What might happen when the Hawaii legislature returns on January 20 that could change current travel policies.
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For some of us traveling to Kauai, the prospect of losing even one day is torture when vacations come every 3-4 years. I will jump thru hoops to get there because I love it so much, but not if I’m restricted to one resort bubble. I go there exclusively to immerse myself in the culture, the food, the community and the Aina, not some man-made illusion of the island itself. I want my $$$ going to support the locals, not corporations.
I am a resident of the Big Island who recently returned from a mainland visit. For my return flight on a Wednesday, I had 3 flights: Memphis to Dallas, Dallas to Seattle, Seattle to Kona. To meet the 72 hr test period requirement, I took my pre-flight Covid test @ 9am on a Monday @ a Walgreens in Memphis. At time of boarding in Memphis, no test results yet. After landing in Dallas, no test results still. Ironically, I was lucky enough to have my Dallas to Seattle flight develop mechanical problems and was re-booked on a flight to Portland. However, I had to overnite in Portland since the Portland-Kona flight was at 9 am the next morning. My test results arrived in my email at 7:15 am that morning, so I was able to upload it to the Safe Travels website and get my “Pre-clear” wristband from Alaska Airlines. I arrived home Thursday afternoon, had to get another covid test before leaving the airport, but no quarantine. Had my plane not developed mechanical problems, I WOULD have been quarantined as I would have arrived prior to me getting results. And yet, I could not have taken the initial covid test any sooner, as the 72 hr testing period started at 5:25 pm on Sunday (72 hr prior to the start of my nonstop flight to Hawaii, the Seattle-Kona segment). For many travelers, especially those having to do more than one flight, the 72 hr rule doesn’t work.
I have a question. What do we think the population’s vote would be if they were to ask them what restrictions should be in place? I’ve heard stories that residents are tired of the strict regulations. Is this true?
“Number of cases” is one thing and I can see its correlation with the governor’s goal to maintain safety. Sure.
But at what point would the majority of Hawaii’s actual residents prefer to loosen the restrictions? I’m sure some would prefer to live a fuller life with the risk of getting COVID rather than live a suppressed life with a lessor chance of getting it. Am I missing something? I choose an adventurous life. There is always degrees of risk in life, right? Isn’t that what we’re dealing with?
I don’t know…someone enlighten me. The restrictions seem to be killing businesses, raising crime, and increasing domestic abuse…and these are just the direct consequences. I mean, addictions and anxiety must be running rampant.
Still sounds like the rules are in a state of flux and that Kauai still has different rules. Our trip is in one month. We will both be vaccinated prior to that date. I still do not see any news on if you are vaccinated if you will be allowed into Kauai.
We will not do the Resort Bubble to get into Kauai – there is no proof that putting us all in 5 resorts for 3 days will keep the COVID level down, especially when we tested negative prior to leaving the mainland. These 5 resorts seem to be cashing in, plus whoever issues these tracking bracelets (which is creepy) and performs the mobile tests. We called our resort and they mentioned that they have applied for Resort Bubble status, but had no idea when this would be approved, if at all. It’s still not worth the expense to be quarantined for any number of days, Hawaii is an expensive trip and we don’t want to be stressed, vacation is a time to relax.
If this is not resolved, we will cancel the Hawaii trip and look into Florida which does not have all these rules.
I landed in Lihue this past Saturday from a non-stop from SFO. My plan is to quarantine in my condo (which has been empty from STR due to Kauai banning Safe Travels).
Talk about confusion – as I am a Covid/Beat of Hawaii junkie, I actually knew more than the agents at the airport. I was explaining the system to them. The only one who understood the Kauai system was the Natl Guard member.
Kauai wants to “see” that you have the Safe Travels QR code, although they don’t scan it or allow you to upload your negative test.
Hi Laurie.
We caught that. Thank you. Enjoy your time on Kauai.
Aloha.
Come on Hawaii…you’re embarrassing yourself…again.
How are the islands going to deal with visitors who have received the vaccines and have the proof to show. We have a trip planned for mid-June. Hopefully the state will have policy in place by then.
Thanks
Hi Mike.
We’ll have more updates on this soon.
Aloha.
As a property manager in Poipu, I had a guest call that has had both of her vaccinations and is a safe as you can get. What is Kawakami and Green’s plan for her? Essential worker…now safe and wants to come.
Tom
Is any different travel requirements going to come into play if a person has been vaccinated prior to Hawaii travel?
We finally pulled the plug on our upcoming stay in Kauai. Just too much risk with the rules changing. Hopefully we will return next Christmas for our annual vacation but until things, unless there are huge changes, we are waiting.