Hawaii travel in the news as the standard bearer University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics projects that our state could be among the first to return to some degree of normalcy starting in about two weeks. That after we’d just written about Hawaii at the turning point. At the same time, critics reasonably argue that in order to reopen responsibly, testing beyond current capacity will be required; and just when might that be.
In any event, the projected May 4 date is an indication of things moving in the right direction, while it also clearly does not mean the return of visitors yet. Read below for more thoughts on that.
Meanwhile, Governor Ige yesterday announced even tighter restrictions for those of us who live here. The new rules are more specific about outdoor activities, mandatory social distancing, face masks in public and operating policies for essential businesses.
For example, we were told before that while the beaches were closed, we could use them to access the ocean for exercise. Yesterday, the Governor specifically mandated no sitting, standing, lying down, lounging, sunbathing or loitering on beaches. It left no room for individual interpretation. You can walk on the beach to reach the ocean for exercise, but not stop and linger.
Now upon conviction of any rule violation, the punishment includes up to a $5,000 fine and one year in prison.
Obviously, before tourism returns, these orders have to be lifted and others too, such as the 14-day mandatory arrival isolation.
Can there be normal in Hawaii without Hawaii travel? Absolutely not. For us here on the ground, it is abundantly clear that the economy of Hawaii is in the midst of an unprecedented disaster. Without travel returning, the majority of the state’s employment will be lost. We cannot overstate this reality, although, of course, health and safety remain of primary and vital importance.
Any word on Hawaii travel resumption – when and how? We are getting scores of questions daily, and look to a myriad of sources for indications on what might happen next. Those include the airlines, the FAA/DOT, and federal health officials (as aviation is 100% federally controlled), among others. This week, for example, we saw that Southwest Hawaii flights had been largely pulled from their schedule until the end of June, indicating they don’t see travel start for another sixty days. We’re awaiting more updates from the other airlines including Hawaiian’s schedule changes. As you’ll recall, the Hawaii bellwether largely removed flights until early June, at this point.
We assume that travel will resume prior to widespread testing being available. In that regard, Dr. Fauci said yesterday, there will “Eventually (be) antibody tests and more capacity for diagnosis testing.” But when? And even then, WHO just warned that there is no evidence that the tests can actually show immunity. Crazy making!
In any event, we look to the beginning of May as a time when we will all hopefully learn a lot more about how and when Hawaii travel will resume.
First changes coming on flights to Hawaii. For travel to and from Hawaii to be deemed safe, there must be multiple layers of new measures needed. Airlines,m for one thing, are moving to elimination of middle seats on flights to Hawaii and elsewhere, as we mentioned yesterday. Airports, security, buses, and more will all need to be addressed. Regarding separation between rows that are entirely too close together in today’s new world, we’re hearing your ideas.
Mike, a Beat of Hawaii reader, suggested:Â “To get better distancing, it should be, no middle seat one row, then only middle seat next row, then no middle next row and so on through the plane. And for one aisle planes, the no middle seat row coupled across from a middle seat row. For two aisle planes only the middle row needs adjusting. Here again, reclining needs to be restricted or again the two heads will be getting too close.” Our thought is that this won’t work economically in the long run, but might be a component of restarting flights to Hawaii and elsewhere.
In the meantime, we are still awaiting further word from government and industry on what is being planned. We continue to think that this will become clear in the next few weeks, so hang in there while we learn more.
What will the new normal look like?
See our post When Hawaii Air Travel Will Resume: Expect Big Changes.
Its ok to wear a mask when we go to a store. All you have done is make people upset. just like all the graduation this year. explain to me why a graduate can not walk as long as they had a mask on and gloves so they are not touching other people. They could have made the 6ft apart and the y would not be sitting next to each other. when will this end. Graduating is a person whole life. It shows what they have accomplished that school, or you could have tried to extend it until june. most mainland people seems to have move the graduation to June.
I’m trying to figure out if it’d be wise to make my Alaska Airline November 2020 (crossing my fingers here) reservation before the May 31, 2020 timeline so I could be assured of the ability to make a schedule change in the future without a change fee, should this still be an issue closer to that time. The prices for this round trip (SMF>KOA, through Seattle) are currently almost exactly what we paid for the same trip in January 2020. If prices go down before November, I figure I could do the schedule change thing one time and take the cheaper rates and pocket the rest as mileage credit. Your advice? Wait or book before May 31, 2020?
Hi Tonya.
We think more information will be revealed during May that will make it clear where things stand. While this could go on for a while, there will need to be more clarity forthcoming. Thanks for your patience.
Aloha.