Yesterday, we revealed the governor’s yet to be widely publicized Hawaii mask mandate requiring face coverings statewide with few exceptions. That apparently hit a nerve and resulted in many comments of support or opposition to wearing masks on a Hawaii vacation. Here’s the reality. You can’t escape the pandemic on a Hawaii vacation. We need to keep our businesses open and be able to continue to share the beauty of the islands with visitors. But we have to keep everyone safe, to the best of Hawaii’s ability.
Look at what happened just this week on the island of Lanai. Their island and its tourism were shut down due to a run-up from zero to nearly 100 COVID cases in just a week’s time. The outbreak was largely reported to be a result of no masks and social gatherings.
So you want to visit, and we want you to be here. To help make that happen, we’re largely all wearing masks here. Personally, we see that more and more every day. Not only that, but according to the most recent Hawaii Emergency Management Agency report, 73% of people in Hawaii are wearing them correctly (as in both nose and mouth covered). For what it’s worth to you (or not), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that mask-wearing prevents COVID-19 spread in addition to washing hands regularly and social distancing.
You can also go online or when you’re here head to Hawaii’s stores and find Hawaii-style masks. You’ll fit right in while enjoying everything Hawaii has to offer from our culture to beaches.
Here are just a few of the fascinating comments you proferred.
Chris S: Why anyone would go to Hawaii with these restrictions is beyond me. Wearing a mask outside when no one is near is an absurdity. Don’t go to HI until things are back to normal. Don’t risk having your trip ruined by being told you have to quarantine by government hacks.
Beat of Hawaii: This is the new normal, at least for now.
GK: One solution may be, to close off one lane on Kalakaua avenue to use as a wider pedestrian “sidewalk”. Since Kalakaua has less vehicular traffic. This would help pedestrians in Waikiki follow the 6′ SD mandate.
Beat of Hawaii: We like your creative idea GK.
Jon D: If I can’t exercise while maintaining 6′ it cuts out 90% of why come to Kauai. Waimea, Sleeping Giant, Kalalau are where we spend our time. I have no problem wearing a mask or buff when I pass people on the trail but if I have to wear it full time its a deal breaker. There is zero logic in that. I am sure it is a deal breaker for many like me. I hope common sense prevails by April or we will be forced to cancel again.
Beat of Hawaii: We wear masks too while exercising outdoors. Especially on trails, where it can be difficult to know when social distancing is or isn’t possible.
Mar: It should be automatic. Like a seat belt sheesh. Get one to match your bikini too.
Beat of Hawaii: Great idea Mar. Make it more fun, be creative, and find a mask and design that reflects you. But who ever imagined we’d be saying these words?
Julie: Where is any valid evidence that the use of masks are effective? Some researches have even proved the opposite. I often wonder if people have lost they ability to think critically. Masks are nothing but a illusion. A fake sense of safety – with the exception of the use on those who are coughing or sneezing… I will not use a mask except when entering any indoors facility. No matter how many fines they give me and I’ll fight them in court if necessary. The constitutional rights are above the Governor’s mandate.
Beat of Hawaii: Refer to our link above Julie from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We aren’t experts and are simply following the guidelines offered. Sorry, but you shouldn’t come to Hawaii now if you feel like this.
Amanda responded to Julie: Julie, you may have missed this: Asymptomatic virus carriers (that means people who feel perfectly fine) can be spreading the virus just by talking, laughing, shouting. They do not “know” they are spreading the virus. They are not coughing or sneezing. And they may never actually have symptoms because their body fights it off…but they are still spreading. The virus spreads in aerosols through the air….you, yourself, could pass someone while you are talking and spread virus aerosols in their personal space. Sheesh! Wearing a mask until we have this virus under control protects everyone from you…and protects you from everyone who may be spreading.
Rob L: It may be ridiculous but that is the rule, as mentioned here on BOH. A person is also subject to one year in jail, I guess depending on the severity of the case and the arresting officer’s discretion.
Pam M: I cannot believe that no one can agree on the mask issue and Hawai’i has lost it’s Aloha completely if no one agrees to communicate clearly with one another.
Beat of Hawaii: Thanks for mentioning the Aloha Pam. We’ve just seen new masks emblazoned with the words “Sharing Only Aloha.”
Vicki G: Incidentally, the local people having their week-end picnics and bar-b-ques DO NOT wear masks and are definitely not social distancing. Can you explain why they are not following the rules and not given citations but the visitors are targeted?
Beat of Hawaii: These rules apply to everyone. Not just visitors.
David W: Here is the thing. Nobody should need a mandate. Everyone knows by now what is required if you want to minimize your chances of getting the disease or spreading the disease. Social distancing, wear a mask anytime you are indoors or near anyone outside, wash or sanitize your hands often. That all should be obvious by now and nobody should need to be told that. Otherwise Hawaii will be shut back down very quickly. I’d like to see some kind of fine but that shouldn’t be necessary. For now I can’t see traveling there until this all plays out a little more.
Sandra K: Yes masks are required. It’s a pandemic.
Reg Y: I mask up when I go outside; to work and around others. It’s best to just wear a mask, err on the side of caution. It has been shown that anyone can get Covid, so why take a chance? Nobody knows about the long-term effects on a person’s health. So please wear a mask. If you’re not at home, then you need to wear a mask. There’s some minor variation among islands, but if you put on a mask when you’re not at home, without trying to pick at the loopholes, then you’ll be in compliance anywhere… If you’re not at home, put on a mask, easy as can be to understand.
Peg H: Just wear a mask. Is it really that confusing for you? We know they work. At most a very minor inconvenience. People that cannot understand this simple dynamic are why we’re here eight months later.
You may want to draw this out as long as possible but most people don’t.
Cindy W: As a resident who lives at the end of Kapiolani Park, where people exercise heavily (90% of the time without masking) and someone who keeps up with the WHO and CDC Recommendations, I applaud Ige for coming forward with a Mask Wearing Mandate, Finally!!! Now post the Mandate including the fines in the elevators and lobbies of every hotel, condo, park, bus stop, grocery store, restaurant, restroom, tennis court and retail establishment on the island.
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I may never come to HI again. There is much to love, but I’m not a herd animal. Nor do I subscribe to false fears. Viruses are real. Illness is real. Both have been with us forever. Government overreach is out of control. It’s very disappointing. I can’t patronize that position.
Sad, Bill C. More U.S. deaths this year mark the largest single-year percentage leap since 1918, when tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers died in World War I and hundreds of thousands of Americans died in a flu pandemic.
Overall deaths in the United States this year are more than 85% higher than in places such as Germany, Israel and Denmark after adjusting for population size.
Your attitude is exactly the reason that Hawaii requires testing, re-testing at random, and contact tracing. Through “government over reach”, Hawaii has managed the pandemic. Thank you for deciding not to visit.
I am a new resident. Just moved over from Sacramento, California. People fight wearing the mask. They will come into small spaces and say, “oops. Forgot my mask. I will only be a minute.” This happened in some way or another every day for the eight days I was there. 1 out of 2 people wear the mask under their nose. California has over 1 million cases. Wonder why? Oh yeah, no Kuleana. I decided to quarantine, again. This is the only way I can 100% keep my community safe. I do this for them because they wear a mask for me. This pandemic is not forever but a mask is for everyone.
Please be kind. Please be safe. Let’s stop fighting each other and start fighting for each other.
Perhaps it wouldnt spread so much if there were bathrooms in restaurants in which you could wash your hands. Ive never been to a state in which you can get food and not have facilities to wash prior to eating. This state is ill prepared for so many reasons I can understand their over compensating and making people stay at home like hermits.
Let’s keep this simple
If you don’t want to follow our laws or rules then just stay put and please don’t endanger us as you endanger yourself or your lived ones.
Please wear a mask. It is simple and temporary. I worked in Cardiac Surgery for 34 years. If you don’t think they work maybe I won’t need a mask during your surgery. We are not in the 18th century where doctors refused to wear masks and gloves because they thought it didn’t help.
It’s the 2020 fashion statement! 🙂
We are trying to get to Honolulu this weekend to visit our son. We are scheduled for the < 72 hour testing requirement at the only Trusted Partner in our area but have our doubts on whether the results will arrive before we have to board for Hawaii.
Does anyone know if the rapid test facility at the Oakland airport takes walk-ins? Their website seems to indicate no appointments available until January.
Also, if we arrive in Honolulu still awaiting our results where do we have to quarantine?
Find out yourself. Hawaii.gov a good place to start. Don’t rely on someone else.
We have three different snorkeling trips planned and paid for the end of December. One company isn’t responding. How do I know who has gone out of business, and who is just slow to respond? Thank you for being a great resource!
Hi Tonya.
Thanks. We’d suggest you constate the state’s consumer affairs division. https://cca.hawaii.gov/.
Aloha.
Done – easy! Thank you!
I know it was meant as more of a joke but I really like the idea of having a mask that matches my swimsuit!
It’s the 2020 fashion statement! 🙂
Hawaii, Their house, their rules. And as for a tourists point of view on not wearing masks, just show some common courtesy, observe boundaries or what ever you want to call it. In some obscure way its like a guest coming over to your house, and next thing you know their rearranging your furniture. Tourists are guests and need to show some respect for the local rules. . A need for a suntan on your part doesn’t constitute a death for someone else..
First where is the data. They always say the data shows the people without masks caused the outbreak. CONME ON PEIPLE. Has anyone seen the data. Let’s just say want we want the narrative to be. It’s not going to change. The democrats across this country believe the mask and Hawaii is heavy democrat. Bottom line dont travel there unless you want to be traced. No thanks. There is other places to go
On Maui right now. No masks by locals on beach and no danger. Wake up Governor, go to a beach and see how safe it is!
I wear a mask, CDC says wearing a mask does not help one bit in stopping surges in the virus and the virus particulates are too miniscule for even a n95-99 mask to be effective. I live on the big Island and as far as I know a rule is a rule and not a law . to arrest people and charge fines for something that is not a law is a violation of constitutional right. I don’t know how any state can say that they will incarcerate and fine people for what is not a law but a rule or emergency mandate without out declaring martial law is anything but a baseless threat that if you are an American should be disregarded as such. it’s unconstitutional and a violation of law. but I still wear a mask.
Hello , just spent a week on the big island! I took all the required covid tests and even some prior to the week of travel to be extra safe! As someone who works with the general public daily ( I am a barber) I have no issue abiding by the mask wearing rules anywhere I travel to. I feel it does not ruin my vacation, it is the new norm. I love to support local businesses, being in one myself. I feel like if you can’t abide then don’t travel! For everyone else who has no issues with mask wearing, I’ll have to say I truly enjoyed my time on the big island and talked to lots of friendly locals! It was a great escape from city life and I’m great full for the opportunity to come and enjoy the island. Just follow the rules 🙂
My son and I arrived in Oahu on oct. 20 with negative covid test in hand. We had planned on moving there permanently included with that making the island my primary personal and business address. I was bringing 12 new jobs to be hired with me. The mask issue, big brother watching attitude and unfriendly people has turned my stomach. There is no Aloha spirit there anymore. I did not see one smile the entire time. Living in fear is not living at all. Since 1991, I have traveled there every year. No more. Worst experience in my life! We just packed up and left. Biz will be relocated also.
We are here.We are respectful of the land,spending money,and wearing a mask.Thank you Maui.
Please no political responses.
Your comment is a breath of fresh air compared to those of the nay sayer’s Life goes a lot sweeter. If one is given a lemon and makes lemon aid from it rather than just bite into it.
Announcement: Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday that beginning Nov. 6, travelers from Japan may bypass Hawaiʻi’s mandatory 14-day quarantine if they pass a trusted coronavirus test within 72 hours of departure and receive a negative result. All trusted testing partners are in big Japanese cities. Please tell me when you hear that they have expanded to testing at the airports – before departure.
Mahalo for your good work…………….
Hi Nancy.
We kept an eye out on that for you and are really happy you’ll be able to return to Hawaii now. Great news.
Aloha.
In reply to Pam H’s reply, the constitution also doesn’t say that local governments can’t force everyone to give up their cars to prevent car accident deaths. But if a city or state health commissioner tried that Pam would probably even say that’s unreasonable. So the fact that the constitution doesn’t prevent an action doesn’t have anything to do with common sense. What if Hawaii outlawed bare feet and flip flops in order to prevent toe fungus? Would she blindly support that policy and then criticize all the non-compliers walking on the beach? So what’s reasonable?
Walking outside cannot spread the virus with or without a mask because there’s not enough viral load transmitted as two people pass on a beach or hiking trail. According to most contact tracing studies, people are far more likely to contract the virus in their own home. So is Pam H wearing her mask when at home?
In reference to Julie’s comment who is clearly an anti-masker. I would like to know where in our Constitution it says that wearing a mask somehow violates the peoples rights. Every medical professional I have seen & heard speak, without a doubt, says masks, social distancing & washing hands prevents the spread of this virus. If one can’t abide by the rules stated then perhaps one should not travel, grocery shop, dine indoors, etc. Compliers should not have to sacrifice our safety & health for the non-believers. I support mask mandates.
You can’t hide form the virus, it’s too late. In countries like Italy and Spain which have mandated masks and lockdowns the virus cases are spiking even as they’re economy is failing causing other bad health outcomes for a variety of reasons. If people are afraid of catching the virus, buy N95 masks which protect the wearer from others as opposed to inferior masks which really are only meant to protect others from the wearer. And some masks actually increase the aerosolization of droplets. We can lock down until we’re all starving but the virus won’t go away. At some point we simply have to let the virus spread among the young and healthy until like all other viruses, it cannot find enough hosts to infect.
There are plenty of rural places in America that don’t even have hospitals close to them, should we arrest all those people for not wearing masks? Why can’t people just wear them without the threat of arrest? I think most would be happy to, including myself. The threat of arrest though, makes me realize different point of views are not welcome on the islands, and unfortunately for both of us, I will have to travel somewhere else with my family. I always loved the beauty and culture of Hawaii and wanted to start taking my kids there every year now that they are all out of diapers, but I think those memories will be made somewhere else instead.
I dont care what anyone says, the mask requirement for snorkelers and scuba divers while conducting these activities outside is asinine.
I would be willing to wear a mask in Hawaii (even outdoors at a distance from others) to be respectful of local mandates and customs. In my part of the mainland, we wear masks indoors (i.e., food shopping) as required but discretionary while walking in a park where space between people is easily kept. As I have noted in other posts, I simply am not comfortable planning a trip 6 to 9 months in the future under current circumstances and putting travel dollars at risk with the uncertainties of a almost perfectly timed c19 test along with the current Hawaii travel environment. Hope to be back in 2022 as much as I would like to return in 2021. Best to all! Aloha.
Aloha BOH Pyromaniacs
Great subject matter nothing like throwing a little gasoline on the already raging mask wearing fire.
As of yesterday 10/28/2020 on the CDC website they reported a total of 212,328 individuals had died of Covid-19 related issues in the United States. An overwhelming 194,667 were 55 and older.
Only 17,661 people under the age of 55 have died of Covid-19. Of that number on 2,117 people under the age of 34 have died from Covid-19. Those are amazingly low numbers.
Armed with these numbers if I’m under 34 why would I wear a mask? Even under 55 why would I wear a mask?
To save Grandma? Please. Stop the spread? Really.
I’m 59 not a big fan of mask wearing I wear them when required it’s their business they get to make the rules. I avoid groups of under 34’s no bars, no restaurants, no church and no movies. No Hawaii, that’s until there’s good Covid-19 treatments and a vaccine that works then I can say goodbye to wearing a mask.
It’s their island regardless if a mask works or not if you don’t want to follow Hawaii’s mask wearing policy then do like me and don’t travel there.
Mahalo
Rich
Hi Richard.
Thanks. Appreciate that bit of levity too – we can always use that.
Aloha.
So I just finished reading the story and comments regarding the new face mask policy and about following directions for testing in order to be allowed into Hawaii. As I read this story I find myself shaking my head. I am a visitor to Hawaii. My wife and I have visited numerous times. We arrived a week ago and had no problem getting into Hawaii. We followed the rules to the letter. It was a challenge but we did it. I agree with the policy and why it is in place and being inforced. The family from Utah was denied entry because they did not get the test done at an approved location. My question is why were they turned away? I thought you did not have to get a test if you agreed to quarantine for 14 days. My other question is if a Hawaii resident does not test and elects to quarantine for 14 days will they not be allowed to enter? My daughter and grand kids currently live in Hawaii and are considering coming to Calif for Christmas. The plan is to not test and quarantine for 14 days. I realize the rules change frequently so we will be following this frequently. Thank you
Hi Dennis.
The 14-day quarantine is still in effect for those who don’t test or when a test comes back as positive. All islands.
Aloha.
This is in response to Julie, a mask is to provide some protection for the other person from you, and to provide protection for you from the other person. If you or a family member or friend have not been ill with Covid-19, thank God. I work in a hospital and have worked on the floors with those patients on respirators. They are struggling physically and emotionally. We’ve known of a family who lost 3 members within days of one another! They die alone. . . family members are not allowed to be at their bedside. Please don’t let this happen to you and your family. Please don’t let first responders and frontline hospital workers work in vain, because people are not believing that masks and social distancing can help. You may be asymptomatic, but positive, then spread it to your family elders. Regarding critical thinking, what exactly happens when you cough or are speaking to someone.. .you spread droplets and that is why we were taught to cover our mouths. Please wear a mask. Thank you.
Do you have to wear a mask while on the beach? What about when you are in and out of the ocean?
I just spent some time at the Honolulu.gov website and found this order:
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU EMERGENCY ORDER NO. 2020-29 (COVID-19 [Novel Coronavirus])
HONOLULU’S COVID-19 RECOVERY FRAMEWORK: ORDER IMPLEMENTING TIER 2.
I searched “face covering” and found very clear information about when a face mask was not required. See Order 5, beginning on page 3.
This is in reply to reader Julie’s comments: would you let a surgeon do surgery on you without a mask? Please look at the statistics of Covid in countries such as Japan where the wearing of masks is more common place. Do you have any loved ones who have cancer and are immunocomprised? Would you go near them if you knew you were coming down with a cold? With this virus a person is most infectious before any symptoms are evident. You are wearing the mask to protect the elderly and vulnerable, it is not all about you.
We just got back from 3 days on Santa Catalina Island. The weather was gorgeous and the local business owners genuinely seemed to enjoy our patronage. The restaurants either had outdoor dining or set up on tables on the beach. On the boat trip over and back, 100% of the tourists wore masks and probably 98% on the island itself. We were treated like adults with nobody hassling us. Most of the tourist attractions were open.
I miss Kauai like crazy, but you can still have an enjoyable vacation here on the mainland.
Does the mask mandate in Hawaii specify what kind of masks can be worn, or are those not important factors to the in-depth thought that the local government has used to come up with the mandate? Just curious if the people in power have even done their homework or are just jumping to conclusions for optics?
Aloha,
I’ve had a friend mention that it’s easy for people to accept the “no shirt, no shoes, no service,” common, and accepted in our culture. Mask wearing is a similar health courtesy, for now. That made easy sense to me.
Thank you for the open discussion.
Hi Stephie.
Thanks for that.
Aloha.
Forgot to ask, what percentage of the economy does tourism make up? Would that percentage include what is also impacted by tourism?
I believe I have read that tourism constitutes around 70% of the economy. A significant number, one that explains the September 15.1% unemployment rate, although down from over 20% a couple of months ago.
BOH, maybe you can provide more current and accurate numbers.
Thanks
Seems like it’s pretty political, the only trend Ives seen is people agreeing not to travel or being told they shouldn’t visit. Ok, I’ll spend my money somewhere else, there’s plenty of tropical places with more freedom than hawaii. I’m not dropping well over 10k for my family to come back with mask tans and gestapo like experience from security, police, and locals. Sure wear a mask while shopping or indoors, I’m fine with that, but not on the beach. Maybe Puerto Rico will get our business instead, or a trip to Fiji, or bora bora. I will have to look into their policies and see how welcome they make people feel. Good luck though, I wish you all the best but I don’t possibly see how you won’t be creating an economic disaster on the islands. Eventually web you’ve destroyed the job market and hotels/restaurants all close, you’ll come around to using common sense to encourage people to wear masks rather than all the testing, and fear mongering and unconstitutional overreach. A year in jail is absolutely ridiculous!!!
Mask wearing was ititially not recommended by CDC as it does not protect the wearer. Then it was recommended as a means to limit spread of droplets from the wearer when it is impossible to maintain social distance. Now it is a form of “virtue signalling,” with political overtones. The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight inactivates the virus almost instantly. It is reasonable always to mask indoors. It is unreasonable to mask out of doors when exercising.
Seems like you’re is the only reasonable comment in this section. No question sunlight is the best disinfectant. No point in trying to engage the smug midwits found reading this blog.
In the Bay Area everyone is wearing a mask including exercising As a result San Francisco has a low rate of Covid and businesses are all open now but with restrictions. Masks work and I applaud Hawai’i for making this mandatory!! This should not be an issue, wear a mask!!!!
All of us (except for Julie) are willing to wear a mask when we go into the store, whether in your home state or Hawaii. We’re even willing to wear a mask from the car to the store. I just came back from Hawaii yesterday and it was so wonderful to be back! While there we hiked to Shipman beach Hawaii island 1.5 hours each way and saw not a soul other than those in our party – if it became a law that we would have to wear a mask during such a trip that would be complete insanity. What about while we are swimming in the ocean, shall we wear a mask then? We need to combine caution with common sense, no? Also, all of the precautions including masking up were established early on to slow down the spread-this has been done, goal obtained. The goal was never to avoid contracting COVID-19, but to delay it keep the hospital traffic regulated. Has everyone seen the Peanuts cartoon were Lucy holds the football while Charlie Brown tries to kick it? We can’t keep moving the goalposts, Hawaii government! Can you seriously imagine what will happen with seven more months of this? Downtown Kailua Kona and Hilo are ghost towns even after lifting the quarantine with compliant testing. Congratulations, brave owners and workers at Humpty‘s restaurant! Congratulations volleyball players! Should they wear a mask also while they are sweating in the Kona heat? SMH
Dave,
I’m glad you wore a mask AND had a great trip to Hawaii.
But “goal obtained”? What’s your source of info for this?
Do you know how many states are at 100% capacity in their ICUs?
Hello Lori, by “goal obtained“ I mean that we have straightened up the curve a bit and we need to be concerned with continuing our industries. No I am not aware that many states are at 100% in their ICU’s Capacity-I just googled that per your suggestion and found no such statistics.