Updating HB1286 with Hawaii legislature to the forefront. If passed, all islands would follow a single COVID travel policy.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Leave a Comment
248 thoughts on “Breaking: Plan to Eliminate Island-by-Island Travel Rules Gets Heard”
Hello,
Our family has a trip scheduled to Kauai for late May. I saw the bill passed the finance section. What are the next steps? Is there a timeline or estimated timeline to follow this? When would this go into effect if it passes? I heard that the bubble hotels may be lifted in May too. Is this correct? Thank you for your response. I don’t want to cancel our vacation but it currently doesn’t involve a bubble hotel.
Hi Stephanie.
Unfortunately, there are no answers to your questions yet for your May Kauai vacation. We’ll publish updates as soon as we have them.
Aloha.
I am in the same position but I’m due to arrive April 15. I’ve always wanted to go to Kauai but sadly I just think I’m going to have to go to another island for the first part of my vacation. I respect the local community and understand the fear but it’s very frustrating that I’m told where I have to stay and still need to quarantine after a negative test. I was also told by a friend who lives on Oahu that locals are not happy to have visitors there and it could be a bit unsafe for me being a solo traveler.
Aloha,
First, Mahalo for all of the timely and clear information that you have provided! During this time of uncertainty I have come to rely on your site as my “go to” for facts and detailed descriptions regarding travel to Kaua’i.
I have been closely following HB1286, and I see that the next step is the Finance Committee.
I am not familiar with the Legislative process, and it has been a few years since I took a Civics class. Can you provide any information as to the next steps after the Finance Committee? Can you give any idea about timelines for this house Bill getting a vote in the full House, and ultimately entering into law?
Mahalo!
Hi Sandy.
You can see an overview of the bill process here: https://lrb.hawaii.gov/par/overview-of-the-legislative-process/what-does-it-take-for-a-bill-to-become-a-law-in-hawaii. We’ve heard different views from coconut wireless and don’t have a feeling if this might actually pass.
Aloha.
Mahalo!
That link is exactly the information I was looking for. The Legislative process looks like it is understandably a slow and thoughtful process.
I have been longing to visit my pu’uwai: Kaua’i.
I closely watch as our reservation date draws closer.
I know that I have been lucky to receive both vaccines and a pre-travel COVID test would be no pilikia.
The science says it is safe for me to travel: Safe for both me, and for the people of Kaua’i.
But, the cost of 3 days in a Resort Bubble is not permitted in my limited travel budget.
In hula, as we prepare to dance or to enter a sacred place, we follow strict protocol including a chant asking for permission to enter: as I call out my kāhea…..the answer seems to be “a’ole!” (not yet).
Aloha, a hui hou!
Hi Sandy.
Thanks. Glad that helped. If it is enacted, it is scheduled to go into effect this summer.
Aloha.
Please update us on the entry requirements for Kauai, for those that have had vaccinations. Also, with many prospective guests wishing to come to the islands this Spring, how do we know when to notify them they will be able to come? Please give us some timeline hope on when we might be able to take reservations/guests. How long will the additional after-arrival covid testing continue? So many questions we don’t know how to answer without guidelines. Please help!!!
Hi Sharon.
We update this important information as frequently as there are changes. There is nothing new to report at this time.
Aloha.
Thank you, do you mind clarifying EXACTLY what my guests will need to do in order to visit. If you don’t mind re-posting/itemizing the steps so it is as clear as possible. Most people cancel when they see the inconvenience, but if I can make it as clear as possible, they may consider.
Thank you!
Sharon
Hi Sharon.
Here’s the post that depicts the current rules, island by island. Let us know if there’s anything that you need further clarification on. https://beatofhawaii.com/ultimate-guide-to-hawaii-travel-during-covid/.
Aloha.
I agree with FitzW completely – please open – with a negative Covid test requirement for entry.
Most people will go along with that one request, but the extreme measures required by Kauai has turned people away. We fear forever! Tourists want to travel where they are welcome (Kauai definitely needs to get the Aloha spirit back) and not make tourists feel as if they are lepers. The expense and inconvenience required for Kauai visitors (many stay just one week) will ultimately kill the rental/tourist related businesses. While other islands carry on, Kauai is requested to sacrifice. Unfair to the locals, the businesses and those of us that have rental property and have endured financial hardship also. We are prohibited from staying in our own properties without quarantine – how can a government official have this much control over us? Many of my friends now travel to Mexico unencumbered, enjoying freedom and a very warm reception. I would like to be able to give my rental inquiries an estimate of when they will be able to come and enjoy a one week vacation soon. Thank you for considering all of us tax paying homeowners.
We would love to see a state wide mandate for visitors coming into Hawaii. We own 2 vacation rental homes on Kauai. Other than the few weeks Kauai was open in the fall we have been without rentals due to the county excluding vacation rentals from being used as quarantine places, people cancelling due to confusion and cost of trying to come to Kauai for the last year!!! Please, Please make the restrictions and entry state wide and simple. The mainland cases are decreasing and Kauai continues to react like this virus just started. We must learn to live with Covid-19. It will be here going forward!! It has been a year and I don’t see or hear any plan being put in place to increase ICU beds or change the economic stability to something other than tourism, etc. Maybe it will be another 100 years before the next epidemic!!
I’m opposed to this proposed policy, which represents a return to domination of the neighbor islands by O’ahu. The islands couldn’t be more different in terms of character, need, and resources and must retain their independence. The COVID situation has just made this need the more obvious. If there was a good one-size- fits- all solution, we wouldn’t see the three neighbor island mayors wrangling so hard with the Governor to do what is right for their islands. But regardless if COVID and travel, we should be opposing one-size-fits all legislation for the islands generally.
Aloha Lisa.
Normally, I would agree with your comments and see your logic, but for the reasons below I believe we should prepare for re-opening.
If you pay attention to visitor comments about Hawaii travel under the pandemic, most visitors are accepting of the pre-travel testing and even the retesting after three-day protocols. What frustrates the visitor is changing rules and island-by-island exceptions to those rules. As Lt. Gov. Green noted in November 2020, changing the three-day pre-test to four days makes sense. He also recognized that this will not eliminate false negatives, but that the probabilities are miniscule. Green also recently noted the increased vaccination participation among locals and rising vaccination numbers on the mainland indicating perhaps March or April as the appropriate time to institute HB 1286. At the normal pace of the legislative process, that timing will likely coincide. I am as concerned about Hawaii families without income as I am about keeping residents and visitors safe. We cannot continue indefinitely with a screening regime that guarantees reduced visitor (e.g. lost jobs and income) activity. That tattered phrase still applies: Don’t let perfect become the enemy of the good.
Thank you for an opportunity to let me voice my thoughts. I am a Kauai resident and support the passage of this bill. It is time that we allow visitors to come back to our islands because the benefits of them doing so is so important. Most vulnerable to Covid individuals have been vaccinated and wee definitely have no curve to even flatten, with one case currently. Most people recover without any issues but the economic and social damage is overwhelming. The confusion regarding the rules is unnecessary and a very real deterrent to potential visitors. And it is time to let us know the guidelines for the individuals that have had the vaccine as well. These restrictions have gone on far too long and though we’ve had very low numbers on Kauai, in the long run the price we’ve paid is much larger than we yet know. Please pass this bill and lets get on with life again before we forget how it’s done.
Hi Gayle.
Thanks for the input and for your first comment.
Aloha.
Yes! I 100% agree with you, Gayle!
I too agree with you Gayle, -thank you !!
Thank you, Gayle!
Finally a voice of reason and sensibility!
“Flattening the curve” when there is no curve? I’ve read that on other Kauai sites… That pure ignorance.
What is not being addressed is the impact of Kauai’s current travel policy on Kauai residents.Many Kauai residents who support Kauai’s current policies are employed,retired,or have no desire to leave the island. But,there are the silent Kauai residents,with interests /family on Oahu who are forced to pay at least 120$ for a covid test because both Hawaiian and Southwest do not offer the 20$ test for residents. Kauai residents who travel to the Mainland have to pay for additional covid testing ,and spend time(money) on another island before returning to Kauai. I agree with another Beat of Hawaii post —it’s class warfare now on Kauai( its time for Kauai to join Safe Travels
The graphic results of COVID in Hawaii are not properly indicated. Since visitor travel to Hawaii has all but been eliminated over the past year it is expected they would represent a lower incidence than that of the majority of travelers being residents. It is a fact that statistics can represent whatever the statistician wants by changing the groupings of the data.
I would hope the politicians do not use this data to restrict further returning residents like me.
Thanks, again BOH for keeping us informed.
Hi David.
Thanks for the feedback and all of your comments.
Aloha.
CDC today says people who have received both VACCINES do NOT have to quarantine. Please open up Hawaii Thanks John
Hi John,
A couple of clarifications: Are you saying both vaccines or both vaccinations of one vaccine?
And “Please open up Hawaii …” What is the site? I haven’t found any information concerning this topic.
Thanks, Jim
Hi Jim, We got the 1st Phizer shot & virtually no side effects. Then your scheduled 3 weeks to get the second SAME vaccine with possible flu like symptoms. Mahalo John..in Idaho
The mayor’s rogue ruling has made residents become island agoraphobic and xenophobic. “Safety” has become unattainable in their minds with every day that the mayor refuses to open up. It makes me so sad to hear residents express concern that tourists may still pose a threat of spreading COVID despite being vaccinated because there “is not enough science and data” to prove otherwise. It’s like it’s never going to be safe enough for them. Also, the mayor has had over a year to work on the island’s healthcare infrastructure. Why hasn’t there been a focus on increasing ICU beds, bringing in medical boats or even transporting those in critical condition to Oahu as they did with the ONE person who needed it?
“Hawaii Gov. David Ige appears hesitant to lift travel restrictions and requirements for travelers who have received the COVID-19 vaccine.
‘Until the science (tells) us that those who are vaccinated cannot carry the virus and, I think most important, do not transmit it to other people, I think it would be irresponsible to say that those vaccinated can travel about freely,” Ige told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Spotlight Hawaii.’”
Ok, now let’s see. If the vaccine protects you from getting the virus 95% of the time, once a substantial number of vaccinated people – resident and visitor – are in Hawaii, you don’t need another scientific study to tell whether the vaccine also protects against transmission. Allowing only vaccinated visitors, or the present protocol of a test, pre and post arrival in any country or state, automatically reduces the risk to what should be an acceptable level. It’s just math and the political will to assess at what point is the risk small enough to warrant reopening an economy before it totally collapses.
Like the flu, you will still be able to get COVID-19 regardless of any vaccination. Yet no one makes an irrational pronouncement that we must shut down the world until a flu shot is proven to prevent transmission.
Thanks,
Chuck
If your not in the high risk category what’s the point of the vaccine if it’s doesn’t control spread? Still have to wear a mask and still need testing before flying. All I know is pharmaceutical companies are pocketing billions are cleared of any liability for something no one knows whether it works or not. Most years they can’t get the flu shot right and they been doing that for years. I’m supposed to believe that on the same week everyone came out with a vaccine that was 95% effective?
95% is or should be a very powerful factor in making decisions about public health. While it would be nice if the vaccine stopped transmission enough to get that to 100%, which is not very realistic, if it didn’t stop transmission at all, it still means you’re protected 95% of the time. I think most people would be willing to take that tiny 5% risk in order to visit the Islands we love. If not, better strike travel from your bucket list! Hope this helps.
I too have canceled my Kauai trip for March 1, but hope a rational response to getting people vaccinated and what that means in terms of safeguarding public health will permit my 42nd visit later this year.
Thanks.
Remember, you could spend 3 days on another island and then go to Kauai for your March trip. Don’t give up, Hawaii is definitely worth the extra work to spend time there. The beauty and the excitement of being in Hawaii is fantastic!
There are multiple news stories from the CDC yesterday:
In the new guidance, the CDC said people who have received both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and are currently asymptomatic are no longer required to quarantine.
It can take up to two weeks to develop immunity after the last dose, so the CDC says people should still quarantine if it has been less than two weeks since their last shot.
You are exactly right, Chuck. Unfortunately, the dictators of New York, California and Hawaii, with a special emphasis on the supreme ruler of Kaua’i don’t want to hear it.
Can someone clarify the mask mandate situation for me? Are they being required on pool decks and beaches? I get that they will be required in hotel lobbies, airports, restaurants and the like. I am mainly curious if I will be forced to wear a mask if I am socially distanced on the beach or a pool lounger.
My experience on my beach, is not required while on the beach. Yes, walking to it, and going to the restaurant. Stay within your own group, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy!
We have been planning a trip to Maui and Oahu for 2 years now. We cancelled last October due to covid. Now we are hoping to come in September. I check for travel updates every day because you don’t know what the rules may be in September. It would be nice if there was one rule, get tested or vaccinated before travel, to bypass the quarantine. We want to be safe and keep Hawaii safe. I worry that we will need to test twice since we are visiting two islands. Plus the time, money and effort to get tested. Finding a place to test on the mainland is very difficult. We had a family emergency last month and had to fly to Oahu. It took me hours on the phone to find a place to test that is on the approved list. Testing was a 5 hour process, 1 hour drive to testing lab, 3 hour wait, and then a 1 hour drive home. Plus it cost $200 per person. Is it easy to get tested in Hawaii? Or will I spend half of my time on one island trying to find a test to fly to another island? Will there be a long wait? How much will cost? All factors when planning a trip.
We had a vacation planned for Kauai for November 2020 and cancelled. We then moved the trip to May 2021 and cancelled last week. Not sure when we will rebook. The restrictions as they now exist totally take away the reason for our trip. The last thing we want to be the source of the spread of Covid, but we have those same concerns where we live. The enjoyment of visiting Kauai is the freedom to go and do things on our schedule. Based on the current hurdles, this is not possible. We are going to put our visit on the shelf and look at booking at the end of 2021 or later.
Whether or not this bill passes is the deciding factor on whether or not we cancel our visit to Kauai scheduled for July 2021. We have zero tolerance for being imprisoned in a restrictive resort bubble. We have zero tolerance for the added inconvenience and cost of uber rides, additional covid tests and food delivery fees. We have visited Kauai in the past for the Aloha spirit and to relax surrounded by the beauty of the island. The current restrictions and additional hoops to jump through do not present Aloha or relaxation to us in any way shape or form. We will be happy to go elsewhere if Kauai continues to separate the island from the rest of Hawaii. We get being cautious and protecting the residents but a 72hr covid test prior to departing to the island should suffice, just as it is accepted on the other islands of Hawaii.
Please don’t keep changing the rules. We are coming to the islands in less than 40 days. We will have had our Covid vaccines, taken a Covid test 72 hours b4 arrival in Oahu. Stay there for 6 nights. Trying to set up our appointment for another Covid test 72 hours prior to going to Maui. We are NOT going to come if the rules change to a forced quarantine again.
Thanks!
Finally saw some decent deals at maui hotels so was planning a 10 day trip. Trying to figure out the whole mess of what test you need can I spit in a tube or get stabbed in the brain, apps to down load $300 in testing fees, if I stay in Honolulu for 5 days and go to Maui for 5 do I need another test, 30 percent capacity now in Maui for restaurants, masks everywhere, fines for this fines for that, resort bubbles I mean when does it end? It’s supposed to be a relaxing vacation it’s anything but. Looks like I’ll be spending that money remodeling more of the house. I don’t think that pent up demand will be there people are spending the money on other things not hoarding it for future vacations.
These people need to learn to play together by the same rules. Talk about killing the state’s economy. One set of rules for everyone coming to the islands. No need to have a second set of rules if you have abided by the rules for entering Hawaii. Common sense says a negative test within 72 hours or proof of vaccination should be all the is needed for anyone entering Hawaii. Sounds like it is time for all current elected officials to be voted out and replaced by officials that will work together.
AHH – the voice of reason! Any Covid test is a snapshot in time. It makes sense to take a test before flying for a number of reasons – although 72 hours, if you don’t isolate, is plenty of time to contract the virus! But to have to take a test again on island is just another snapshot in time that tells them NOTHING!!! The virus can take up to 10-14 days to come to the surface so why even bother at 72 hours. Here’s hoping they’ll wise up when vaccinations become more prevalent. Here, Hubby and I still aren’t eligible because we are 73/74 respectively and in our state, it’s 75 or older. (No is my father had just come home from WWII a year earlier…)
First, my reply was meant to compliment Tom T. Second, it helps to type with your glasses on! Meant – “Now if my father…”
Kauai is our family’s favorite place to visit and we go every spring. This year, however, we are finding it much too complicated to coordinate everything with testing and the bubble for all our family members. We will be vacationing somewhere else this year, but hope things change in the near future. I am devastated to have missed out on time on the Garden Isle 2 years in a row.
Hi,
What is Oahu’s pre travel testing from California, SFO?
Thank you
Hi Grace.
The current rules are here: https://beatofhawaii.com/ultimate-guide-to-hawaii-travel-during-covid/. And you need to test with a trusted partner within 72 hours of departure.
Aloha.
Hawaii has always been a fun yet pretty pricey family vacation. With the additions of multiple testing and a three day resort stay/ meals, it is now clearly beyond our means. Too bad for us as we have had many wonderful visits creating lots of lasting memories. We will seek out new territory, someplace that is fun for each of us and a place where we won’t feel like an imposition. Holding tickets for cancelled Hawaii trips- hope that we find a good use for them in the coming year.