Updated 11/13 6pm. News late today that there are an additional 2 active cases on Kauai today. That comes after yesterday’s 5 cases and the even larger run-up earlier this week. These are a combination of residents and visitors, and cases are both travel-related and not. This is the most significant increase in cases since June. In total, the county reports that the island has 17 active COVID cases.
Kauai is inching closer to the possibility of more rules with news today that the island could soon move to the next tier with restrictions that limit gathering but do not change quarantine exemption. While this may have a limited impact on visitors, it moves in a direction that should concern everyone and comes on the heels of so many new travel-related cases after failed pre-travel testing.
The cases from earlier in the week were all travel-related, as arrivals tested positive on Kauai subsequent to first testing negative pre-travel.
We are waiting to see how this week’s cases impacts Kauai’s multi-tiered system. It will move to Tier 3 if the weekly average case count is at a level of two new cases daily. At that point, the next level of restrictions would be implemented, which limits group gatherings to 10 and prohibit both indoor and outdoor sports. We believe that will likely be what happens next.
Tier 3 would be in effect when there are up to four average cases daily. Then, should the island ever reach an average of five cases or more per day, Tier 2 restrictions would go into effect. In that situation, the county would no longer participate in the state’s pre-travel testing program, and a two-week mandatory quarantine would be required for all arrivals. We certainly hope that does not occur.
We have tried our best to make sense of Kauai’s rules in determining just how fast a change in rules could occur. See the County guidelines here. The County rules state that to become less restrictive, Kauai must remain on the current tier for at minimum four consecutive weeks, and meet next tier case count and positivity rate criteria for two weeks. Rules will become more restrictive, however, when Kauai exceeds criteria in the current tier for two weeks, or sooner if the island’s limited health care system is unable to meet demand.
To keep COVID under control, and things moving forward, residents and visitors alike have the obligation to practice the good safety measures we all know about.
Lastly, for travel during the pandemic, we continue to suggest “cancel for any reason” trip insurance.
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Let’s try some basic Math, according to info in this article, which is virtually almost always accurate, and Props to the writers/editors (Jeff and Rob) for research done. I love that you are in this with your heads, and not just your hearts; but, I digress.
First, The Tier structure is absolutely heavy-handed toward quarantine/closure. It only takes one (1) week of averages to move toward a more restrictive Tier, but four (4) weeks to move back to the less restrictive Tier. This difference alone is designed to keep the County closed longer, with a greater chance of escalating to a 14 day quarantine. This also indicates (with these lopsided mandates), Kauai’s Tier system will likely end up killing their economy, already highly dependant on tourism. The sad part is that it will be a combination of tourist and resident travel that forces the issue. Why? Whether it be for work or travel, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of Hawaii Residents leaving and returning to Kauai island weekly and monthly, some with a “get out of jail free” card.
Personally, I know of several people on the islands that are traveling to the mainland to visit extended family, going to see live sporting events, taking pictures with family, and posting on social media, while in close contact not wearing masks during visits. You can safely bet, this type of thing is happening on every island, as locals love to gather in groups, whether it be friends, family or both, and “talk story”. Hawaiians are a social people, and this type of “Government Control” does not sit well with many residents. Clearly, some have relaxed (or had enough of the mandates), and are not 100% practicing covid protocols/procedures, if at all. Several of the most recent cases, especially on the outer islands, have been directly because of local residents gathering. I see pictures regularly on social media, of people gathering (more than 10 at times). It’s what local families in Hawaii do.
Thanks, Guys, for the info!
Hi Jim.
Thank you. Hope we can meet up soon.
Aloha.
Jeff W,
You are trying to be reasonable. Sadly, “reasonable” is not one of the options.
Alaska had (still has?) a “semi-quarantine” after arrival but prior to second test results, where people could at least rent cars, pick up groceries, go to uncrowded places, but had to stay out of bars and restaurants. And there is zero reason that people who are stuck in quarantine cannot at least be stuck in a more spacious vacation rental condo or home that has a kitchen to cook, etc., without having to sign a long term lease or be stuck at the Tip Top (which would be worse than jail).
I’m on Kauai right now, and unfortunately most visitors are being idiots. More than half don’t wear mask anywhere in public. It appears that children are allowed not to wear masks, and those run around like wild pigs. Visitors are also behaving like complete d-bags in many other way
BTW, I’m not a local, I’m visiting from Seattle. I do understand why some locals hate tourists.
It’s sad, but I guess it’s inevitable Kauai is going to shut down again. People are not being reasonable. I’ve also seen people taking their masks off at the airport and on the planes all the time. Like getting a drink at the airport, and then sitting in the middle of everyone else sipping that drink for an hour. So even if they tested negative 72 hours before the flight, chance of those idiots catching something at the airport – 100%.
So true Alex. I am a local and was cleaning up Lydgate beach (wearing a mask) as we do each Saturday and was approached with a question by a mask less couple walking the beach who were clueless (I had to back up to keep six feet of distance while we spoke). Add that to the 20 people waiting to go Kayaking at the bottom of Kuamo’o road who were milling about the parking lot mask less and you can see why some locals are upset. Because of this I believe the Governor is going to issue a statewide mask mandate soon. If that mandate is like Honolulu’s mandate you will be required to wear a mask everywhere including walking on the beach. The only place they don’t require a mask is if you are actually in the water. That doesn’t sit well with us here as we had Covid down to zero prior to the 15th and while we wear masks in the presence of other people we normally don’t if outdoors and keeping your distance.
Alex,
I don’t know where on Kauai you are having this experience, but certainly not where I have been over the past 10 days. I have yet to witness any “wild pig” children (you have some issues with kids?) or tourists, or anyone else, behaving as “d-bags.” Is anyone not doing exactly what you want them to do a d-bag?
And I see just as many masks on people I speculate are visitors as I do on people I know to be “locals.” Earlier today, a young couple – probably tourists – took their kayak out for a paddle in the ocean right in front of us. Sure they were never within 100 feet of anyone, spent most of the time out on the water, in breezy trades, but not wearing masks!?? What d-bags!
And, no, you don’t know have 100% chance of getting Covid-19 by not wearing a mask at airport. Not that long ago, it was said that masks provide little to no protection to the wearer, but did provide some ability to “catch” virus being exhaled by an infected person to thereby provide some protection to others in the immediate vicinity. Apparently, that narrative has changed.
Aloha David,
I had to laugh, when Alex said, “So even if they tested negative 72 hours before the flight, chance of those idiots catching something at the airport – 100%.”
The passing of FALSE information (whether verbal or written), that has absolutely Zero scientific backing, is far too often what emotionally charged people tend to do.
Nice catch, David, thanks for pointing that out, and Mahalo to Jeff and Rob for continuing to keep us incredibly well informed! 💖🤍💙
Hi Jim.
Your kind words keep us going. Thanks.
Aloha.
Please share your knowledge regarding local case reporting for PMRF.
Per an article appearing in todays Star Bulletin, “Army training up, COVID rate down in Hawaii” it states:
“The Defense Department still generally sticks to a policy of not reporting coronavirus cases at the local level ….”
Wondering if the Mayor has access to any case count and whether or not it can affect our Tier Level.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge! It is amazingly frustrating to try to follow along with what’s really happening.
Hi Joan.
Good question. We honestly haven’t heard anything about cases at PMRF. We would certainly assume that cases there would be included in Kauai’s numbers.
Aloha.
I am tentatively planning on flying to Kauai on Nov 21 (Saturday). From all the info I have received if I take the test on Wednesday Nov 18 (72 hours) before arriving in Kauai with a negative test I should be exempt from quarantine. I depart at 10am on Saturday morning and arrive in HNL at 2:10pm. Have a 2.5 hour layover in HNL and arrive in Kauai at 5pm. So taking a test in Seattle on Wednesday in the morning should be ok – or does it have to be exactly 72 hours prior to arrival in Kauai? Please advise if the time the test is taken is relevant. Thank you. Very confused.
Hi Lori.
The state indicates it is within 72 hours of your trans-Pacific flight. You can also call their help desk for any clarification needed. 1-855-599-0888.
Aloha.
We moved here in August but had to sign a long term lease to do the 14 day quarantine out of the hotel with all of our children and not only paying for but trapped in 2 separate rooms. It worked out because we found a great landlord who helped with groceries etc. We could not buy. There needs to be a way to quarantine with services in bigger places like those losing re ts on their short term rental properties. This way one could find a home rather than be locked in a long term lease. We were blessed but there was not a lot available. You could not do it without a long term lease with our big group in a hotel. At least we did not risk the test knowing it needed results so soon. I am surprised people were allowed on the plane without results. Also yes big flaw in pre test as with 6 of us someone could have been tested woth a false positive and almost a grand goes out the door. Why not do what was proposed and for the viability of businesses around here trying to survive allow bigger rentals rather than hotels with quarantine not having to sign a long lease. That also goes for those wanting to buy property here. Also mandate a post test after a 3 day quarantine for all. This way people get family time together in a decent space and if someone tests positive they choose the the 14 days or go back but make the testing refundable or free. This could help the commerce here and be safe. Instead of a 7 day trip it’s really 10 or if 2 weeks 11 days. Another thing this would do is keep people at home and extra careful before abd after results knowing they have to test again. If they test positive they need a second test to make sure it was not a false positive at no additional charge. Trying to keep everyone happy and economy sustained while people stay safe. Thoughts!?
Tom
“your good learning news respond I loved it
RE: pre test screening is a big yes too!
Could Not possibly have caught it on the Plane !
I had 2 negative tests from a hospital in eastern Washington, which was not approved by Hawaii. I stayed in quarernteen for 24 days. I am not cleared a week later. Why?
Absolutely ridiculous.
Testing doesn’t even test for covid 19..
Tests for presence of random viral material that could be from flu or colds. Take off the stupid masks that only make you sicker and open up the economy. Humanity get off your knees and turn off the communist mockingbird media mind control.
I had to cancel my family vacation to Hanalei. The owner of the house kept the entire week rental. No refund no rebooking. Hanky lanky house. We were not going to be able to get our COVID test results prior to departure when following all mandated guidelines. We pleaded our case endlessly to no avail. Owner must be desperate for any rental income. sad.
I don’t understand why Hawaii isn’t going to a system like French Polynesia has in place. Require airlines to check for negative PCR test results at the departure gate. If passengers don’t have it, they can’t board, period. Is it perfect? No, but at least it removes the option of some people skipping the test and doing the 14-day quarantine.
Because the state doesn’t have the legal authority to do that. Countries can just like the airlines check your passport before letting you on the flight.
Aloha Hal,
I totally agree with you! If one wants to avoid the 14-day quarantine, they need to show a negative test. But if one is willing to do a 14-day quarantine, they don’t need to show a negative test and they will still be allowed on the plane. This person may inadvertently be spreading the virus to people who tested negative. Also people are allowed on the plane when their test is still pending. These people could also spread the virus while on the plane. I hope this answers your question. Thank you and aloha!
Just heard of a cruise ship in the the Caribbean where everybody tested negative pre-boarding and post boarding. Then, some folks came down with Covid. All that a negative test means is that Covid can’t be detected; if you are early in the infection it could be mossed.
heels* 🙄
I understand and sympathize with the author’s frustration. Most people are like fk it and wont be traveling.
The only thing that belongs to individuals is private property, not the entire Hawaiian islands. Many posters continue to harass tourists they dont agree with and telling them not to come. That kind of stuff kills tourism and is definately no aloha.
There will always be some rude tourists but the right thing to do is explain the culture and be patient. Some may be reacting to a truely serious problem.
I feel the need to again mention that Hawaii belongs to the usa and is a state, although it seems some posters on here want it to be a sovereign nation complete with uncivilized bannana republic leadership.
This is displayed daily by the confusing and ever changing policies and absolute misappropriation of laws on residents and especially tourists. Massachusetts and California are not nearly as disorganized and they do not confuse Or try to severely punish and arrest tourists or residents. The residents here in ma do not try to police tourists either.
So it seems Massachusetts is showing more” aloha “than hawaii. Hawaii must sit down and think and learn how to be good citizens and love everyone equally and have more integrity and personal bravery and confidence.
Aloha BOH Brothers
No one should be surprised by the rise of positive covid cases after reopen on Hawaii. It has happened every time no matter how many precautions are taken covid cases have risen on any prior closed Islands, States, Countries, Continents etc.
I posted earlier that I thought the mandatory 14 day quarantine would go back into place about the second or third week of December.
I now have inside information that Hawaiian state officials are under extreme pressure from both Hawaiian Airlines and large corporate owned resorts to do everything possible to delay any new mandatory 14 day quarantine until after the lucrative Christmas and New Years holidays.
We’ll see, but I still feel covid numbers on Hawaii are going to soar after the Thanksgiving holiday.
Yo Richard C….bra. Thank u for the “inside information”
Any “outside information”,on way to the waves?
Richard, I totally agree. There is a great article in The Garden Island today from which I pulled the following quote:
“Recent COVID-19 spikes in the state and mainland are concerning, Dahilig said yesterday at a Kaua‘i County Council meeting to brief members on how the county is handling tourism in the age of COVID-19. He assured the council the administration is working on various plans.
“The discussion has not ended at this point,” Dahilig said, adding that the county is working with its attorneys on the request. “We need to remain vigilant in ensuring that we do not let the issues rest because there has been a decision in the past.”
A county spokesperson said in an email Thursday that they are working with the state on “adjustments or improvements (that) would be in line with the overall Safe Travels program.” An announcement could come as early as today.”
So more to come. Prior to October 15th we had pretty much “killed Covid” on this island, and now the numbers are rising fast due to travelers. Here is the article title in case you want a good read: “County sees flaws in state’s Safe Travels program”.
we canceled our 12/28-1/9 trip to Kauai yesterday. I’m heartbroken. It was either that or pay the final balance on the condo with a penalty in place of we canceled. I hope to reschedule for next year at the same time but honestly, the Caribbean is cheaper & a lot less hassle. Will take a break from all of this & revisit after the first of the year.
after talking with residents of the bigisland who finally made it back it is very evident that the mayors of all the islands with the exception of oahu are doing a very effective job of killing tourist trade to their island. it seems each one wants to be the “big chief”.
Just a heads up flying to Hawaii!
We arrived in Kauai yesterday with our negative test results in hand from CVS and found out we took the test one day to early! Has to be Test Day 72 hours before departure Not Test Results as it says on the website. We would not have received our test results till we were on the plane.( you would not know if your P/N) We have the option to stay here quarantined for 14 days in our condo or fly home. I am taking option “B” the two couples in line behind us took option “A“ till their test results come in. You get a QR code on your phone from the state website. You can not rent a car or get a room without it. Food has to be brought in, no going out at all. Police Random check on you. If your outside up to 5k fine and jail time. I wanted to have your back so be careful coming over. The approved testing places are almost at capacity (sound filmier). 22 years of travel around the world and this is the first bad trip ever. Respectfully G.
Hi George.
We’re sorry to hear how that worked out, and wish you’d have asked about it here earlier. The state’s official website (https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/getting-to-hawaii/) clearly says “The test will need to be taken no more than 72 hours before your flight departure time. If you have a multi-city flight itinerary, the departure time is from the last city you leave before arriving at a Hawai‘i airport (e.g. if your travel is from Chicago to Seattle to Honolulu, the departure time to look at is your flight from Seattle).”
Aloha.
Thank you George for your clarification regarding when to take the Covid test. I would appreciate a bit of clarification regarding multi leg trips. We plan on flying from Seattle to Honolulu – have a 2.5 hour layover before getting on our final leg to Kauai. We plan on taking the test on Wednesday around 2pm , We leave on Saturday morning with an arrival in HNL at 2pm. We board our flit to Kauai at 4:30pm with an arrival in Kauai at 5pm. Can we take our Covid test anytime on Wednesday or does it have to be exactly 72 hours or less which would require us to take the test on Thursday and hope to have the results back in time before we leave Seattle on Saturday. Can you please clarify if our thought process is correct? Thank you for your help.
Hi Bill.
It needs to be within 72 hours of your trans-Pacific flight.
Aloha.
Aloha,
If you are still waiting to receive your negative test result once you land in Hawaii, where are people quarantining if you are not allowed to rent a car or go to your hotel until you receive a QR code? Are visitors having to wait at the airport?
Thanks BOH for all the valuable information you provide. It’s much appreciated!
Mahalo nui loa!
Hi Mignon.
Probably best to hear from others who have had personal experience. We heard, for example, a quarantine facility was set up near Kapahi on Kauai.
Aloha.
Hi Mignon.
Thanks! We appreciate you being part of this and many comments over the past two years. Happy holidays.
Aloha.
Just returned from 9 days on Kauai. We wore masks everywhere including at the pool and beach. Very few locals especially in Hanalei wear masks. Their mask mandate isn’t being enforced on locals. They need to increase enforcement before it’s too late.
Thank you for your report. Would you please explain which cases are counted for the purpose of moving to the next tier? It seems to me that we should be already in tier 3 since we have 1-3 new cases on an almost daily basis. I am very confused.
Hi Gigi.
We feel the same way and have never seen that explained by the County. If anyone has, please let us know.
Aloha.
According to the County’s tiered system of reopening, Kauai will move into Tier 3 if the weekly average case count increases to two new cases per day.
Sorry to do it but cancelled my trip, Nov 18-Dec 3. Not willing to take the chance of getting results back in time or having to quarantine after spending that kind of money. Thanks for the updates.
Hi Julie.
You’re most welcome. We hope you can return again soon.
Aloha.
Guideline on Kauai are all political and unrealistic
Given that three positives resulted after the pre-flight negatives just what is the value or quality of pre-flight testing? Since everybody on the flight was supposed to be negative, then they must have been either false negatives or caught the bug after testing. We do plan to go to the Big Island in February and will certainly do the required testing, but to what end?
My understanding is that there’s no requirement to show negative test results before boarding, so it’s possible not everyone has tested negative before getting on the plane. That fact makes it all a bit pointless.
It still makes no sense to plan a trip to Hawaii. With the uncertainty of the Governor, the Lt Governor, and the island mayors all working without coordination, why risk air fare and hotels for an uncertainty of what can happen next week, let alone next month or two. I will make my plans after June 2021 and see how things are falling into place. But I’m not holding my breath Still have plans for Bahamas in January!
Aloha Beat of Hawaii.
I’m still trying to understand why this mess is still ongoing.
The testing in unreliable, at best, false negatives are off the charts as well as false positives.
The tourism industry is a majority of income for the islands, no matter what people want to believe.
I honestly feel that if the State wants to keep the islands closed, then the State has a responsibility to pay the people exactly what their income was before they were rendered unemployed.
Mahalo again for your hard work!
🌺
Hi Pam.
Thanks. We aren’t qualified to speak to the testing, or what the state has in mind. It all seems like a quickly moving target at the moment.
Aloha.
Funny, the Bahamas also require proof of a pre-travel negative PCR test, just like Hawaii. They also say that “things can change without notice”, etc. So I’m not sure what makes it easier/less risky to plan a trip there vs. Hawaii?
I have heard rumor of all islands aligning their quarantine/testing rules so everyone is following the same system to make things less confusing which would hopefully eliminate Kauai’s tier system. Have you heard anything about that? We have a trip booked for March but if there is a chance of having to quarantine for all of it we are definitely going to switch Islands.
Thanks for the update, my family of 4 are supposed to spend Christmas over there. I know we have to test 72hrs prior to arriving, are we getting tested again when we arrive? If so is it voluntary or mandatory? Thanks
Hi Darrell.
Testing after arrival may change, so we don’t want to give you the wrong information. Stay tuned for that. As far as we know right now, no additional testing requirement.
Aloha.
We are supposed to travel to kauai 12/20-1/4. I have until 11/20 to cancel my accommodations. How likely is it that kauai will move into a tier that will require visitors to quarantine for two weeks?
Me and the kids will have to cancel if we have to spend our entire trip inside our condo. We are prepared to act safely around the island. We are from SF a city that has been doing great with wearing mask and quarantine since April.
Hi Camille.
We can’t say – how can anyone? If you’re asking for a gut call, however, we’ll say you should be fine. But you’ll have to decide what to do for yourself.
Aloha.
I hear ya! 🤞🏽Thanks for keeping us update! 🤙🏽
Hi Camille,
Officials can change the rules anytime they need to, especially if there’s a covid spike. Just be prepared to be under quarantine for 14 days just so the family and kids don’t get disappointed if something changes on the last minute. Or you can always do a staycation and keep your family safe. We are all being advised here not to travel unless it’s absolutely essential.
Thank you for this information. If the second test is voluntary, and not free for visitors, there could be more cases than what are currently being counted.
Hi Lori.
We hear you.
Thanks.
Very sad to hear that three people tested positive after pre-travel negative tests. The most logical assumption is that they caught the virus on the airplane. I was hoping to bring the whole family to Hawaii for Christmas, but it sounds much to dangerous to fly now. Please, do you know if they have to quarantine for 14 days in Hawaii? Or are they forced to return to the mainland immediately? And who is responsible for additional hotel and airfare costs? So sad for Hawaii economy.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Hi Robert.
We must assume they pay their own quarantine expenses. Not sure if they must quarantine 14 days or just until they test negative again. Also, since we understand it can take many more days for the positive test result following exposure, it does not seem appropriate to assume they became positive on the plane. That is, from everything published, not likely at all.
Aloha.
“…three people tested positive after pre-travel negative tests. The most logical assumption is that they caught the virus on the airplane…”
Other possibilities:
– they caught it in the terminals en route, not the plane
– they caught it in the brief time between the test and the flight
– they caught it locally after arrival
– the pre-flight test was not sensitive enough
– the test taken on Kauai was too sensitive (e.g., too great a cycle count)
– the tests were simply different
More basically: how is it they were tested again and found to be positive? Did they present symptoms and go to seek medical attention? Or instead, were they sought out due to contact tracing or whatever? If so, then the questions of how the test was conducted are critical.
These aren’t just abstractions. Before crushing the economy and businesses, clear answers are needed and not just arbitrary counts to be triggers.
Good Morning! Thank you for staying on top of the ever changing covid rules! Can you clarify what constitutes “sports”??? Is this just organized sports or would solo running, swimming, paddling etc. also be restricted in a Tier 3? Aloha and stay well!
Hi Joan.
Great question. On checking, we did not see the answer to that. Perhaps someone else can give us a hand. Thanks.
Aloha.
This seems so fishy. Are the approved COVID tests not accurate? Visitors feel healthy, get a negative test result, and then get there and subsequently test positive?
Some came to the island while their results were pending and unfortunately had a positive. But others did not and were carrying the virus despite the negative test. That is why this virus is so contagious – people don’t know they have it but are able to spread it anyway. And hats off to Kauai for being so much on top of the virus in terms of contact tracing and isolation.
An amazingly insensitive comment. Perhaps best to wish those that do test positive, limited or no symptoms or a quick return to good health and gratitude for catching it before it spreads.
It’s easy, they must have come in contact with the disease sometime after they tested, and before they arrived. For example, let’s say I take my test 3 days before my flight. After I take my test, I go out to a bar, with no mask, and come in contact with someone who’s COVID positive. *bing* now I have it, but it takes a couple of days for symptoms to show up, and *poof* I test positive upon arrival in Hawaii. I’ve pointed out this hole in Hawaii’s plan before. Unless visitors quarantine after they take their pre-arrival test, there is NO guarantee that they don’t come in contact with the virus between when they are tested, and when they arrive in Hawaii.
The test is accurate the day/time you are tested. If you test positive, you should test positive the next day, etc. BUT you can test negative today and positive tomorrow, or the following day. That’s the challenge with this virus – from the time when you are exposed until the time when your body produces a positive test result. There’s no set reaction time. It can take up to 14 days before you test positive, with a median time of 4-5 days from exposure. That’s why I think this “pre-test” concept sounds good in concept, but is not a panacea.