In these times that never cease to amaze us, the possibility was just raised by Honolulu Mayor, Kirk Caldwell, that Kauai be a test site for reopening Hawaii tourism. Just to see what would happen to all of us living here full-time. That even though Caldwell said his own Honolulu will retain its stay-at-home order through May 31. Hmmm. Officials statewide rebuked Caldwell’s suggestion about Kauai.
Exactly what did the Honolulu mayor say?
Kauai “could be the first island. Kauai does have a visitor industry. What if you opened up to people going to hotels on that island? I think we can use some neighbor island as a test case to see how that works.”
Response from officials including the Mayor of Kauai.
Those disparaging the crazy remarks included Lieutenant Governor Josh Green, with whom Jeff attended a meeting in December, and Kauai’s Mayor Derek Kawakami, who we have known for decades. Derek said Caldwell “just looked and sounded like he’s fatigued and worried…. When people are tired and they’re under stress, they tend to say and do things that are out of character.” Let’s just say our mayor was taking the high road. We nearly fell over in disbelief when we heard this ourselves.
Our little island with arguably the least resources per capita, being a test case? Lt. Governor Green said he was, “shocked at the idea of using the neighbor islands as a giant experiment to see if [this] kills people.” Kauai Mayor Kawakami said, “This came out of left field, it was another challenge that I felt was unnecessary. Green noted, “Kauai has only 15 ventilators and nine intensive care unit beds….it’s not a very good position to treat people like guinea pigs on a neighbor island.”
Prior to this, a soft business reopening on Kauai discussed for May 3.
Kauai has had no new cases for 12 days, and only one active case now that was never positively attributed to travel.
That first, and the only, case of community spread was confirmed on Kauai on April 5. On May 3, it will be 21 days, or two incubation periods, (hopefully) without a new case. At that time, the Mayor is considering reopening some of the local businesses that have been closed and letting construction resume again. Personally, we’re excited at the prospect.
Then how will Hawaii travel reopen to tourists?
The entire state, both officials and residents, together with the federal government, various health officials, and the whole tourism industry including the airlines, hotels, and car rentals are in a flat out panic trying to determine how Hawaii travel will reopen. It is essential that it happen soon, but any wrong move could prove deadly.
While testing is an obviously preferable part of reopening, can that conceivably happen soon enough to save the economy of Hawaii from permanent, unrecoverable destruction? So then what? We are approaching the precipice, that is for certain.
The reason why: Kauai has always been and will remain strong and independent.
Due to the turbulent Kauai Channel between us and Oahu, conquering this island was not easy for Kamehameha I (or Kirk Caldwell). On Kamehameha’s first attempt, over 1,500 canoes had to turn back because of the winds. On another attempt, over 7,000 Hawaiian soldiers crossing in double hulled canoes turned back because of Typhoid. In the end, there was negotiation and a peaceful settlement between the two kings. The islands became united in 1810, when it was agreed that King Kaumualii would continue to rule Kauai, but as a vassal king under King Kamehameha.
A more modern day attempt at conquering the Kauai Channel and the island was the failed Super Ferry. Yes, Kauai has always been a problem child much to the chagrin of the other islands.
But to make us a testing ground for reopening tourism, to see if we sink or swim, brings out the King Kaumualii inherent in all of us here. Not going to happen!
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Good to know what the thinking is.
As an owner of a condo for rent, I’m anxious for visitors to be welcomed ASAP,!
Tourism is the lifeblood of Kauai and our leaders need to keep that in mind.
Amen. Keep Kauai away from the others.
I do agree that Kauai should not be used as a test site for mayor Caldwell but I do believe that Governor Ige, should stop all tourist travel to the hawaiian islands until we are clear and free of this. It just feels so unfair that we are on a stay at home order to stop the spread but yet gov.ige still allows tourist travel to the Hawaiian islands. Thank you.
You are right. It’s pointless to lock residents down and allow tourism to continue – especially since the small trickle of visitors isn’t enough to really help the economy, but definitely enough to spread this.
Please let me know when Kauai is open to tourism.
Mahalo
Hi Allie.
We most certainly will.
Aloha.
We own a house on Kauai and totally agree with all the suggestions and restrictions implemented by the mayor. Do not open to business and tourism too soon.
Your articles are so fun, helpful and well thought out. Thank you. I signed up because we have flights, cottage, car reserved for our Sept. trip to Kapaa, and I wanted to be up on all the latest. Since the vi rus hit I’ve used your newsletter as my main sourse of accurate information. I couldn’t agree more with your comments about Kauai being a “testing ground”. I’m a nurse and can’t believe how much crazy thinking is happening in the minds of our “leaders’. I’m glad the Lt. Gov. has a good head. Mahalo, Linda
Hi Linda.
Such a thoughtful comment. We really appreciate it.
Aloha.
We have been Guinea pigs for the GMO companies with their spraying. Two of my friends died of cancers and I became so ill with COPD that I had to come to Phoenix to the Mayo Clinic to stay alive. Now I am home quar antined as very high risk. I can never return to my home in Kauai. I leased it to a local family to help pay for my Arizona apartment. I feel like we are at the mercy of big business interests who don’t care if we live or die as long as they can maximize their profits on Kauai.
Aloha! My wife and I usually spend May and June on Kauai. We’re hunkered down at home near Phoenix looking forward to the re-opening of our home away from home. Too bad we don’t have reliable antibody tests that could be used as a barometer to determine relative safety. I think the end result of this will be like a nasty flu with a mortality of less than one percent.
Hi Loren.
Thanks.
Aloha.
“I think the end result of this will be like a nasty flu with a mortality of less than one percent.” If only that were true. In April, CO VID-19 was the leading cause of death in LA County (CA). The average number of daily deaths related to this in Los Angeles County is 44. In comparison, each day, five people die from influenza during flu season. This can and does cause blood clots, strokes, and abnormal heartbeat. It can damage all parts of the body including liver, kidneys, GI tract, lungs and brain. It is transmissible from people who have no symptoms. It is most definitely not just a nasty flu.
I lived on Kauai for six years and always loved the independent spirit of the people. We took great pride in that spirit. I still have a great love for the island and the local people of Kauai. Guinea pig, hell no.
Typical invaders american over the native hawaiians attitude again
Nothing new here
why not test your own Honolulu, Caldwell?
huh?
Aloha!
I’m a long time reader and first time commenter. I live in California and have been paying close attention to what is happening in your beautiful state. My husband and I were fortunate to spend our 30th anniversary on The Big Island this past February. It breaks our heart to know that so many locals have been without jobs for so long. I often wonder how nature is handling this “rest” period from us tourists. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco has seen coyotes wandering on it, and cougars have been seen more frequently in mountain towns.
Thank you for keeping us updated ! I always look forward to this in my inbox!
Aloha from Chico, Ca
Hi Carole.
Thanks for being both a long-time reader and for your comment!
We appreciate your suggestion and will incorporate that in upcoming content.
Aloha.
help!
I commented earlier about the Guinea Pig article. Now I am getting every comment and answer in my e mail in box. don’t want that please. how do I stop it? I still really want your updates but not everything.
Thanks
Ane T
oh I see a sneaky box I never noticed….notify me of follow up comments that is auto selected. how do I un do that?
Thanks
Hi Ane.
No worries – done. We’ve just modified that feature so that it isn’t auto selected. Thanks for letting us know.
Aloha.
I have been planning my first trip to the State of Hawaii and chose Kaua’i as my island because of its uniqueness and raw natural beauty. I am due to come in October. I have made no changes to plan plans and I’m holding out hope I won’t have to! To say I am longing for this trip and this experience is an understatement. I don’t know how it got there but Hawaii has always held a place in my Michigan heart! Stay strong! He well! Hospital Chaplain Cathy H.
Dear Beat,
I appreciate your informative emails and advice, and thank you for the good work you’re doing! On the subject of the Vi rus, I’m not sure why you would be offended if people thought you might be the best island to open first. To me, it’s the same as some states or cities on the mainland opening up first. Since Kauai is less populated, it seems logical that the issues of opening back up would be less on Kauai than Honolulu. I have been to all of the islands, and love them all in their own unique ways, and I do think it is CRITICAL that Hawaii open up soon, or the economic devastation may take years to recover from. Our group of 12 was scheduled to go to the Big Island now, but of course that got cancelled. We rescheduled for October, but if that gets cancelled, we’ll just end up going elsewhere, as much as we would miss Hawaii. Again, keep up the good work. Mahalo!
Hi Don.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Don,
I believe they (both R&J at BoH) agree that reopening is 100% critical to the economic survival of the islands. However, using just one island, especiallyly Kauai with a monthly visitor to population rate of almost 2 to 1 (respectively), is absolutely irresponsible, and not well thought out at all by the Honolulu Mayor. Kauai gets between 100-140k monthly visitors compared to its 71k residents. This clearly creates a far greater threat to a smaller island with 1/3 the population to visitor ratio.
Based on what’s known about C ovid 19, population density has a drastic influence on the contagion factor. NYC in the U.S. is a prime example, with the most dense population per square mile in the world. If the state was to have a “guinea pig” island, it would likely be the one with the the least population density. Not that I agree with doing it at all (I don’t), but the Big Island (Hawaii), would likely be the only choice. Its mass creates less than half the population density (46/sq.mi) than Kauai (106/sq.mi). There is significantly more room for people to distance socially, even though Hawaii has over a 4-1 visitor to population rate.
Safety is clearly an issue, but I definitely don’t think many state and local governments are moving swiftly enough to ensure there’s no local economic collapse.
R/J – I got a chuckle out of the comment:
“Due to the turbulent Kauai Channel between us and Oahu, conquering this island was not easy for Kamehameha I (or Kirk Caldwell).”
That was Brilliant! Haha!
Hi Jim.
Thanks for that! And for all your comments.
Aloha.
Though I do understand the plight that all of Hawaii is going through within our visitor industry but the Garden Island of Kauai is not the petri dish for all Hawaii, nor should it be for the visitors at this time.A valid plan needs to be agreed upon by all parties from State, Countieswith all legalities questioned and answered.
WOW! Not Kauai, not Maui, Lanai, or Molokai. None of our island homes will be guinea pigs for Oahu or anyone else.
We will safeguard our lives and people and move to re-open when safe and only then.
PS. I got my Hawaiian Air refund!!
Thanks for all your help!
Ane T.
Hi Ane.
That’s great news about your refund. Congrats. And thank you.
Aloha.
We are Idaho residents. First, carefully check the #of confirmed cases, then ck recoveries. Are you in a decline? To get back to business part of the recovery is personal responsibility. We all want to go to Hawaii. Sunshine! Social dis tancing may be a precaution. Time will tell all of us what is factual. If there is to be any “test” cases it should be Honolulu…most densely populated. Keep the planes from China out of there! Tough decisions for Hawaii. We are a small resort town in McCall, Idaho. We worry about international and across state borders for us,
And you are much more vulnerable than us because you are a TOTAL destination resort. Don’t know what the answer is. Perhaps clearance from individual states. We have been in quar antine since March 16. We are clear and good! Thank you for the opportunity to post to another favorite state. Thank you to my Hawaii friends, long time residents.
Hi Jenny.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Aloha from California. Just wondering from locals how you feel about us from the mainland coming to visit again? We had an amazing trip planned for the end of March into early April, but unfortunately our family reunion was canceled. We’re looking forward to coming April 2021, but just wondering if people will be happy about that and look forward to visitors? Or is the majority hoping we go somewhere else? Mahalo in advance for speaking honestly. Stay safe, and healthy.
Hi Judith.
We’d say that you will be very much welcome once things open up again and there is something that resembles a new normal. Keep coming back.
Aloha.
This breaks my heart to hear the mayor say he wanted to use Kauai as a Guinea pig!
My husband and I love Kauai and have come every year for 25 years. We love it because it’s not a zoo like Oahu and Maui. I pray this test will not happen to our beautiful and peaceful Kauai! Aloha🌺
Hi Nani.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I hope the people of Kauai are all well. Please don’t start protesting what someone says about you being a test. Just shrug it off and listen to your elected officials. People here on the mainland are going crazy, with protests, wanting to open up everything. My best vacation was on your island and I will be back. Take care.
Hi Michael.
Thanks.
Aloha.
right on, you are so right. no facilities for increase in vi rus. stay strong!!!
Hi Mary.
Thanks for your comments.
Aloha.
Be very careful. Here in NY when the city went into lockdown, people it’s 2 Nd homes came to LI and we now have 60,000 cases of confirmed cv. Love Kauai, Been there twice, Looked forward to a trip this year, But it’s on hold till everything passes. No one should be a guinea pig. Be safe residents of Kauai
What great news to hear that Kauai has 12 days without a new case. Selfishly I say that because I hunger deeply to return to my favorite island. I’ve returned to Kauai over 40 times. On my 1st visit, there was only one stoplight on the island and Blue Hawaii had already been filmed at the resort I stayed at (The Coco Palms). Keep up the great separation and saying goodby to this pan demic on Kauai. Mahalo to all Kauaians.
Hi John.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Have always admired Kauaians independence & fierce defense of their beloved island. Please remember this virus probably will come back in the Fall which is only 5 months from now. So caution is the “word of the day” however painful it is & will be.
Hi Mary.
Thank you.
‘
Aloha.
We will volunteer to be the first allowed travelers to our condo there in Kauai! We have a flight already booked! Just waiting for the ok from the governor that the quar antine will be lifted. We are healthy and we care very much about Kauai and the economy there. ❤️
Hi Denise.
Thanks.
Aloha.
At the risk of arrows pointed in my direction, I made the same suggestion in an earlier story about visitor return. I also added the following elements that makes Kauai and the Big Island logical. Both have active tourist markets, yet both have widespread geography and relatively small local populations. The following would be added to timing and opening decisions:
Anyone attempting to book airline and lodging reservations would receive the following message:
“To enter the state of Hawaii during this period of prevention efforts, the state requires a test status report within 7 days prior to departure and present that status check to appropriate law enforcement, airline personnel or lodging management. In lieu of a test, a visitor may also present a serum antibody test report showing the presence of antibodies. Should any in your traveling party shows any symptoms during your stay, you are required to report them to the local island health department and follow their medical advice, including the possibility of quar antine for a period of 14 days from the date of report. Direct travel is required to either Kauai or Hawaii Island. No inter island travel for visitors will be allowed.”
I also recommended active temperature monitors at both departure and arrival airports.
Perhaps the Mayor was fatigued, or perhaps no one asked a followup on the requirements for visitor travel.
I agree with James B.
Be tested and get a clean bill of health. Show your certificate before entering the plane. Upon your arrival show the clearance. My self, I have my residence on Oahu, but my essential business in Ca., which means I fly back and forth all the time. With my business here, I have been tested so I won’t jeopardize my employees and family. And if anybody is sick I ask them to work from home for two weeks. Only bummer for me is, I’ve held off on coming home due to the uncertainties of what Hawaii’s next steps are. My heart aches in all the stories I hear from all my long time families & friends that have or have a family member who has lost their job.
I volunteer Hawaii County!
So let me catch my breath…
Unless this is “Fake News” it’s an insult to the people of Kauai.
Step 3 down the road should be letting visitors back on our small Island after we have an absolute positive testing system in place. At this point it’s in the iffy category.
At this point we have numerous shelter in place for 14 days visitors on Island not adhering to the ruled.
So,Mayor Caldwell it would be nice for you to go on TV tonight and mea culpa plenty.
Mahalo for hearing me out
Hi Keike.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I agree with Mayor Kawakami and wait another week to see if any more cases arise and if not, then open Kauai up to only the locals. Restaurants, bars, salons, barbershops, beaches, golf courses, etc. That way, at least some local businesses can start operating again. Airlines haven’t figured out how they will transport people yet, and most tourists will be hesitant to travel until they do. But at least the island can start to recover economically to a small degree. The Honolulu’s mayors comment was probably stated as an aside, a strawman to see what reaction it would generate. Mayor Kawakami should tell Mayor Caldwell the same thing General McAuliffe told the Germans at Bastogne- “Nuts”.
Actually, using one defined geographic region as a test area is a good strategy to see how a full recovery could take place. Unfortunately, Mr. Caldwell suggested a possible test area before conferring with them, or perhaps anybody else. That’s where he went wrong.
I think Mayor Kawakami’s response was deeply kind in lieu of such an insensitive, selfish, inhumane comment by Mayor Caldwell. Perhaps that will reflect appropriately come election time. I am so bloody tired of cowardly politicians.