Would you be willing to use the AlohaSafe App for mandatory contact tracing?
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63 thoughts on “Maui Wants Mandatory Contact Tracing For All Visitors”
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Would you be willing to use the AlohaSafe App for mandatory contact tracing?
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
We are finally headed back the end of March and would be happy to do anything we can to keep the locals and islands safe. We are just glad to be able to visit our home away from home again.
No thank you. This is just another way that points out to the visitors they are not welcome and that the Aloha spirit does not truly exists. Why don’t the locals have to participate? Obvious discrimination against tourists. They want our money but don’t want us.
Thank you for the article. It just gives “one” more reason to find a more hospitable vacation destination. They are constantly cutting off their nose to spite their face. Their actions are going to have a very long lasting on the local economy. Those who are passing/ proposing these edicts are still getting their salaries while the businesses die.
No…not…never will I subscribe to any form of app tracking or tracing. I had hopes of Maui in August 2021 (post vaccine) since Kauai is pretty much off the board due to endless draconian restrictions but this finishes it off for me (a long time Hawaii visitor) for 2021…another nail for the Hawaiian tourist industry. I hope there is a Hawaii to come back to when that day arrives…good luck to all…Aloha
aloha!
this is nonsense, and if implemented will reduce their 25% occupancy to even less. will go to big island or oahu instead
Well, I live in Maui and travel to the mainland several times a month. Not sure if I’ll fall under this mandate or the essential travel BS..
Irregardless, no app for me. Without a warrant they won’t see my phone.
The rest of my comment was censored… lovely
Doug, I’m all for tracing. This isn’t Big Brother. It’s health and once you leave, tracing ends with no usable traces left.
Aloha BOH
I have a question or 2.
Mayor Victorino reports since October Maui has had less then a 25 percent occupancy rate, was he surprised or disappointed by that number? Did he indicate what they projected the occupancy rate should be during that period?
Haven’t travelers been told for almost a year we aren’t welcome on Hawaii. Have we all not been told that we aren’t wanted on Kauai or Molokai or to visit Hana.
Who hasn’t seen the video of Hawaii’s Karen chasing people off a beach or video chants of locals crying hoale go home or signs stating hoale isn’t welcome in my restaurant.
Now they want to contact trace everyone. I’m laughing at anyone who is bellyaching about your privacy is being invaded, but you continue to carry a smart phone with you.
Final question Mayor Victorino are tourist welcome on Maui or not?
Oh by the way I heard this morning that Hawaii is in the bottom 5 of states who’ve received covid vaccine and getting their population inoculated. They were ranked just below my state of California. Good job by both.
Hi Richard.
We don’t know what the mayor was expecting in terms of occupancy, and as far as we know he didn’t say. Visitors are not welcome? That isn’t true. Certainly, things are different, but if you read the comments (and I suspect you do), visitors are enjoying all the islands except Kauai at this time.
Aloha.
You are exactly correct. A year of degrading “dirty” mainlanders. At the same time welcoming Japan with open arms, yet Japan is having their spike and lockdowns now. Japan’s positivity rate us also creeping up above the 6% range.
Any economic devastation the islands encounter is deserved due to all the Karen’s complaining about the Haole mainlanders, and the rest of us sane citizens not raising our voices. Or if we did we were censored and called uncaring.
I am having a total brain fart.
Test is 130 on Friday.
Flight from Portland is 110.
I have a short stop in San Jose which leaves for OGG at 410.
Is my test too early? Does it instead need to be at 410 on Friday?
Thanks in advance. My flight was changed and now I wonder if I need to change testing time.
Hi Dn.
Yes too early. It needs to be within 72 hours of the sjc-ogg flight.
Aloha.
Yes thanks. I wasn’t awake when I asked it. Does anyone know the best solution in the Portland area for 430 on Friday? I’ll drive to Seattle if I have to. That might be too late for Vault to get to UPS. Thoughts?
Aloha Dan!
Omg Dan,so glad I’m not the only one confused on lining up my testing within the 72hour time frame! I originally had a Tuesday morning flight out of Chicago then a 4 hour layover in Seattle. Tuesday flights make it even more challenging to get tested and the results back in time since Sunday might be a wasted day with no FedEx pick ups. I changed my flight(thank god no change fees) to a Wednesday to give me a better chance of the meeting the 72hr window. Now I’m lining up my testing time! So worth the hassle to keep everyone safe but definitely challenging. My daughter lives on Maui and I am doing everything I can to see her after a year. Good luck and you are not the only one having a Brain fart! Aloha!
I’m already booked for a Maui vacation in early March and would definitely be willing to use the app
It is a hard No!!!
I agree with KymV. She really conveys my exact thoughts about the app. You are on vacation, better to just stay home and wait rather than be paranoid looking at everyone wondering if they have covid.
These idiotic mayors just keep coming up with crazier and crazier ideas to keep tourists away–despite the science / data / evidence confirming what I’ve said on this forum countless times this past year: It aint the tourists that are spreading COVID in Hawaii.
And it never has been.
And, as has been the case all year, Hawaii consistently has some of the lowest COVID infection numbers and deaths–by any measure. Hawaii currently is #1 in terms of the LOWEST number of COVID related deaths per capita–from day 1 of the pandemic. Hawaii also currently holds the #2 spot (behind Vermont) for the lowest number of total cases per capita–from day 1 of the pandemic. And if you look at the DATA you can see clearly that there has been a ZERO spike in COVID cases or deaths since travel restrictions were slightly eased in October. (In fact, daily reported new cases were DRAMATICALLY lower AFTER said easing–at least 50% lower in Oct, Nov, and Dec than in late August / early Sept.)
nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/hawaii-coronavirus-cases.html
But, again, Hawaii’s draconian restrictions have NEVER been about health and safety… they’re about race… and history… and perception… not actual results. (Point of fact: Kaui–which is the county that consistently and currently has by far the LOWEST number of case and deaths per capita–in a state with one of the lowest number of cases and deaths per capita in the country–continues to argue for even MORE dracanion TOURISM restrictions–disengenuously sighting a lack of hospital andn ICU beds as their justification–as if Honolulu isn’t just 60 miles away as the crow flies–20 to 30 minutes by plane or helecopter. You could literally paddle a COVID patient in a CANOE to Oahu before they could die. (Hawaii Life Flight has bases on EVERY major Hawaiin island.)
So, no, unless EVERY person on Maui–including every local and every government official and employee is being tracked by this ap, I would not use it
Agreed! I will NOT load this app on my device. I will not be tracked. I will not take the Vaccine. So I guess the bottom line is I won’t be visiting Hawaii, and especially Maui or Kauai any time soon. As someone that lived on Oahu and Kauai for 14 years, it’s disgusting what the island mayors and Governor have done concerning a virus that has a 99.5% survival rate. Nothing but fear mongering, lockdowns, and insanity for the past 10 months.
Thank you for this warning. It is horrific to think this would ever be conceived as a good idea.
Mandatory contact tracing without a positive result to a test or just because I’m a tourist.
I am not saying there is an overt attempt at denying one’s privacy but once the app is installed and once the virus has come under control what are the guarantees the tech can’t be used to track movements or ‘free’ assembly?
I would not subscribe to any sort of tracing. Yes, if you carry a smartphone, the government already has a ton of info about you—but why give them more. Same goes for the vaccine, I’m not taking it either.
Too invasive…would not participate in an electronic leash by any other name.
CDC came out today saying that proof of recovering from Covid (a positive test result followed by negative result, will be able to be used when returning from international travel. Will Hawaii allow this same documentation to travel there & avoid the Covid test?
For up to 90 days, only. From the Hawaii Safe Travels Web Site FAQs:
“If I have recovered from COVID-19 but still test positive for the virus do I still have to quarantine?
In order to qualify for a COVID-19 exemption to the 10-day quarantine, you must submit the following two pieces of information:
A copy of a positive molecular COVID-19 test (NAAT or PCR) from a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified laboratory taken no more than 90 days and no less than 11 days prior to your departure date.
A signed letter from a medical provider stating that you have not exhibited symptoms and are fully recovered – this letter must be signed at least 10 days after your positive test and no more than 14 days from your departure date.
To request an exemption, go to ag.hawaii.gov/travelexemption. Please allow a week for processing.”
And how exactly do you “make” anyone use the app? Firstly, you can’t make anyone show you their phone content without a warrant. And even if you could, all the person would have to do is shut off their bluetooth or NFC.
I’m from Canada and since 2008 I went every year to Maui. I hope I can go soon and -except for a vaccine I don’t thrust yet- I’m ready to compromise to any reasonable rules if that allows me to be with my Maui friends, sit on a beach and eat in restaurants!
Mahalo to your team for the constant updates.
Hi Jo.
Thanks. We hope you’ll be able to return to Hawaii from Canada again soon.
Aloha.
They have the same thing in a Washington State. No biggee
I have not opted in to any contact tracing anywhere. If you are sick Stay The Hell Home . If you have been in contact with someone with symptoms Stay The Hell Home. We don’t need big brother tracking us. Yes, Covid is real and I have been taking as many precautions as needed. I have donated my plasma to help others and every time I donate I get a PCR test and blood test for covid19. All have been negative.
If visitors have to pre-travel test with negative results (in order to enter Hawaii), this, in theory, means you would only be at risk if you were around locals/residents, right? Obviously pre-travel testing isnt 100% accurate, but its the best we’ve got … so, in theory, visitors are negative and possible exposure would be from a local/resident. I dont think many visitors would be willing to download this app and risk unknown privacy issues.
Thanks for the info, BOH. Any idea when any other changes to the Safe Travel program are going to be discussed? Like changing the pre-travel test from 72 to 96 hrs before departure.
Hi Tracy.
Thanks. No word on any such changes thus far.
Aloha.
NO…..NO…… bye bye Big Brother and privacy invasion, wont be visiting then …. Its a slippery slide and its slope is increasing
It’s like they are really actively trying to kill tourism in Hawaii! The legislature needs to step up and lay out the guidelines and call it good. This back and forth nonsense is ridiculous. No, I would not sign up for contact tracing.
Don’t like it and agree about Orwellian nature of this but easy solution ….I’ll leave my phone in my condo when I’m at the beach or in my car when shopping or dining.
Pre-travel negative test results are ok, but then you expect me to add yet another app to my phone for contact tracing? So what, I can be out enjoying my day in HI and all of sudden have to get paranoid about the people around me because maybe I’ve been seated by someone at a restaurant for the last hour who tested positive? What’s my recourse then – shorten my vacation? test and have to pay to quarantine on the island for 14 days which I might not be able to afford? pay to take another test that might come back negative since I haven’t had time to exhibit symptoms? To be honest I think it’s going to end up in the long run being “welcome to HI if you’ve been vaccinated or please stay away if you haven’t” – no middle ground allowed. It’s your state and you are entitled to protect it and it’s people by whatever form you wish to, just as visitors have the right to say “no more, I’m done”. Thank you.
If I’ve have the vaccine, do they make me quarantine during my vacation because I was seated close to someone who not longer has COVID but is still testing positive. This flu is wrapping up, let’s start using common sense and those that want to give up their liberties so be it, but you don’t have the right to give mine up too. I’m only wearing my mask to make you feel safe and fuzzy, but I won’t wear it forever.
Aloha,
We decided to come to Maui this February instead of our usual trek to Waikiki. I must say every time I receive your newsletter it seems the rules change, very unsettling.
Mahalo
Following….
Still planning our April 22, 2021 trip but we will monitor all these changes and what will happen by April 1 determines if the Aloha Spirit is still there. Just like Disney last year, we found the Disney Magic evaporated, please don’t let the Aloha die too! IF we cancel, we’re never coming back!!! We just cannot afford to anymore. Oh, and we did book our car at OGG and the rates went UP in one week. Way to promote tourism!
This makes for an interesting situation. You come for a vacation and on day 2 someone at a restaurant seated behind you tests positive. The next day you find you and your family are in quarantine. I don’t know how much safer it makes everyone, but I believe that kind of risk for an unplanned quarantine may put an end to most travel.
Nope. And they can wait until I finish my vacation on 2/8.
I agree. In fact, it puts an END to any plans for a visit any time soonCo for us.
Or they could just force visitors to wear gps ankle bracelets, even though it appears visitors are NOT spreading COVID. Tourism is bound to take off now!
It’s a great idea if everyone would agree to it but highly doubtful that a tourist would want to do that in case they came in contact and had to be quarenteened during their vacation. Just my two cents.
WOW!! George Orwell has come to Maui a bit late with his 1984 scenario.
Exactly what I was thinking!
I see insanity still reigns in Hawaii. It’s clear visitors are not welcome, the continued paranoia over COVID is insanity!
Have you read the CDC s figures? It’s a flu that 99.8% of those who get it recover ! If you’re over 72 and healthy it’s 95%
Yes some will die but people die everyday of suicide, alcohol
cancer heart disease and countless other things!
You can outlaw death, it’s called living not existing
Wake up!
Have been coming to Hawaii for years. Will never agree to an app like that. 2% virus increase due to visitors? This is absolute lunacy. We come to Hawaii to get away from things and it’s actually made worse. So unfortunate.
We own Westin Timeshare weeks on both Maui and Kauai. There is no chance we are coming back to any Hawaiian island as long as these draconian rules exist. Our family will take advantage of the Westin’s Vacation ownership program to see other properties in US & other non-US regions.
With all these new rules and regulations not sure we can qualify heading to Hawaii as a “vacation” anymore. Not seeing any great hotel rates as they look to be the same if not more than usual. Although, they may want to keep it that way. Friends of mine that work out on front street say most of the people they have gotten in are staying at air bnbs and Home rentals and aren’t high rollers they usually have this time of year.
Following
This is a slippery slope. If you allow one area to make mandatory the download and use of an app that tracks you, even with the “safeguards” in place, what would prevent our government from making it mandatory for everyone to have on their phones?
I get it that other countries require it to be downloaded and used, but they have different rules than we have in the United States, and the fact that those rules still allow civil liberties, the fact remains that making this mandatory could be argued, could be construed as a violation of those rights.
That would be a big NO for me.
We most likely after going to the islands for 20 years will not go again. Sad world we now live in.
We have it in Canada since quite a while and I have it on my phone. Privacy is guaranteed and no issue for us. It’s no problem for us to download the App when next time we visit. Looking forward to be back soon.
You say privacy is guaranteed. What makes you so sure of that??
The App works using Bluetooth. So it can read someone elses App nearby and will tell you if that person is positive (in the last 14 days) and if that person entered the fact that he or she has Covid. So, if you get notified, it gives you a chance to monitor yourself.
The Government will not ping your phone. We have it here in Canada since quite a while. Totally harmeless, but actually only works if everyone uses it.
The number one selling book right now (not joking) is Orwell’s 1984. Not too suprising.
Just to be accurate, George Orwell’s “1984” is #6 on the Amazon Charts “Most Sold” book list for the week of January 10, 2021.
I was actually surprised to find it even that high on the list.