526 thoughts on “Hawaii Travel Upheaval: Stakeholders Livid As Adversaries Now Concur”
Victor G.
Considering a month long group trip to Oahu in Febuary if the virus numbers decrease, but this new restriction gives us pause. We may need to re-think those plans; not wanting to be on complete lock down.
Dave N
Huge issues with furloughs and job losses on the horizon. Long term. if everything opens back up and this ends now there will be fallout for a decade, but it’s not ending now. The Scriptures tell us that turmoil will occur in the last days and it is, who knew, but in hindsight I guess it makes sense that we would do it to ourselves.
JeanC
We had 5 wks of vacation planned…3 on Kauai and 1 week each on Big Island and Oahu.
We were notified this week that Hawaiian Air cancelled our flights to Kauai… and the Big Island flight was pushed back 12 hrs…
We were also notified that we would have to do additional covid tests to go to Big Island and Kauai. The total cost of covid testing for our entire trip would be approximately 1200-$1500.
We have cancelled Kauai and Big Island trips and tentatively reserved the 5 wks on Oahu. We have 30 days to see if Hawaii can come up with better testing options…if not, we will be cancelling our trip and going someplace else warm…we have been coming to Hawaiian islands for the past 30 yrs…I hope they allow 96 hours to pre and testing upon arrival.
This will be the first time in 30 yrs we are going to Hawaii.
Gail F
On the other hand, Kauai’s low numbers of Covid cases, hospitalizations & fatalities are unsurpassed …
Patricia
We canceled our family trip to Kauai schedule the first week of January and rescheduled everything to the Big Island. Crossing fingers they stay open!
Chris G
The mayors are now all in agreement on requiring a post-travel test in addition to the pre-travel test (but perhaps the pre-travel test timeline can be extended). No word on whether a quarantine will now be required before the post-travel test.
Rich
Plan is post travel test done at the airport prior to being cleared using rapid tests. I think the issue will be volumes of tests and who pays for it as usual.
Chris G
To clarify, the proposed plan is actually to require the post-travel test a few days *after* arrival, however it’s not confirmed whether a quarantine will be required then. Hawaii now has enough data to know that the on-arrival testing at the airport doesn’t help much due to incubation periods.
This will cut down on tourism further, but given the state of the mainland that appears that it could be partially intentional.
Donald
Yes…the recent Kauai shutdown made me believe that the entire state would once again require the 14-day quarantine. I postponed my 2-week Maui reservations for mid to late January until Nov 2021. All in all, I have cancelled six weeks of travel to Maui so far for 2020-2021. I am quite shaken re: my substantial fractional ownership interests on Maui.
Marjorie k
The mayor is not thinking things through. Nor is he relying on the Lt governor and the governor. The mayor is all over the map and cannot even follow through with rules he has put into place. He is destroying the people of kauai and their ability to support their families. Kauai relies mainly on tourism. More homeless are being added to the homeless camps on a daily basis with no end on site. Very sad.
Kari C.
We planned our first trip to Kauai for January travel and recently cancelled those plans. We are now planning qn Oahu vacation but are now considering canceling due to the uncertainty of the 14 day quarantine rules. Especially since we can travel elsewhere without such inconveniences.
RIch
But it is all about politics and gathering votes for the next election. The level of cases is worrying but the facilities are being understated and we want Kaua’i tobe safe butt he circus on Kauai damaging businesses is about votes.
AnnP
I am sad to say we too are canceling our plans for Hawaii. We had airline tickets and reservations for this past August that we’re cancelled by our hotel and airline. We have been checking daily to see what happening. However there is just too much confusion and no clear path here. So guess Hawaii is off our list. This really saddens me as I am approaching 71 and this was our last trip there.
Salil G
So glad we were able to safely enjoy our trip to Kauai, Honolulu and the big island before these changes. From what we saw, visitors to both islands were responsible as are the restaurants and other businesses.
The beaches in Waikiki were not very safe as far as masking. All airports were following procedures respectfully. Knowing what was approved from island to island is confusing and information is not presented in any one place well.
That’s what needs to be fixed first. Travelers need clear guidance
Don k.
We are currently in a pandemic crises that is exploding across the nation and a person dies of covid every 35 seconds, it’s unfathomable that Hawaii politicians are opening the floodgates for tourists from every covid hotspot in the mainland to come here unchecked.
I can say for a fact that most if not all tourists follow quarantine rules, they even brag about it.
We don’t have the medical resources to handle a widespread covid outbreak here on the island, your all inviting death, it’s so irresponsible and we locals hate what you’re doing.
Your covid response system is broken and so full of holes why bother.
With what you’re doing Hawaii will become a covid hot zone in short time….all for the all mighty dollar.
RIch
The bigger problem is retunring residents not visitors but that does not win votes. Read up about the couple in Wailua arrested by KPD and charged with Reckless Endangerment having deliberately flown with positive test having been told to isolate in San Francisco. California has a very high rate and that is a big market for Residents returning. Proper torough testing as they now have before travel is good and I like the LT Govener’s plan to do rapid test at airport when you land. Will pull out most cases and be manageable which the current system is not. Even Kaua’i would agree to that if the tests can be funded by the state,
Rob L.
Don, You don’t say what island you are on, but for Kauai, as of this Friday there are only 14 active cases, one hospitalization, and there was one death a couple of weeks ago. That is out of a total number of infections, since statistics were first taken, of 138. And of those 138, 97 were residents, not tourists (41). Percentages are probably similar on the other islands. So, look to your own residents first before blaming only tourists. And what are the tourists doing? For the most part, they’re following the rules as you said, not disobeying the authorities like the 1000+ residents did at Polihale in Kauai a couple months ago. And those tourists are helping you survive by pumping millions into your economy. The world may be forever changed by this pandemic, but tourists will return to Hawaii. Adjustments will be necessary of course. Tourists will be willing to live with those adjustments. Will the residents?
Harvey H.
I’m not sure if your comment is real or a troll, but I am sure that you need absolutely need to learn more about COVID19. Look at Europe’s spikes compared to USA. They were far more restrictive and yet they had bigger spikes. If truly afraid, maybe figure out how to hide from an illness with an extremely high recovery rate. Go read the CDC’s own information on deaths from just covid. Like 10,000 YTD. Lots of complicating factors/co-morbidities (like heart disease) which strangely and coincidentally show a corresponding decline in the CDC’s “deaths from all causes” data for 2020. Explain how that occurred without using mental gymnastics and then we can agree to panic.
Jennifer
Had planned a trip to Kauai until the mayor made a major decision to close the island, in the course of a few days and without consulting anyone. Canceled my entire trip. Very disappointed.
RIch
I feel for your disappointment. I am having heck of a problem getting over to Hawaii and at present Kauai is blocked. The Mayor consulted his political allies as this has a lot to do with votes and elections.. Visitors who lose vacations, Locals who lose their jobs and Residents who get arrested for reckless endangerment do not figure in his calculations. Stay Safe Kaua’i.
Ed D
I’m surprised that all of the airlines that are providing trans-pacific flights from gateway cities on the mainland, haven’t stepped up to the plate to adopt the position that a customer must present documents that prove the passenger has tested negative for Covid-19 before being allowed to board an airplane to Hawaii. One of the early concerns of airline passengers was and is that “passengers who can not prove that they are negative for Covid-19” were being allowed on Hawaii inbound flights.
I fail to understand why airline gate agents can’t examine each passengers negative Covid-19 documents at the time of boarding a flight at a gateway city; just as they examine a “boarding pass”. If a passenger at time of boarding, can’t present proof of a negative Covid-19 approved test, then they don’t fly to Hawaii. If “all of the Hawaii bound trans-pacific airlines” followed this process, it would be a win, win for both the trans-pacific airlines, passengers and Hawaiian communities. There would be no ambiguity or misunderstanding of this process by flyers. It’s time to do the right thing!
Bill G
Totally agree. Why would we get on a plane if we get tested but others don’t. Everyone would be safe if you had a negative test before you you boarded. Common sense. We have cancelled our trip because of this and we have come every year.
Trish V.
I thought the same thing!
Rob L.
The problem is that the airlines are private businesses. They don’t work for the state of Hawaii. Who is going to pay for them for extra gate agents to check documents, which would also slow the boarding process. Airlines don’t check passenger documents for intercity flights on the mainland, so why should they make an exception for Hawaii?
RD
Airline employees are not qualified to determine whether documents presented as being professional test are real or faked. With todays access to technology and home printers. Faked but formal looking documents can easily be created and could even provide a basis for an underground market of faked documents. Thank You.
JC
We flew to the Big Island yesterday (12/4). Had a negative test and came over just fine. The rules aren’t complicated just follow them. Don’t get on a plane without your results – period.
Barbara M
Now that Hawaii residents have to quarantine for 10 days instead of 14 if they arrive without testing, there will be more folks on flights without having been tested as what they encounter when they get home will be less daunting. That is great for them but how does that diminishes the possibility of health security on flights even more!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Barbara.
The new quarantine rules don’t (at this time) change travel quarantines. So let’s make that a little more confusing. That could come next, but it isn’t clear.
Aloha.
Barbara M
Should bold printed the words HAWAII RESIDENTS. You are correct, it does not affect travelers just returning residents.
Dn
Actually the CDC said 7 days so Hawaii thinks they’ll just compromise.
Rutger O.
Original plans were Kauai. Those got scraped so we switched to Maui. Only tricky part is the pre travel program, if the company is no listed on the most recent report it is a no go. They do not announce delisted partners, in our case it was Quest diagnostics.
Brit
If you book though Hawaiian Airlines they offer pre travel testing a few days before your flight. Originally we booked through them.
Betty R
They delisted Quest??? CVS is also out. What if they delist the provider we’re using before we fly? I’m thinking it’s time to cancel our own reservations. We were really looking forward to it. Providing some economic support to a state that needs it was definitely a big bonus and one of the reasons I wanted to go but we can’t risk losing thousands and being locked in a room for our whole stay.
William B
Traveled from Sacramentoto Kona wanted to get tested but no guarantee of test before departure so now quarantined for two weeks at home. Rules change by the hour are they rying to bankrupt the state and
shutdown all business
Neil B.
As a physican on Kauai. I take care of one of this highest risk populations for Covid: elderly patients with cancer. Kauai mayor’s decison to opt out of the pretravel testimg program has no basis in medical or scientific data. The collateral damage created by this narcisistically motivated, medically irrational decision will lead to far more damage to our islands medical, financial, and mental health than Covid 19 could ever do. The mayor has yet to feel the personal pain he has inflicted on the constituents he is supposed to humbly serve…not govern. He should be held accountable for these politically motivated actions and address his constituents with the respect and data they deserve. With thoughtful programs to protect our at risk populations and focused efforts to maximize our economic strengths, we can strike the rationale balance of safety and revitalization. Mr. Kawakami’s unsubstantiated tyrannical governance by fear needs to stop. Sane,rationale dialogue needs to replace emergency proclamations. Failure to change this track record of reckless mandates should be met with his recall as mayor and an emergency elecion to find his replacement.
Vicky M
I was going to Molokai for a week followed by a week on Maui 1 month ago. Things were changing so rapidly even then I was nervous about going. With the testing pretravel and the potential of possibly having to quarantine on Molokai and the added test on Molokai before traveling back to Maui…it had too many moving parts and too much potential for problems, I cancelled my week on Molokai. I did have 2 weeks on Maui and it was beautiful as always. The lack of mask wearing on the island and the non-enforcement of wearing masks on the plane made the whole trip a little less enjoyable than usual. I will keep you Islanders in my thoughts and prayers that you keep your numbers down, stay healthy and get back to normal as soon as possible.
Richard L.
Screw the island of Kauai if they elect or go along with these idiot politicians. They deserve what they get. Maybe they will wake up and recall these idiots out of office.
S
100%
Darcie P.
Aloha – my spouse and I love Hawaii and have been to the Big Island 5 times since 2011. This pandemic is much too fluid right now for us consider traveling anywhere. We plan to come back in the future once this virus isn’t so rampant. I personally don’t mind wearing a mask, but the whole idea of trying to get tested and still risk not being able to go is too much (we have always spent 7 days in Hawaii). I feel for the residents of Hawaii – you’re basically stuck between a rock and a hard place. But I also understand the challenges you face presently and I don’t wish to contribute to those. We’ll be back,I just can’t say when. Hoping for 2021!
Victor G.
Considering a month long group trip to Oahu in Febuary if the virus numbers decrease, but this new restriction gives us pause. We may need to re-think those plans; not wanting to be on complete lock down.
RIch
Alas, Hawaiian Politics has always been very very Quixotic.
Shawn
“Mahalo you guy’s…well, the short answer would be due to the increased disreguard for Covid19 rules and a disturbing increase in the number of cases rising so rapidly in the mainland, this is why Hawaii Covid19 rules are always changing…they must always change to try to meet a safety system that we can implement within the counties inside the Kingdom of Hawaii…the saying now goes; 6 feet apart or 6 feet under?…do you want to choose…?” Once again, Mahalo nui loa readers….
Shawn
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Shawn.
Thanks for your input.
Aloha.
KC
All these temper tantrums because people’s HI vacations are more important than the health of people and the health system. These people don’t have the Aloha vibe. Islands are better without their business. When it is safe to do so, my family will return to support local business in HI.
William B
Traveled from Sacramentoto Kona wanted to get tested but no guarantee of test before departure so now quarantined for two weeks at home. Rules change by the hour are they trying to bankrupt the state andbill shutdown all business
Dana G.
We spent three fabulous weeks in Hawaii in November. One week on Maui, and two on the Big Island. After two COVID tests we felt very safe. My husband missed Hawaii even before we came back. I took advantage of Black Friday specials from Hawaiian Air and the Poipu Koloa Resort. These were to be a Christmas present for my husband. Now I don’t know what to do. I’m incredibly disappointed.
Dana
William W.
No offence, but it was not very well thought out to buy a future vacation during a pandemic. Especially during a time when all epidemiologists have said since the beginning, that we would see a rush. Just push back your dates, you’ll be fine, at least in this regard.
Lowell W
The constant changea, even for only one island, make me second-think existing reservations. Get it together, folks, please
Ty
Aloha!
As we sit here, poolside, In Maui, I few so bad for the residents in Kauai. While we don’t love mask wearing, or the stress from waiting for test results prior to leaving CA, we are enjoying the paradise here! Hopefully the government realizes what they are doing to hurt their people under the guise of protecting them! I honestly hope they reopen so the residents can resume their lives! Thank you for keeping everyone updated!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Ty.
Thanks. Enjoy your time on Maui!
Aloha.
Evan C
Arrived at Honolulu airport with all required tests and documents uploaded and copies in hand and was threatened with quarantine because the “trusted provider” I used didn’t print my test result on the right stationary with the state of Hawaii seal, a fact explained nowhere on the state travel site. This system is set up for people to fail. It’s a train wreck that is only providing a false sense of safety.
Jo C.
I canceled our trip to Hawaii in December. There is no way, I am going to subject myself to this lunacy.
Phil D.
Mahalo,
No need to come back here. I think FLA is best for you.
Rick K
I love Hawaii and especially Kauai but your politicians have made it impossible to schedule a trip to Hawaii with any sense of reliability or confidence. I am afraid your politicians are dooming all of your businesses to absolute failure. It’s soooooo dad!
Zach
Yep was planning a Maui trip but even the current negative test proof was too much risk and now the Kauai mess. Nope will take my family of 5 and 6k-10k elsewhere. Hawaii politicians have ruined Hawaii economy. Peace out.
John A
It’s a cluster of epic proportions. No more need be said.
S
All the Mayors and Governors of HI, CA and NY trying to outdo each other. Who can screw up their State the most!
Morgan M
Thanks for the great write-up. I’ve canceled my inter-island trips to Lihue several times this year. Now Xmas with my 89 year-old Grandmother, who lives alone without assistance, is up for grabs.
I thought California government was bad. Hawai’i leaders, shame on you. First the train mess, now this?
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Morgan.
Thanks. Sorry to hear about the difficulty of visiting your family.
Aloha.
Lana K
And let’s not forget igie and the nuclear attack! Lol
Martha J
We had 6 week vacation planned for the Big Island. The 72 hour preflight negative Covid-19 test requirement was impossible, living in a small rural town in Washington State. It’s become too complicated and risky to our health. We cancelled our trip.
jennifer w
As a resident of the Big Island, I can personally testify to the inept “leadership” from our government that has resulted in an economic disaster. We haven’t begun to see the consequences yet.
Meanwhile, not one government employee has had to grapple with a pay cut. Instead, our DOE is talking about how they will have an enormous budget shortfall and will have to cut programs, like special ed. Meanwhile the administration and the teachers are receiving their full salaries.
I haven’t been able to earn virtually any income since March 15 and have been denied unemployment with no explanation. No one at the unemployment office answers an email or the phone. Completely inept government “service”.
I think a class action lawsuit is in order.
Lana K
I totally agree and I also think all the hotels and business’s should all get together on a class action law suit and if they don’t they should fail.
Kevin J
Thanks as always for bringing the news and perspectives to us! We bought a second home on Maui just at the beginning of the pandemic (we didn’t know it yet!). We waited for a pre-travel testing program but finally came over in early-August and did our quarantine. We knew we had to…no surprise. We stayed for 3 months and had an amazing time! The essential workers are heroes and we appreciated them. We returned to California three weeks ago to attend to business. We are retuning to Maui on Sunday and we have found the state travel website to be accessible. We used the new Hawaiian Airlines testing partner in San Francisco, who guaranteed results in 36 hours. We received our (negative) results within 25 hours. We have set up our accounts on the state’s site and uploaded our results. Tomorrow we do our health questionnaire and get our QR code to expedite things at the airport. Folks, I go into this detail because it can be done and it can be done in a low-stress way. Read up, know what the requirements are, and follow them. It works. And, if you can, take the voluntary test a few days after arrival. We are signed up. The second test ups the safety margin a great deal and it makes you a good neighbor!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Kevin.
Thanks. We appreciate the report.
Aloha.
Kristin B
Our family of 4’s Flight from SF to Kauai was cancelled by United today. We had Kaiser COVID test set up prior to departure and planned to stay with family. We live in CA but I am a Hawaii taxpayer (I work for a local company). It’s incredibly unfair that people willing to follow the rules are essentially banned from visiting, even if virus-free. I believe the damage the Mayor is doing to the island by imposing such restrictions will far exceed the health damage from this virus.
Simon a
We were going to Kauai in a few weeks. Now we have changed to Maui. The testing requirement to fly was actually the reason we decided to book hawaii vs mexico (where we normally go). We are much more confident we will be safe on the plane and island if everyone has to test vs the previous situation where people would say they were going to quarantine and then go out and party on the island illegally.
Wayne D
Changed our week at Kauai to the Big Island. Not sure if we’ll even use that this year. Hope things will change and will go to a 96 hour time frame for getting the covid test back. We’re still in hopes of going to Hawaii!
jeff l.
We own a condo there. Now we can’t even visit our own condo. We will be selling and do not want to support a tyrannical government. We’ve been coming to Hawaii for 25 years and planned to retire there. Unfortunately Mr Mayor we will be making other arrangements. You are living in a world of lunacy and I promise when you look back you will see that more people died and suffered from your tyrannical rules than ever would have from covid.
Aliali P.
Yeah, we are all really sad to see you leave with all that Aloha bruddah. Well, at least you’ll make money on your place. Try FLA, it’s much better suited for guts like you. Bye bye
Lana K
The Deamoncats don’t care how many of the little people die. That’s part of their plan!
Barbara M
Really? You really believe that?!?!?!
Marla
We had reservations for 5 weeks from February-March 2021. Our plans included going to three islands (Maui, Kauai and Big Island). This is a trip we take every year and have for the last 18 years. Initially the mask mandate was not great news but we love our visit to Hawaii so much we were willing to “mask up”. Then all the Covid testing confusion started and sent up red flags that concerned us. The final straw was the 14 day quarantine in Kauai despite a negative test. Even though we love the resort we stay at, we have not intention of being locked up in it for two weeks. So, sadly our trip is canceled.
Shanna
We did cancel once the mandatory quarantine went into effect. We would have been willing to quarantine at our rental, but that isn’t allowed. There is no I would pay for two places and be locked in a hotel room for 2/3 of our time on the island. Thankfully the new rule caused our non refundable reservation become a credit for a future stay.
Chari H.
We had planned to visit but cannot find any covid testing facility in the Bay Area that can guarantee a turnaround test time before we fly that is approved by Hawaii. Even CVS pharmacy pulled out. We come every year except this year because we don’t want to be kept inside a hotel and not enjoy the island if we get on the plane without our tear results that could literally arrive while in flight.
Valerie C
I’d suggest you look into CityHealth Urgent Care. As of yesterday, their facility near the Oakland airport had open appointments. Cost is $20.
Ted L.
I support Mayor Kawakami 100%. My wife and I are visitors staying 6 months and will spend more than $100,000 while here.
A safe and Covid free island will attract 1000s of super rich visitors from all over the world establishing Kauai as a destination like Ibiza and the French Riviera, free from riff raff and trashy redneck tourists from Trumpland. I applaud Derek for his vision of a better Kauai attracting more lucrative visitors.
Cliff C.
Hahaha. That was pretty funny Ted. See you at the beach🤙
Lana K
Please if you like the french so much maybe you should go there or the ca.bay area.
We in Hawaii don’t want to be like them.
Barbara M
TED L>
Dang but I hope you meant that sarcastically!!! But you did say you will be spending $100,000 so maybe not. How many ways can you spell “snob”?
Heidi G.
My friends and I (4 total) canceled our Maui trip due to not being able to secure testing within 72 hrvwindow in WA state. Don’t want 14 day quarantine
William G
Planned on going to Kauai on Dec.4th and had to cancel my vacation because of the new mandate. This after having to reschedule in July do also in part because of quarantine rules. I get the reasoning but no one is going to pay the amount of money to go on vacation and quarantine. Its very disappointing our family couldn’t go under these circumstances.
Comments are closed.
Aloha!
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Considering a month long group trip to Oahu in Febuary if the virus numbers decrease, but this new restriction gives us pause. We may need to re-think those plans; not wanting to be on complete lock down.
Huge issues with furloughs and job losses on the horizon. Long term. if everything opens back up and this ends now there will be fallout for a decade, but it’s not ending now. The Scriptures tell us that turmoil will occur in the last days and it is, who knew, but in hindsight I guess it makes sense that we would do it to ourselves.
We had 5 wks of vacation planned…3 on Kauai and 1 week each on Big Island and Oahu.
We were notified this week that Hawaiian Air cancelled our flights to Kauai… and the Big Island flight was pushed back 12 hrs…
We were also notified that we would have to do additional covid tests to go to Big Island and Kauai. The total cost of covid testing for our entire trip would be approximately 1200-$1500.
We have cancelled Kauai and Big Island trips and tentatively reserved the 5 wks on Oahu. We have 30 days to see if Hawaii can come up with better testing options…if not, we will be cancelling our trip and going someplace else warm…we have been coming to Hawaiian islands for the past 30 yrs…I hope they allow 96 hours to pre and testing upon arrival.
This will be the first time in 30 yrs we are going to Hawaii.
On the other hand, Kauai’s low numbers of Covid cases, hospitalizations & fatalities are unsurpassed …
We canceled our family trip to Kauai schedule the first week of January and rescheduled everything to the Big Island. Crossing fingers they stay open!
The mayors are now all in agreement on requiring a post-travel test in addition to the pre-travel test (but perhaps the pre-travel test timeline can be extended). No word on whether a quarantine will now be required before the post-travel test.
Plan is post travel test done at the airport prior to being cleared using rapid tests. I think the issue will be volumes of tests and who pays for it as usual.
To clarify, the proposed plan is actually to require the post-travel test a few days *after* arrival, however it’s not confirmed whether a quarantine will be required then. Hawaii now has enough data to know that the on-arrival testing at the airport doesn’t help much due to incubation periods.
This will cut down on tourism further, but given the state of the mainland that appears that it could be partially intentional.
Yes…the recent Kauai shutdown made me believe that the entire state would once again require the 14-day quarantine. I postponed my 2-week Maui reservations for mid to late January until Nov 2021. All in all, I have cancelled six weeks of travel to Maui so far for 2020-2021. I am quite shaken re: my substantial fractional ownership interests on Maui.
The mayor is not thinking things through. Nor is he relying on the Lt governor and the governor. The mayor is all over the map and cannot even follow through with rules he has put into place. He is destroying the people of kauai and their ability to support their families. Kauai relies mainly on tourism. More homeless are being added to the homeless camps on a daily basis with no end on site. Very sad.
We planned our first trip to Kauai for January travel and recently cancelled those plans. We are now planning qn Oahu vacation but are now considering canceling due to the uncertainty of the 14 day quarantine rules. Especially since we can travel elsewhere without such inconveniences.
But it is all about politics and gathering votes for the next election. The level of cases is worrying but the facilities are being understated and we want Kaua’i tobe safe butt he circus on Kauai damaging businesses is about votes.
I am sad to say we too are canceling our plans for Hawaii. We had airline tickets and reservations for this past August that we’re cancelled by our hotel and airline. We have been checking daily to see what happening. However there is just too much confusion and no clear path here. So guess Hawaii is off our list. This really saddens me as I am approaching 71 and this was our last trip there.
So glad we were able to safely enjoy our trip to Kauai, Honolulu and the big island before these changes. From what we saw, visitors to both islands were responsible as are the restaurants and other businesses.
The beaches in Waikiki were not very safe as far as masking. All airports were following procedures respectfully. Knowing what was approved from island to island is confusing and information is not presented in any one place well.
That’s what needs to be fixed first. Travelers need clear guidance
We are currently in a pandemic crises that is exploding across the nation and a person dies of covid every 35 seconds, it’s unfathomable that Hawaii politicians are opening the floodgates for tourists from every covid hotspot in the mainland to come here unchecked.
I can say for a fact that most if not all tourists follow quarantine rules, they even brag about it.
We don’t have the medical resources to handle a widespread covid outbreak here on the island, your all inviting death, it’s so irresponsible and we locals hate what you’re doing.
Your covid response system is broken and so full of holes why bother.
With what you’re doing Hawaii will become a covid hot zone in short time….all for the all mighty dollar.
The bigger problem is retunring residents not visitors but that does not win votes. Read up about the couple in Wailua arrested by KPD and charged with Reckless Endangerment having deliberately flown with positive test having been told to isolate in San Francisco. California has a very high rate and that is a big market for Residents returning. Proper torough testing as they now have before travel is good and I like the LT Govener’s plan to do rapid test at airport when you land. Will pull out most cases and be manageable which the current system is not. Even Kaua’i would agree to that if the tests can be funded by the state,
Don, You don’t say what island you are on, but for Kauai, as of this Friday there are only 14 active cases, one hospitalization, and there was one death a couple of weeks ago. That is out of a total number of infections, since statistics were first taken, of 138. And of those 138, 97 were residents, not tourists (41). Percentages are probably similar on the other islands. So, look to your own residents first before blaming only tourists. And what are the tourists doing? For the most part, they’re following the rules as you said, not disobeying the authorities like the 1000+ residents did at Polihale in Kauai a couple months ago. And those tourists are helping you survive by pumping millions into your economy. The world may be forever changed by this pandemic, but tourists will return to Hawaii. Adjustments will be necessary of course. Tourists will be willing to live with those adjustments. Will the residents?
I’m not sure if your comment is real or a troll, but I am sure that you need absolutely need to learn more about COVID19. Look at Europe’s spikes compared to USA. They were far more restrictive and yet they had bigger spikes. If truly afraid, maybe figure out how to hide from an illness with an extremely high recovery rate. Go read the CDC’s own information on deaths from just covid. Like 10,000 YTD. Lots of complicating factors/co-morbidities (like heart disease) which strangely and coincidentally show a corresponding decline in the CDC’s “deaths from all causes” data for 2020. Explain how that occurred without using mental gymnastics and then we can agree to panic.
Had planned a trip to Kauai until the mayor made a major decision to close the island, in the course of a few days and without consulting anyone. Canceled my entire trip. Very disappointed.
I feel for your disappointment. I am having heck of a problem getting over to Hawaii and at present Kauai is blocked. The Mayor consulted his political allies as this has a lot to do with votes and elections.. Visitors who lose vacations, Locals who lose their jobs and Residents who get arrested for reckless endangerment do not figure in his calculations. Stay Safe Kaua’i.
I’m surprised that all of the airlines that are providing trans-pacific flights from gateway cities on the mainland, haven’t stepped up to the plate to adopt the position that a customer must present documents that prove the passenger has tested negative for Covid-19 before being allowed to board an airplane to Hawaii. One of the early concerns of airline passengers was and is that “passengers who can not prove that they are negative for Covid-19” were being allowed on Hawaii inbound flights.
I fail to understand why airline gate agents can’t examine each passengers negative Covid-19 documents at the time of boarding a flight at a gateway city; just as they examine a “boarding pass”. If a passenger at time of boarding, can’t present proof of a negative Covid-19 approved test, then they don’t fly to Hawaii. If “all of the Hawaii bound trans-pacific airlines” followed this process, it would be a win, win for both the trans-pacific airlines, passengers and Hawaiian communities. There would be no ambiguity or misunderstanding of this process by flyers. It’s time to do the right thing!
Totally agree. Why would we get on a plane if we get tested but others don’t. Everyone would be safe if you had a negative test before you you boarded. Common sense. We have cancelled our trip because of this and we have come every year.
I thought the same thing!
The problem is that the airlines are private businesses. They don’t work for the state of Hawaii. Who is going to pay for them for extra gate agents to check documents, which would also slow the boarding process. Airlines don’t check passenger documents for intercity flights on the mainland, so why should they make an exception for Hawaii?
Airline employees are not qualified to determine whether documents presented as being professional test are real or faked. With todays access to technology and home printers. Faked but formal looking documents can easily be created and could even provide a basis for an underground market of faked documents. Thank You.
We flew to the Big Island yesterday (12/4). Had a negative test and came over just fine. The rules aren’t complicated just follow them. Don’t get on a plane without your results – period.
Now that Hawaii residents have to quarantine for 10 days instead of 14 if they arrive without testing, there will be more folks on flights without having been tested as what they encounter when they get home will be less daunting. That is great for them but how does that diminishes the possibility of health security on flights even more!
Hi Barbara.
The new quarantine rules don’t (at this time) change travel quarantines. So let’s make that a little more confusing. That could come next, but it isn’t clear.
Aloha.
Should bold printed the words HAWAII RESIDENTS. You are correct, it does not affect travelers just returning residents.
Actually the CDC said 7 days so Hawaii thinks they’ll just compromise.
Original plans were Kauai. Those got scraped so we switched to Maui. Only tricky part is the pre travel program, if the company is no listed on the most recent report it is a no go. They do not announce delisted partners, in our case it was Quest diagnostics.
If you book though Hawaiian Airlines they offer pre travel testing a few days before your flight. Originally we booked through them.
They delisted Quest??? CVS is also out. What if they delist the provider we’re using before we fly? I’m thinking it’s time to cancel our own reservations. We were really looking forward to it. Providing some economic support to a state that needs it was definitely a big bonus and one of the reasons I wanted to go but we can’t risk losing thousands and being locked in a room for our whole stay.
Traveled from Sacramentoto Kona wanted to get tested but no guarantee of test before departure so now quarantined for two weeks at home. Rules change by the hour are they rying to bankrupt the state and
shutdown all business
As a physican on Kauai. I take care of one of this highest risk populations for Covid: elderly patients with cancer. Kauai mayor’s decison to opt out of the pretravel testimg program has no basis in medical or scientific data. The collateral damage created by this narcisistically motivated, medically irrational decision will lead to far more damage to our islands medical, financial, and mental health than Covid 19 could ever do. The mayor has yet to feel the personal pain he has inflicted on the constituents he is supposed to humbly serve…not govern. He should be held accountable for these politically motivated actions and address his constituents with the respect and data they deserve. With thoughtful programs to protect our at risk populations and focused efforts to maximize our economic strengths, we can strike the rationale balance of safety and revitalization. Mr. Kawakami’s unsubstantiated tyrannical governance by fear needs to stop. Sane,rationale dialogue needs to replace emergency proclamations. Failure to change this track record of reckless mandates should be met with his recall as mayor and an emergency elecion to find his replacement.
I was going to Molokai for a week followed by a week on Maui 1 month ago. Things were changing so rapidly even then I was nervous about going. With the testing pretravel and the potential of possibly having to quarantine on Molokai and the added test on Molokai before traveling back to Maui…it had too many moving parts and too much potential for problems, I cancelled my week on Molokai. I did have 2 weeks on Maui and it was beautiful as always. The lack of mask wearing on the island and the non-enforcement of wearing masks on the plane made the whole trip a little less enjoyable than usual. I will keep you Islanders in my thoughts and prayers that you keep your numbers down, stay healthy and get back to normal as soon as possible.
Screw the island of Kauai if they elect or go along with these idiot politicians. They deserve what they get. Maybe they will wake up and recall these idiots out of office.
100%
Aloha – my spouse and I love Hawaii and have been to the Big Island 5 times since 2011. This pandemic is much too fluid right now for us consider traveling anywhere. We plan to come back in the future once this virus isn’t so rampant. I personally don’t mind wearing a mask, but the whole idea of trying to get tested and still risk not being able to go is too much (we have always spent 7 days in Hawaii). I feel for the residents of Hawaii – you’re basically stuck between a rock and a hard place. But I also understand the challenges you face presently and I don’t wish to contribute to those. We’ll be back,I just can’t say when. Hoping for 2021!
Considering a month long group trip to Oahu in Febuary if the virus numbers decrease, but this new restriction gives us pause. We may need to re-think those plans; not wanting to be on complete lock down.
Alas, Hawaiian Politics has always been very very Quixotic.
“Mahalo you guy’s…well, the short answer would be due to the increased disreguard for Covid19 rules and a disturbing increase in the number of cases rising so rapidly in the mainland, this is why Hawaii Covid19 rules are always changing…they must always change to try to meet a safety system that we can implement within the counties inside the Kingdom of Hawaii…the saying now goes; 6 feet apart or 6 feet under?…do you want to choose…?” Once again, Mahalo nui loa readers….
Shawn
Hi Shawn.
Thanks for your input.
Aloha.
All these temper tantrums because people’s HI vacations are more important than the health of people and the health system. These people don’t have the Aloha vibe. Islands are better without their business. When it is safe to do so, my family will return to support local business in HI.
Traveled from Sacramentoto Kona wanted to get tested but no guarantee of test before departure so now quarantined for two weeks at home. Rules change by the hour are they trying to bankrupt the state andbill shutdown all business
We spent three fabulous weeks in Hawaii in November. One week on Maui, and two on the Big Island. After two COVID tests we felt very safe. My husband missed Hawaii even before we came back. I took advantage of Black Friday specials from Hawaiian Air and the Poipu Koloa Resort. These were to be a Christmas present for my husband. Now I don’t know what to do. I’m incredibly disappointed.
Dana
No offence, but it was not very well thought out to buy a future vacation during a pandemic. Especially during a time when all epidemiologists have said since the beginning, that we would see a rush. Just push back your dates, you’ll be fine, at least in this regard.
The constant changea, even for only one island, make me second-think existing reservations. Get it together, folks, please
Aloha!
As we sit here, poolside, In Maui, I few so bad for the residents in Kauai. While we don’t love mask wearing, or the stress from waiting for test results prior to leaving CA, we are enjoying the paradise here! Hopefully the government realizes what they are doing to hurt their people under the guise of protecting them! I honestly hope they reopen so the residents can resume their lives! Thank you for keeping everyone updated!
Hi Ty.
Thanks. Enjoy your time on Maui!
Aloha.
Arrived at Honolulu airport with all required tests and documents uploaded and copies in hand and was threatened with quarantine because the “trusted provider” I used didn’t print my test result on the right stationary with the state of Hawaii seal, a fact explained nowhere on the state travel site. This system is set up for people to fail. It’s a train wreck that is only providing a false sense of safety.
I canceled our trip to Hawaii in December. There is no way, I am going to subject myself to this lunacy.
Mahalo,
No need to come back here. I think FLA is best for you.
I love Hawaii and especially Kauai but your politicians have made it impossible to schedule a trip to Hawaii with any sense of reliability or confidence. I am afraid your politicians are dooming all of your businesses to absolute failure. It’s soooooo dad!
Yep was planning a Maui trip but even the current negative test proof was too much risk and now the Kauai mess. Nope will take my family of 5 and 6k-10k elsewhere. Hawaii politicians have ruined Hawaii economy. Peace out.
It’s a cluster of epic proportions. No more need be said.
All the Mayors and Governors of HI, CA and NY trying to outdo each other. Who can screw up their State the most!
Thanks for the great write-up. I’ve canceled my inter-island trips to Lihue several times this year. Now Xmas with my 89 year-old Grandmother, who lives alone without assistance, is up for grabs.
I thought California government was bad. Hawai’i leaders, shame on you. First the train mess, now this?
Hi Morgan.
Thanks. Sorry to hear about the difficulty of visiting your family.
Aloha.
And let’s not forget igie and the nuclear attack! Lol
We had 6 week vacation planned for the Big Island. The 72 hour preflight negative Covid-19 test requirement was impossible, living in a small rural town in Washington State. It’s become too complicated and risky to our health. We cancelled our trip.
As a resident of the Big Island, I can personally testify to the inept “leadership” from our government that has resulted in an economic disaster. We haven’t begun to see the consequences yet.
Meanwhile, not one government employee has had to grapple with a pay cut. Instead, our DOE is talking about how they will have an enormous budget shortfall and will have to cut programs, like special ed. Meanwhile the administration and the teachers are receiving their full salaries.
I haven’t been able to earn virtually any income since March 15 and have been denied unemployment with no explanation. No one at the unemployment office answers an email or the phone. Completely inept government “service”.
I think a class action lawsuit is in order.
I totally agree and I also think all the hotels and business’s should all get together on a class action law suit and if they don’t they should fail.
Thanks as always for bringing the news and perspectives to us! We bought a second home on Maui just at the beginning of the pandemic (we didn’t know it yet!). We waited for a pre-travel testing program but finally came over in early-August and did our quarantine. We knew we had to…no surprise. We stayed for 3 months and had an amazing time! The essential workers are heroes and we appreciated them. We returned to California three weeks ago to attend to business. We are retuning to Maui on Sunday and we have found the state travel website to be accessible. We used the new Hawaiian Airlines testing partner in San Francisco, who guaranteed results in 36 hours. We received our (negative) results within 25 hours. We have set up our accounts on the state’s site and uploaded our results. Tomorrow we do our health questionnaire and get our QR code to expedite things at the airport. Folks, I go into this detail because it can be done and it can be done in a low-stress way. Read up, know what the requirements are, and follow them. It works. And, if you can, take the voluntary test a few days after arrival. We are signed up. The second test ups the safety margin a great deal and it makes you a good neighbor!
Hi Kevin.
Thanks. We appreciate the report.
Aloha.
Our family of 4’s Flight from SF to Kauai was cancelled by United today. We had Kaiser COVID test set up prior to departure and planned to stay with family. We live in CA but I am a Hawaii taxpayer (I work for a local company). It’s incredibly unfair that people willing to follow the rules are essentially banned from visiting, even if virus-free. I believe the damage the Mayor is doing to the island by imposing such restrictions will far exceed the health damage from this virus.
We were going to Kauai in a few weeks. Now we have changed to Maui. The testing requirement to fly was actually the reason we decided to book hawaii vs mexico (where we normally go). We are much more confident we will be safe on the plane and island if everyone has to test vs the previous situation where people would say they were going to quarantine and then go out and party on the island illegally.
Changed our week at Kauai to the Big Island. Not sure if we’ll even use that this year. Hope things will change and will go to a 96 hour time frame for getting the covid test back. We’re still in hopes of going to Hawaii!
We own a condo there. Now we can’t even visit our own condo. We will be selling and do not want to support a tyrannical government. We’ve been coming to Hawaii for 25 years and planned to retire there. Unfortunately Mr Mayor we will be making other arrangements. You are living in a world of lunacy and I promise when you look back you will see that more people died and suffered from your tyrannical rules than ever would have from covid.
Yeah, we are all really sad to see you leave with all that Aloha bruddah. Well, at least you’ll make money on your place. Try FLA, it’s much better suited for guts like you. Bye bye
The Deamoncats don’t care how many of the little people die. That’s part of their plan!
Really? You really believe that?!?!?!
We had reservations for 5 weeks from February-March 2021. Our plans included going to three islands (Maui, Kauai and Big Island). This is a trip we take every year and have for the last 18 years. Initially the mask mandate was not great news but we love our visit to Hawaii so much we were willing to “mask up”. Then all the Covid testing confusion started and sent up red flags that concerned us. The final straw was the 14 day quarantine in Kauai despite a negative test. Even though we love the resort we stay at, we have not intention of being locked up in it for two weeks. So, sadly our trip is canceled.
We did cancel once the mandatory quarantine went into effect. We would have been willing to quarantine at our rental, but that isn’t allowed. There is no I would pay for two places and be locked in a hotel room for 2/3 of our time on the island. Thankfully the new rule caused our non refundable reservation become a credit for a future stay.
We had planned to visit but cannot find any covid testing facility in the Bay Area that can guarantee a turnaround test time before we fly that is approved by Hawaii. Even CVS pharmacy pulled out. We come every year except this year because we don’t want to be kept inside a hotel and not enjoy the island if we get on the plane without our tear results that could literally arrive while in flight.
I’d suggest you look into CityHealth Urgent Care. As of yesterday, their facility near the Oakland airport had open appointments. Cost is $20.
I support Mayor Kawakami 100%. My wife and I are visitors staying 6 months and will spend more than $100,000 while here.
A safe and Covid free island will attract 1000s of super rich visitors from all over the world establishing Kauai as a destination like Ibiza and the French Riviera, free from riff raff and trashy redneck tourists from Trumpland. I applaud Derek for his vision of a better Kauai attracting more lucrative visitors.
Hahaha. That was pretty funny Ted. See you at the beach🤙
Please if you like the french so much maybe you should go there or the ca.bay area.
We in Hawaii don’t want to be like them.
TED L>
Dang but I hope you meant that sarcastically!!! But you did say you will be spending $100,000 so maybe not. How many ways can you spell “snob”?
My friends and I (4 total) canceled our Maui trip due to not being able to secure testing within 72 hrvwindow in WA state. Don’t want 14 day quarantine
Planned on going to Kauai on Dec.4th and had to cancel my vacation because of the new mandate. This after having to reschedule in July do also in part because of quarantine rules. I get the reasoning but no one is going to pay the amount of money to go on vacation and quarantine. Its very disappointing our family couldn’t go under these circumstances.