One visitor asked us if this was reality TV or what. Sadly it’s the truth here in Hawaii.
103 thoughts on “Hawaii Chaos: Lt.Gov Says Open, But Has Covid – Gov Says Wait!”
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One visitor asked us if this was reality TV or what. Sadly it’s the truth here in Hawaii.
Comments are closed.
Aloha,
I am sorry to see so many of your newsletters repeat the stories of the problems Hawaii is having. We need more positive stories about our islands. If there are none then maybe the topic could be about some history of Hawaii. Commenting on the disagreements of our leaders does nothing to make visitors want to visit us.
Times are tough right now for everyone. This type of Pandemic has never hit Hawaii like this before. It is always a better move to look for the positive. then repeat the negative, for the future of Hawaii.
Thank you for considering these comments.
Hi Wendy.
Thanks. We do out best to provide a balance and look forward to arriving somewhere on the other side of all this.
Aloha.
I am in agreement with Wendy. It’s disheartening to repeatedly read your displeasure with dates being pushed back. This is not political, we are talking about the health of our neighbors & friends. Look up the exact percentage of Hawai’i’s reliance on tourism. Our business was tourism, since 1975, we survived thru many national & world upheavals. Tourism will survive again. Let’s be safe first. Mahalo
Hi Carole.
Thanks. It isn’t when Hawaii reopens that we are addressing. Rather, it is the lack of transparency, information, and a clear plan that would lay out the basis on which it will open, whenever that occurs.
Aloha.
Do you mean, keep you head in the sand ?
Hardly. My comments were just to suggest we need something on the positive side of life. My mom said if you have nothing nice to say, speak about improvement. With this situation going on and on, negative news is depressing. We will never get away from bad news but maybe you can just let the News People say it. If you want to eventually have people come to Hawaii they need something to look forward to.
We can agree to disagree. Thank you.
The truth…the sobering truth. The government of the State of Hawaii has managed to already spend its 2021 budget- yes, that’s next year’s money. They are deliberately crashing our economy now with the desperate hope of a federal bailout They closed a freeway and tested for the virus- only to be disappointed with so few cases. They are doing everything they can to portray the worst case scenario and will be begging for a handout. It’s all they have, it’s all they know. And no, those government officials haven’t even considered taking a pay cut…while the rest of us have been kicked so hard and wonder how we will get up. Time to throw ALL of them OUT
Comments like this are just dumb. I am sorry. They are working hence why they get paid DUH> And please show proof (yes I searched) that 2021 budget has been spent. Deliberately crashing the economy. That is also an ironically dumb statement. Desperate for a bail out? please Stop
Amen !
Thank you for keeping us updated on the status of the “opening”.
Pre-travel testing and arrival quarantines don’t serve the purpose. They are political gestures to demonstrate authority and government action. At best symbolic. The infection rates mushroomed in August despite arrival quarantines and next to no tourism.
Do away with arrival quarantines and allow tourists back, but focus on social distancing, wearing masks, limit indoor commercial activities and social gatherings, and ramp up contact tracing … allow visitors to decide for themselves if they still wish to come knowing these C19 measures are in place.
Hi Jon.
We appreciate your comments.
Aloha.
Mahalo for your continued updates.
As a resident, one thing I have yet to see is our state coming up with some economic plan that doesn’t rely 90% on tourism to support our economy. If our state wasn’t so reliant on tourism our economy wouldn’t have seen as severe of an impact as it had these past 7 months and into 2021 (perhaps longer as reports have stated that it will be at least 2025 before we can reach pre-COVID dollars from tourism again).
I’m not saying tourism is a bad thing, but I am saying that it’s a plan for disaster when you base your income almost solely on it. I understand that we won’t see manufacturing as a feasible option due to the costs, but if our state was a bit more small-business friendly it could help fill the gap. I would love to see some forward thinking people in our government actually work toward a more balanced economic plan – one that opens options for other business models complimented by tourism.
Your thoughts Beat of Hawaii?
Hi Millie.
We certainly concur regarding a diversified economy. Agriculture in terms of the way it was in the past isn’t ever coming back. Technology was tried and thus far has failed. We don’t see any such planning emanating from the state so far and are left thinking it will need to come from the private sector.
Aloha.
I suspect you are describing only Oahu when stating that agriculture and technology are no longer options to diversify our economy. You should research the investments that are now underway on Kauai. On the north shore check out Common Ground’s agriculture development programs, Kilaeua Ag Parks farmers training/ support programs and the Hanalei Initiative’s new business incubator program. Kauai welcomes tourists that respect local values and will work with us to protect our spectacular environment but we believe we can successfully balance our small isolated economy with other sustainable businesses.
Here is the real problem…look at that last sentence…
Mayor Kirk Caldwell is widely expected to run against Lieutenant Governor Josh Green for governor in 2022. Current Hawaii Governor David Ige has termed-out.
As an outsider, the Governor does not have to worry about his job. It’s almost over. I don’t understand how there Cannot be testing? We live in Atlanta and I can get tested 3 times a week if I want. Why can’t they get testing in place there? We get results in 72 hours. Of course that is right now. Who can guarantee I will have access to that kind of testing come February 2021 when I’m supposed to come to Hawaii. So there needs to be an option for me there. Otherwise I risk $1800 worth of plane tickets! Shreek!
I live in San Diego. The County has managed to keep our cases at 1,285 per 100,000 with no blocking of tourists, or pre-covid tests. We managed by a concentrated effort to understand the risks, and as appropriate shut down or reduce operations within restaurants, bars, gyms, etc.and test – test – test/contract tracing. Oahu has a rate of 998 with no tourists. Until the last month or so with little restrictions, contract tracing and testing.
What metrics are being used by the state and local politicans and health experts to close or open businesses, or travel from the mainland? If you have them, can you share as I cant find them.
Mahalo,
Hi Stacey.
The state hasn’t provided any metrics for determining the opening or closing that we have ever seen.
Aloha.
Governor Ige should open up tourism 1st and foremost because he said he would, Period! A man of integrity would make that happen simply because he said he would, but I digress!
Ige clearly has no idea what it is like to have your hopes raised and dashed as a business owner, employee, and yes, a tourist. It is absurd, heartless, reckless, foolish, and immoral to prolong the misery of thousands of people and their families with this asinine travel quarantine! Mandate a negative test prior to traveling and open up to tourist. It is one more piece of paper to hand the checkers when you get off the plane. No negative test, you must quarantine. The structure is already in place! I love the “businesses need more time to get ready”! Trust me, business owners who make important decisions every single day and will be more than ready when customers arrive! Cut ALL of the Bureaucrats in this states salary by half until the economy opens, and i am guessing they can come up with a plan in a hurry!
In the meantime, how much longer will Hawaiians take this! Really, no church, leave the people you have been locked down with home and go hiking or to the beach by yourself, close your business, pay your mortgage on a home you cant collect rent on, and accept some of the highest taxes in the country to pay Ige and company lock down your economy! Time to revolt!
Random thoughts.
I’m currently power washing wild fire ash off my business located in Oroville California. Yes we’re on fire again this has become an annual event for us.
President Trump visited our fair state yesterday with hand fulls of taxpayer money, yet again asking our Gov Newsom to manage our forest better.
But Gov Newsom replied with the now tired climate change comment, yet many of us in my age group remember when the forest were managed dead trees logged hauled away that was until the spotted owl and the Sierra Club.
We all remember not having these massive fires, but thanks to the Sierra Club we now have BBQ spotted owls and no trees healthy or otherwise.
What I’m trying to say is I wish I were on Wailea Beach enjoying wading out in the water a little boogie boarding bobbing in the water with my wife laughing good times, but instead I’m power washing wild fire ash.
Hang tight everyone when it’s right to head back you’ll find me on Wailea Beach.
Too bad Richard it’s either/or with that view point. Surely, there’s a compromise on the forests in California where I’ve lived for 20 years. Compromise or not, no politician – Trump or Newsome- can control the consequences of a warming planet which is very real with very real and devastating consequences. ..Hope you bought an extended warranty on your power washer AND I hope you get to our favorite Maui location, Wailea, as well. See you on the beach soon. Mahalo !
I understand your frustration with not being able to enjoy an environment without ash, but you are conflating several issues. I’m sure that you have your own beliefs/opinions, but you need to also understand the facts of the issues you raised.
As Gov. Newsome and his environmental chief pointed out to DJT,
1) Climate Change is supported by most climate scientists. Just yesterday, the massive ice shelf in Antarctica is threatening to separate from its mainland. If this happens, we will experience at least a 3 foot rise in sea levels along the Atlantic. I lived in CA for 25 years during the spotted owl controversy, which at its height was in the 70’s and 80’s. Plenty of time for that sacred owl to reap the whirlwind. Don’t recall having to wash my car from ash fall.
2) Had you listened to the briefing, Gov Newsome pointed out that 97% of the land is federal lands. If DJT wanted to better manage forests, he could start with funding the NFS, rather than excising forest management to fund wildfire fighting.
Your preferred candidate’s responses. “It’ll get cooler. Just watch.” (apparently he was speaking of a regularly recurring event: winter). The he proclaimed in all his wisdom: “Well, the science is wrong.” Kinda’ like his response to CV-19…nothing.
Aloha James,
I think you need to do a tad more research rather than regurgitate what Governor Newsom says. He (like most politicians) tends to flat out fabricate statistics relying on people like You to believe him.
FYI; There are 33 million acres of forest(ed) lands in California. Federal ownership is 19 million acres = 57%. State and local agencies (including land trusts) own 3%. Privately owned forest lands are 13.3 million acres = 40%. Industrial private owners (included in the privately owned lands) are 4.7 million acres = 14%. Non-industrial privately owned forest lands (also included in the previous 40%) are 9 million acres = 26%. Also, 90+% of the non-corporate private ownerships are 500 acres or less… So, absolutely NOT, the feds have Never owned 97% of forested lands…that’s Fake News…
You do understand that the 130+ million DEAD trees have lead to the massive destruction of forests in California, right? Although global warming may (not yet conclusively proven) have some effect on the dynamics involved, it clearly can NOT be blamed for the excessive destruction being seen in the last decade or so. The activists (who started in the 70’s and 80’s), and the laws they have helped enact, have definitely ensured that people can NOT easily clear their own lands, and it’s this legislation that is primarily responsible for these catastrophic fire disasters of this century. No way you can pull the global warming card and act as if that is the major issue..that’s just utter garbage.
Max no need for a warranty it’s a 20 plus year old Honda power washer works like a champ.
James we both know as soon as the federal government moves into clear forest land the Sierra Club and other groups will go to court and file suit after suit to block the clearing of dead and dying trees.
I agree climate change is real has been since the dawn of time and will continue with or without humans living on the planet. Before human arrival climate change killed the Dinosaurs, so it is real.
No buddy is my guy or gal, I’ve never made a political donation to anyone running for office. Our local congressional Rep is a Democrat shes done a great job, so I will continue to vote for her.
Under the previous administration I along with several small business owners lost millions. Under current administration we’ve done very well, so you know who’s getting my vote.
Thank you for doing such a great job giving us up to the minute status of this sorry situation with how Hawaii has mishandled reopening.
We live on Kauai and own 2 vacation rental properties in Poipu that have been the primary source of our retirement income. Needless to say, this complete travel shutdown has not only frustrated our booked (and now canceled) guests, but also has been financially devastating to us. We’re now hearing that Hawaii may require vacation rental owners to keep their properties vacant for 2-3 days between guests when they finally decide to allow us to reopen. For so many reasons, vacation rentals are much safer than staying in hotels. Yet another devastating screw up from our government.
Hi Doug.
Thanks and best wishes.
Aloha.
Thanks Doug. Before you bemoan your lost income, however, (I have a vacay rental as well that has been dormant as long as yours), perhaps consider what an influx of visitors will undoubtedly have on the islands. At its peak we welcomed close to 250,000 visitors/day. At a net positive rate that matches the conservative infection rate, we would be welcoming ~12,500 infected visitors who can certainly escape detection if they wish to cheat. While I agree that vacay rentals are as safe or more safe than the pittance of salary paid by the hotel industry to its front line workers with little reason to always leave a room spotless (have you stayed in a hotel in Honolulu?), your solution will undoubtedly result in another lock down and a longer period of no rental income. Blame the Gov. if you must, but personally, I blame the virus, which must be defeated before life returns to normal.
250K x 365 days would be 91,250,000 visitors. Last I heard Hawaii gets closer to 9-10 million a year. Your numbers are off by a factor of 10. I am sad to hear that Hawaii won’t be opening to it’s fellow Americans, against the advise of the CDC, without this ridiculous quarantine. I will take my family and my vacation dollars elsewhere. It is going to take years for Hawaii to dig out of this economic hole they have created, and I expect they will try to tax and fee every tourist activity to try and accomplish a normal cash positive flow. I will miss you Hawaii, Aloha.
My, my. You are literal. You must have missed “at its peak” part of the post. Seasonal variations, shoulder seasons, make for the fluctuations. That’s why the 12,500 potential positives is the conservative (1% positive) estimate on a number closer to your annual figures. Based on 250000 each and every day. Was not what I said. Aloha to you as well, but whether it’s 1 thousand or 10,000, Hawaii would e in lock down again in less than a month.
James, this would be great if there was a consistent nationwide effort to defeat the virus. Unfortunately, effective measures like wearing masks and socially distancing have been politicized and are only sporadically followed. Here on Kauai we have almost universal observance and therefore very few cases and no deaths. Waiting for the virus to be defeated while Hawaii goes bankrupt is not an acceptable strategy. We must do what other localities have done to keep their citizens safe and still successfully open their economies.
Your Mayor has done an excellent job, I agree. What you seem to still be missing is that since Hawaii is tourist dependent, the influx of those same people who have politicized the virus, refuse to wear masks or follow any CDC guidelines will be streaming in, undoubtedly seeing their vacation as the additional opportunity to “karen” all of us.
I too have many friends who would rather work than collect unemployment. We are in a frustrating situation with no apparent course other than to stay safe as best we can. Open up the bars, indoor dining and mass congregating parties are the shame of both the U.S. and those instances in Hawaii as well where people refuse to act like adults.
I sincerely feel for your loss as I am writing that mortgage check on my vacant STVR every month along with condo association fees. Had we both been smarter we would have taken out a business interruption insurance policy with a force majure rider. Business men smarter than me plan for interruptions so that when a disaster strikes, they at least would have the insurance revenue to weather the storm.
The issue I have not seen addressed, is the mainland spread of the virus has not yet stopped or slowed. The virus should be contained where it is, and that is where the responsibility lies.
Living on Kauai where we have had virtually no cases (58, 0 deaths), we still are very consistent in wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining social distance. Here we have been very careful, much to the detriment of the economy.
When the virus has come to this island (primarily from O’ahu), it has been well contained and stopped quickly through prompt tracking and isolation.
So… get the virus under control on the mainland, and we can welcome you with Aloha. Until then, we have so few hospital beds and even fewer ICU beds, that we can not morally risk our kapuna. I want to be able to visit my ‘ohana in Seattle at least as much as you want to vacation here.
Deal?
Aloha and malama pono!
It could take a long time to get it under control. Probably, there will be a vaccine before that happens.
Great vision AJ. Thank you for pointing this out !