vaccinated…and, you’re Never going to force people to get vaccinated, while there is any percentage chance (no matter how small) that it can KILL THEM.

        1. I keep driving, eating bacon cheeseburgers, swimming in the ocean, hiking, drinking too much beer, using power tools, and forgetting stuff my wife tells me to do – although usually not more than two of these things at the same time, even though there is a percentage chance, however small, that any one of these things will KILL ME.

          We are all going to die at some point; relatively soon in the big picture.

          1. Sure thing, blog guys. We’re heading back to the island for most of September, all of November and Jan-Feb. This covid panic just keeps going. So, who knows. We have a collection of Vault tests (they give them out like candy in Wyoming) in case we have to do that again. I hope not, but hope is not a business plan….

          2. It’s the “forgetting to do what my wife tells me to” part that’s probably going to get me in the end…

          3. Understood. My biggest vulnerability, for sure. If only there was a vaccine. Maybe one with frequent boosters. Perhaps wearing a mask or two would help?

          4. David, isn’t it fantabulous you have the freedom to Choose to do all those things…even to forget to do the things your wife tells you to do?! 😉

        2. Think of it this way, the risk of getting seriously ill from COVID is much higher than the risks that the vaccine poses. Therefore, the smart thing to do is get vaccinated. Look at what’s happening in all of the “anti-vax” states like Florida, Louisiana, Texas, etc. The hospitals are filling up with people who haven’t been vaccinated.

          1. 😂 Joerg, so you have access to the long term scientific data/studies that proves “the risk of getting seriously ill from COVID is much higher than the risks that the vaccine poses.” 🙄

            You do comprehend there’s literally Zero evidence that proves your opinion here, right? It actually will require years of monitoring and testing those who have taken this barely tested vaccine (and it’s boosters), to make sure it doesn’t have long term negative, potentially deadly, side affects. Acting as if your opinion is factual, when you can’t prove your case, shows me how little you really understand what’s happening. The “smart thing to do” would actually be to further educate yourself.

          2. Jim you skipped all the vaccinations as a kid didnt you? Was science denying something you have always done or is this a new political thing for you like half the country?
            Yeah as you stated the smart thing to do would be to educate yourself. Look in the mirror

          3. It’s not my opinion, it’s the “opinion” of organizations such as the CDC, the WHO, NIH, and nearly every other public health agency in the world. As opposed to the opinion of some pimply-faced COVIdoit posting videos on YouTube from his mother’s basement. So, if you want to “do your own research”, then look at what those organizations have to say about it. They are pretty much unanimous in saying that the risks involved with contracting COVID are much higher than the risks associated with getting the vaccine.

          4. Joerg, Thanks for making my point crystal clear…”It’s not my opinion, it’s the “opinion” of organizations such as…”.

            Yes…It’s an OPINION, based on Zero scientific evidence, because they have NONE. Strange, how you say it, but your mind doesn’t let you believe it. 🤷‍♂️

            We can argue people’s opinions all day, but you don’t get to say WE have to believe other people’s opinion’s, because you think “they are pretty much unanimous”, when there are hundreds of millions, and likely more, in first world countries (with people who are allowed to think for themselves) who don’t believe them, because it has no Factual scientific basis, at this point.

            Again, like I told the “other guy”. This isn’t your Bully Pulpit to push your opinionated beliefs, backed by Zero scientific evidence. Let’s stick to actual TRAVEL on this Travel Blog. Nobody here is an expert on any of these topics, let alone has the knowledge of what’s going on “behind the curtain” in OZ…

          5. Joerg
            Its not OPINION its SCIENCE something some cannot stand because there are facts behind their studies.
            ” it’s the “opinion” of organizations”

    3. I agree Bill. Tahiti only allows vaccinated visitors. And they have kept deaths down. There is nothing in our US constitution that says we should let people die or live with long term side effects from a pandemic.

      1. I assume your comment was targeted for an earlier reference to the constitution. I believe you are correct when pointing out the specific language you refered to and the conceptual nature of those comments is not present in the US constitution. I would also assume most of your personal commentary from day to day is also absent from that document, as well as cows mooing.
        I wouldn’t be too bothered by it dear, you’ll simply have to find a way to enjoy the day.

    4. Dear Bill, I’m planning my life long dream vacation trip to Hawaii in 2022!! I’m hoping all this will have calmed down by then!! Stay safe😃 God Bless you, Psalms 91:11 🍍🥥🎫🎉✈🌍🏖🌈

      1. Dear Bill, I will have a backup plan just in case! I’m trying to be patient waiting my turn to go to Hawaii for my beautiful vacation🌍🏖🌈😍

  8. Hawaii needs to do what it needs to, to keep their citizens safe. Get the damn vaccine already so we can beat this stupid virus!
    For those of you who dont believe in Science please stay in your basements.

    1. actually reverse that.. Those of us that are not vaccinated aren’t shaking in our boots over Covid. You can stay in your basement like you all did over the last 18 months.

      It is not medically necessary for me to be vaccinated. ( didn’t spend the last 43 yrs eatimg.McDonalds and sitting in the couch) Also not my 7 and 12 yr olds responsibility to make adults feel warm and fuzzy.

      You are vaccinated and therefore deemed safe from death. Great for you. I fail to see what the problem is. Except you’re part of the brainwashed establishment that thinks your neighbors and their kids are diseased killers.

      1. Simple common sense is not politics, establishment, or brain washing… Let’s keep biased rant from extreme left or right off of this forum. Let’s just keep Hawaiian safe and available to all.

        1. That’s the best idea, thank you!
          I really try to keep my politics to Twitter, not my “fun” social media sites. I love Hawaii and appreciate BOH for all the info and interesting stories.

      2. Know what Sean?
        I worked thru this entire thing. Every single day. You wont be shaking in your boots until your in the hospital intubated and dying but I expect that of people who refuse to follow science and instead follow youtube scientists and propaganda artists.
        Sean I have had two friends who were in fantastic health, exercised regularly and seemingly were doing the right things as you seem to insinuate you have. Both are now DEAD> Understand that?
        Brainwashed establishment. I never said anything about the kids or neighbors. Thats your comment not mine.
        Why are you even here? Are you going to Hawaii or here just to spread misinformation?

      3. LOL SEAN
        Your assumptions are just that. I have worked every single day during covid. And I dont have a basement. We have been cautious and careful and gotten vaccinated so yea there is that.
        Wow diseased killers huh? LOL who the hell said that? Once again BOH someone has gone political here which right in the comment policies says NOT TO DO. Please BOH do something about this “No profanity, rudeness, personal attacks, or bullying. Stay on travel – not politics!”

        1. Please…as if the context of this topic isn’t or hasn’t been politically motivated by different sides all along? 🙄

          When you stop pushing your beliefs, others will too. Let’s skip the “tattle tale” theatrics, and be the Example, which you are asking BoH to set for you, and which you have yet to be, PaulC.

    2. Paul C is right and Sean is wrong. It’s the unvaccinated putting others at risk. Therefore, they should be the ones made to stay at home, or excluded. They are doing something like this on cruises; the vaccinated are free to go everywhere, the unvaxxed cannot access all areas of the ship. Also happening in Europe; you can’t enter certain establishments/events if you’re not vaxxed. Seems sensible to me.

      Especially in Hawaii. It’s isolated, so it would be worse if a lot of people get hospitalized. Also, the hospitals (at least the one I dealt with) are not the most modern facilities; you should want to stay out of one. Perhaps they should go back to requiring testing for all, whether or not you’ve been vaccinated, and you can’t opt out of it. That would also simplify things; everybody takes a test, period.

      Have a trip planned for November, but even when I booked I wondered if it was too soon. Wondered about whether to get both the vaccine and a pre-test just to cover myself. Don’t mind taking a test, just isn’t always clear which is the right test, plus there’s the expense and getting it back on time.

      Hope things go well for Hawaii. Have a number of friends there. Cases going up where I am too, but not nearly as much as in Hawaii.

      1. Hehe… enjoy your vaccine that will last 7 months or so, then need a booster, then need a new shot when a different variant arises… Those that need a vaccine should get it and have had plenty of time to do so.

        Forget the fact that Isreal is reporting a high level of transmission to their highly vaccinated society. Or that various locals are reporting 20%+ ” breakthrough cases” in their counts. Or that LA and San Fran are having their own bug issues even.though they are soon heavily vaxed.

        News flash: vaccinated can still spread the damn bug. Your virtue signaling, ” earn freedom back with the vax” is laughable at best. I can’t help if some of you have no ability to.come to.your own conclusion and see simple facts layed before you.

        Instead keep thinking Covid is an automatic death sentence and our kids are all in danger. All roughly 350 child deaths in 18 months… Food for thought… H1N1 in 2009 killed roughly 12,000 kids an teens… Remember all those masks on kids and closed down businesses and mandates… yeah me neither…

        Enjoy your year… I’m sure this will all end in a few weeks of masking up. Oh wait, Hawaii has been masked at 95% and nothing has changed.

        I said it before.. 70% will do nothing and Ige will change his stance. Anybody wanna put $100 on it? I’ll even accept welfare or UI payments. Heard those are abundant all over the West and Hawaii.

        1. Sean. I appreciate the fact that you were not present at the outbreak of WW II. Then we asked ALL Americans to ration gas, black shade windows and turn off street lights on the west coast, refrain from purchasing metals vital to the war effort, etc.

          Today, asking Americans to do two simple, harmless, personal actions to tamp down an invading, invisible enemy — vaccinate AND continue indoor masking — we are met with irrational rants that unfortunately are part of a political, rather than science-based understanding. Lack of responsibility ensures that states like FL will put “freedom” ahead of common sense.

        2. newsflash if you and your people were vaccinated it wouldnt matter! I see a day soon you will be the one hiding in your basement until you get vaccinated.

        3. sean
          JULY 26, 2021 AT 1:33 PM

          Hehe… enjoy your vaccine that will last 7 months or so

          “Efficacy testing is showing no sign of losing its strength”
          then need a new shot when a different variant arises…”
          IF yall would just get vaccinated there would be no more variants SCIENCE
          orget the fact that Isreal is reporting a high level of transmission to their highly vaccinated society. Or that various locals are reporting 20%+ ” breakthrough cases” in their counts. Or that LA and San Fran are having their own bug issues even.though they are soon heavily vaxed.
          “once again its the unvaccinated who are causing this issue. Sure it can be spread. This is why we are wearing masks to prevent you unvaccinated from getting it and dying but hey.
          “News flash: vaccinated can still spread the damn bug. Your virtue signaling, ” earn freedom back with the vax” is laughable at best. I can’t help if some of you have no ability to.come to.your own conclusion and see simple facts layed before you.” HAHAHAHAAHAH seems you have an issue with seeing those very simple facts.
          “Instead keep thinking Covid is an automatic death sentence and our kids are all in danger. All roughly 350 child deaths in 18 months… Food for thought… H1N1 in 2009 killed roughly 12,000 kids an teens… Remember all those masks on kids and closed down businesses and mandates… yeah me neither…” That is because we had a president and administration who took it seriously immediately and knocked it down. They didnt call it a hoax they got right to work on it. Oh and how many died in the USA? Bet you dont know that number do you?
          “I said it before.. 70% will do nothing and Ige will change his stance. Anybody wanna put $100 on it? I’ll even accept welfare or UI payments. Heard those are abundant all over the West and Hawaii.” You really love looking down your nose at others dont you. Put on a damn mask over that nose and get vaccinated already.

      2. Not an uncommon point of view, and not so popular at the moment. People are protesting all over the world in response to the ideas you’ve expressed. People are unlikely to assume the role of livestock willingly, you’ll be forced to beat them into submision if you wish to impose your solution upon them.

      3. I agree with you. I’m tired of being “locked down” because some people just won’t get “the jab”. But vaccine hesitancy is nothing new, nor are its consequences. Check out: sciencenews.org/article/vaccine-hesitancy-history-damage-anti-vaccination .

        Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy has more to do with distrust of science and the government than anything else. Which means that coercive measure by the government basically won’t work, or will at least be met with resistance. Look at what’s happening in France right now for example. We need to build trust in the vaccine by having trusted leaders, such as people’s personal physical (GP) push it. The more difficult part is that we also need to stamp out all of the conspiracy theory, info that’s floating around out there, mostly on social media. That’s going to be REALLY hard to do. As it stands, because of all this, we are doomed to have to continue to fight this virus for years to come. Welcome to the “new normal”, where, just like with the flu, we are all going to have to get a yearly shot to handle the latest variant that’s caused by the fact that we can’t get enough people to take the vaccine in order to stamp this thing out once and for all.

        1. You don’t seem to Grasp that there’s nothing in place to even suggest it will ever be “stamped out”. It will be around until there is a vaccine that gives a 100% cure and lifetime immunity. What makes you believe they want that? When was the last drug created that’s been a true cure that “stamps out” anything? We ARE talking about an industry that thrives on keeping people alive and taking their drugs! What part of that do you not comprehend, Joerg??? 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

  9. Of course they are gonna go back to lockdown! The fake pandemic is being stoked to grab back power
    Tourists not welcome!

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