Hawaii’s tourism culture is under pressure. Is this the new normal in Hawaii?
102 thoughts on “New Normal in Hawaii: Free One-Way Return Flights, Arrests, More”
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Mahalo. For keeping all informed. Before the vi rus I have talked to several homeless from New York Minnesota California etc. all have said they received a one way ticket here. So why is this news
Aloha…have so many questions maybe someone can answer them here. I was able to get thru to Hawaiin airlines about my scheduled flight to Hilo on May 11. I was told the flight was not yet cancelled and to wait til closer to flight date. I do not want a refund just a credit for the first flight out after the ban. Im really confused as to when that will be because of what the government is saying May 20 – no arrivals – I thought all flights were cancelled, but apparently not–a friend is flying to Hawaii this Monday, April 6. Question#1 are there still flights to Hawaii from Hawaiin Air or other airlines? Also, regarding the quar antine….my flight and most flights usually fly thru Honolulu….Question#2 – so would you be quar antined in Honolulu or be allowed to fly to the other islands where your final destination is? Also, regarding quar antined as well Question #3 – If I am allowed to fly onto Hilo and I have a home away from home there with my friend – he owns the property would I be able to go there and if there is a quar antined could I be quar antined there and what would I need to show to proof this to the authorities? If anyone knows any of these I’d appreciate your feedback I need get to Hilo as soon as I can. Thank you, Joyce
Hi Joyce.
There are still flights and those are deemed “essential service” and not for vacation travel. The rules about stay at home will impact you at your final destination, so in your case Hilo. We don’t have information on how your stay there with your friend will be monitored. If you can avoid coming at this time, that would be the best thing.
Aloha.
Will my fiance be able to travel from Afghanistan straight to Hawaii and come straight to my house.
Oh he is Army.
If you want an answer you have to say “THANK YOU.” I don’t think that’s too much to ask. A little courtesy goes a long way. Mahalo.
Hi Michael.
You’re the best! Thank you.
Aloha, J/R
So Michael B calls out Victoria for not saying please OR thank you when she asked about a loved one traveling home, but 2 comments later a man comments with no ‘please OR ‘thank you’and not one word badmouthing him. Bit of a double standard here. Oh, thank you
Yes
It’s not just the homeless, nobody should be coming to Hawaii right now. We have to have minimal essential service and that is all.
Hawaiian took an early and aggressive approach to cutting back service, possibly saving us 1000’s of lives. As recently as last week
I looked on a live radar map that shows all the flights in the air. Coming to Hawaii there was one Hawaiian flight, one United flight
and FOUR Southwest flights. That’s wrong, we don’t need their little “Southwest Effect” mantra right now.
Hi John.
SWA was not the only airline to continue flying. Also we noted seen in our skies recently was Alaska, American and United.
Unless we’re mistaken, you are the retired Hawaiian Airlines pilot we read about who served that company for over 30 years. Congratulations on that! As such, it might be hard to be objective about other carriers.
Aloha.
Aloha!
Do you have an update on SW flights? We were scheduled to come to Maui May 10th and working to reschedule. Just as I went in to SW to reschedule our Hawaii flight disappeared. I checked SW flights and it looks like all have been cancelled for April and May through the 25th. Do you know anything about this?
Mahalo!
Hi Nancy.
We will be doing an update in the next few hours on Southwest Hawaii flights.
Aloha.
Dear Guys,
Thanks for all you do in normal times, and thanks now for this kind of information.
I have had a question that I don’t know how to get answered, and perhaps you do, as it is in line with the issues in today’s “newsletter” from you.
Although we have roadblocks and warnings to arriving visitors that they must self-quarantine, we seem possibly to have a big loophole that concerns me:
The other day as I was out walking for some exercise, a couple approached me (too closely; and had to be warned to step back), asking for directions to a specific beach. They were on foot, but clearly were not familiar with the area, and seemed to be visitors to the island. I did not ask where they were staying or when they arrived, but later I started wondering about whether there was any way that visitors coming in to rented private houses or condos are having their quarantine enforced. Such people should not be out walking according to the rules, but how would anyone know if they did violate this rule? I understand that hotels are supposed to help enforce the quarantine, but home or condo owners are not forbidden to continue to rent to new arrivals, and they are essentially turned loose into the community, at least if they are on foot. If you have, or know how to get, additional information on this, or how to bring this issue/question to the authorities and also disseminate answers about this to the rest of us I would be grateful.
Mahalo!
Hi Phyllis.
Thank you. And great question. We’re try to find an answer and post it.
Thank you.
Vacation rentals are not allowed bookings in CA. Our rental company canceled everyone who was scheduled through the end of April. HI should do the same thing.
Huh? I own a vacation rental in CA and that’s news to me. Please post a link.
For Lake Tahoe, easy to do just close the Snow gates on the highways
That put the K Bosh on Vacation rentals in Tahoe.
I heard similar in the “Wine Country”.
We’re now in Albuquerque where our Daughter is a Physician/Asst Prof of Medicine at the University. Due to some medical issues she put me on “house arrest” 6 weeks ago anyway.
We were blessed with a trip to the Islands in 2000 when I learned so much history about HI.
My last hospital I worked at there were a number of medical staff from HI and they all became my BFF’s. Great people I miss them.
2-3 weeks ago we had the panic buying, few supplies. REALLY all the ICE CREAM and paper goods?????
The reason nobody (sadly it’s the first I have) hears about the homeless dumping in HI is nobody brings it out to the mainstream media and forces them to report on it! The squeaky wheel gets the grease so make that wheel squeak loudly!!!!
We have the same issues here in ABQ, NM, so does Tahoe when the weather is nicer!
You all stay safe.
Homeless people in a lot of places on the mainland are given one way tickets to go someplace else.
I think Hawaii is doing a good job to make sure people who arrive have a place to live before allowing them to arrive.
It’s sad that another state would do that to another state. The homeless people are victims, and I don’t blame them for wanting to live in a beautiful place like Hawaii, but it shouldn’t be a dumping ground for others states. Hawaii has enough to help already.
Too bad they can’t stop the homeless and tourists with no accommodations from coming before they get on the plane.
Like provide proof BEFORE they board a flight to Hawaii? That would put the burden on an airline. I’m speculating the powers that be employ staff at a Hawaiian airport to check accommodations. Interesting concept.. I’m sure plenty can provide flaws but seems pretty wise to me. When you’re an island your “borders” are pretty well protected and easier to manage.
Because of budget cuts, California, sometime around 2013 released a large number of mental health patients into the homeless population and shelter system. The consistently failing economy everywhere pushed many thousands of homeless to the western shores of the mainland. They are so overtaxed they will do anything to minimize their population.
Mahalo for bringing attention to this sad but true story. On a side note, plant sweet potatoes y’all. Some of us remember when the boats didnt come.
Hi Starr.
Thank you.
Aloha.
It is about time homeless were blocked from moving here! Hawaii cannot look like a 3rd world country when paying tourist come to visit!
Hi Jeff Hi Rob missing you, wanting you safe & healthy. So lucky we live Kaua’i. Thank you for your updated, so important for all of us. Hugs💖
Hi Carole.
So good to hear from you! Thank you. Best to all of you as well.
Love from R/J.