With Hawaii’s economy in disaster, individuals and the travel industry struggling to survive, and restrictions and rules changing every day, it’s obvious that Hawaii needs a clear strategy to recover from the COVID crisis. Locking down the state and additional quarantine restrictions without adequate notice, simply is not working. Could rapid testing be the key to unlocking Hawaii travel?
Hawaii quarantine and other restrictions change frequently.
Yesterday we saw the 14-day quarantine extended yet again, this time until at least October 1. While in Honolulu, even more restrictions are in place with a partial lockdown of 80% of Hawaii’s population just reinstated.
Getting passengers back on flights to Hawaii.
For Hawaii’s travel industry to recover, passengers need to feel comfortable and safe with 5+ hour flights. But what will that take?
Airlines continue to point out what they’re doing to keep travelers safe. All carriers now require passengers to wear masks, some are still keeping middle seats open, and they are all doing a lot more cleaning and sanitization. Some people say the air on planes is safe, in part due to the HEPA micron filters. But why are we still not convinced?
Many in the travel industry feel that rapid testing could be a big help in reopening Hawaii travel. Our understanding is that these types of tests would require federal approval in order to be mandated for all passengers.
A United Nations taskforce was asked by airlines earlier this week to help add testing and remove quarantine requirements internationally, a concept that might well be applied domestically here in Hawaii. Otherwise, air traffic will simply not return for the foreseeable future.
Airlines and airports are asking for “a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of (upcoming) travel as the alternative to the quarantines that have decimated travel demand.” That according to Reuters and based on the request by IATA and Airports Council International.
“A test before departure could reduce the risk of importation by up to 90%, enabling air travel to be opened up between a large number of countries without a quarantine requirement.” Our thought is that a second subsequent test could reduce the risk almost entirely. Read on for that.
The problem with current COVID testing.
PCR testing is both slow and uncomfortable. Swabs are done of the throat or nose and must be sent to a lab for analysis. It can be a time consuming and expensive process with results taking hours and more likely days.
With labs often facing backlogs, and travel being the lowest priority, wait times can be excessive. PRC testing therefore can’t be done at the airport, also leaving the possibility of even becoming infected after testing and before your flight to Hawaii.
Enter Rapid COVID testing.
The first rapid tests lacked accuracy. New, ultra-fast gargle-and-spit tests currently in trial, however, are reported to be 95% accurate. Also, the FDA just gave emergency approval for a Yale School of Public Health saliva test, which is also said to be as accurate as PCR tests.
Fast, accurate, and low-cost COVID testing is likely one key to getting people flying again. And these types of rapid tests are fast gaining approval globally.
Is rapid testing a guarantee?
No, it isn’t guaranteed that someone tested does not have the disease, as COVID can incubate over some time. Therefore, we aren’t yet at the point where there exists a sure-fire single-test alternative to quarantine. In some places, like Iceland, they are adopting a two-test system to shorten the quarantine period from 14 to 5 days.
Whatever happens next, this will remain a rapidly changing situation here in Hawaii and globally over the weeks and months ahead.
We spent 24 days on Kauai and Maui beginning in late June. After our 14 day quarantine (yes, we stayed inside our condo during that time) we noticed a few things as we traveled around the two islands. Every time we drove past a beach park, there were many family/friend gatherings, around picnic tables, with people sitting side by side. No masks. Sadly, until the populace takes Covid seriously, the #’s will grow. Rapid testing, treatments, and vaccines are helpful, but slowing the spread ultimately begins with personal responsibility. The effect on Hawaii’s economy is tragic. It ripples over to us on the mainland. Prayers for Hawaii.
Thank you for having updated information on your site.
My question is how/where do wet obtain the new Rapid Covid test and how do we get them to the airlines to be allowed on board?
Hi Deb.
Hopefully, we’ll learn more about that soon.
Aloha.
I don’t think Hawaii will open until the Governor & mayors are not replaced. We are just wasting time waiting. They are using the virus to treat people like sheep. They have forgotten we are human beings who need to live. And people die we don’t live forever. The virus is one cause of death but there are a lot of other causes too. They are power hungry and I say love to be dictators.
Aloha everyone
Does anyone on BOH have any first hand knowledge of the Yale test that I keep hearing about that has real short results time? I’ve read about results in 15-30 minutes with high 90% accuracy rates? Is that possible?
If that were ever to come to be, testing at the airport on departure would solve the problem.
ahalo
Bill
Hi Bill.
No, we do not have any first-hand knowledge.
Aloha.
have a wedding in july of 2021 need this virus gone so we can fly with no problems to maui!!!!!!
We are traveling to our property on Kauai in early September. I noticed that all the restrictions are currently in place, however, the “within 72 hr” requirement for pre-travel testing is no longer mentioned. Did I miss something or did the State of Hawaii finally come to the realization that 72 hrs was extremely difficult to manage. Please clarify for us.
Mahalo—-
Hi Bill.
There is no testing option/no exemption to quarantine until at least October 1.
Aloha.
When we get a new President that gets it and listens to the science and doesnt think that Covid19 is a vast conspiracy to destroy him things will get better quickly. I grow very weary of those who still to this day think its all a con. Its NOT I have had three personal friends die from it with no underlying conditions. Also if your upset with Hawaii by all means do not come back and allow the rest of us who care and respect her islands to be there instead. There are legions of us.
I understand your frustration, but Covid-19 does not care who’s President, Governor or Public health director. Covid-19 does not care if you’re Democrat, Republican or Independent.
Just when you think countries like New Zealand, South Korea or Japan have it under control they try to reopen and covid surges.
New York, New Jersey and California all Democrat run states have the highest death tolls.
I am sorry for your loss, but covid is here to stay we’re already discovering better treatments and hopefully soon a vaccine. Just like flu or pneumonia we’ll get a shot and learn to manage it, but people will continue to die from contracting it.
That is fact.
COVID may not care who leads the fight against the virus, but a lot of us do. Would you agree that a country of unlimited potential, science and resources now saddled with 25% of the world’s cases yet representing 4% of the worlds population represents a failure of leadership?
James in the first world The United States has the most unhealthy population.
We are one of the world leaders in heart attack and lung cancer death, but our biggest issue is with obesity and diabetes. Covid kills individuals that are obese with diabetes at an alarming rate.
It is our lifestyle that is killing us.
We also test more then just about anyone do think numbers out of India, Russia and China reflect an accurate total of those infected by covid. North Korea states that no one has been infected by covid, yea right.
Read your comment with interest until the last graph. We most certainly do not test more than just about anyone. We have a population of about 330 million yet have tested ~70 million and far below the avg daily suggested rate of 1.4 million By comparison South Korea’s tested nearly 100% of their population by end of the First month of the first detected case. 35 states are decreasing their testing week over week. We have clearly failed in a national response which only worsens daily.
Not sure why Paul C. is railing against Trump and those insensitive “mainlanders”. I read the online Honolulu Star-Advertiser several times a week and I think he is picking on the wrong villains here. The people of Hawaii, especially on Oahu, have had an alarming spike in cases due to large gatherings, i.e., weddings, grad parties, beach gatherings, and BLM protests. Tourists have not been mentioned as spreaders in any articles that I’ve read.
We may indeed have a new president come November. That is not going to ensure individual responsibility.
Correct. Irresponsible individuals no matter what state only worsens the situation for those that want to work and live life pre-covid. Do we have irresponsible Hawaiians? For sure. Is the solution to allow mainland visitors when they exhibit the same irresponsibility? Not so much.
you are spot on on the personal responsibility
Curtis,
Paul is actually a person who probably feels that native Hawaiians are not intelligent enough to take care of themselves. He is a Caucasian guy who believes only he and other Caucasians know what is best for “natives.” There has been only 44 deaths in all of Hawaii with CV19 and Paul says he personally knows 8% of those people. Uh-huh. This isn’t an attack on Paul, but more of an argument against paralyzing ridiculous fear, those who think they are superior… and Hawaii’s economy for the next decade. My argument is to open up safely now or risk Hawaii becoming a welfare state for ten years. Tourists are not the problem, fear and ultra bad Hawaiian politicians are.
Bob A,
Where the HELL do you get any of that from about me? Hawaiians are plenty intelligent. I have no clue what me being white has to do with anything? I certainly do NOT feel I know whats best for anyone but myself and certainly make zero assumptions or presumptions about native Hawaiians. Not sure why would even make this comment.
Yes the death rate has been low no doubt as is the death rate in my state Oregon. I never said I knew any Hawaiian who has died. I said I have three people in my life dead from Covid19 who had no underlying conditions were young and healthy. This isnt an attack? Really? All kinds of “ass”uming on your part with things you simply do not know about me.
Paralyzing fear ok sure 20 million visitors come to Hawaii each year from countries all around the globe. Until there is a way to verify that someone does not have covid19 I agree with Hawaii.
Ok fear and the economy. 170,000 american citizens have died from Covid19. Thats not fear thats reality. Your money and economy does no good for anyone if your sick or dead from the virus. Welfare state?
Tourists (not all but most) are slobs, wont follow social distancing guidelines and frankly even just basic sanitation.
Fear and ultra bad politicians? Have you not seen what has happened in Florida after Desantis threw the doors wide open? Come on man!
Hawaii is an island. All it would take is one case to spread it wildly across the island.
Most tourists are not “slobs” Paul C. There are way more “slobs” in Oregon… You know ANTIFA Central. Secondly, you are frightened unnaturally. One person with CV19!would not spread CV19 “wildly across the island.” Many have mentioned to you on this site that you should hide under your covers and let adults get back to work. Hawaiians need to work, open up safely. Not listen to White people from Oregon trying to bankrupt the native Hawaiians.
Stop it already! All this vitriol because of a spoiled vacation. Guess what? Try to find another country that will let you vacation if you are a U.S. citizen without stringent requirements (with a few) and mostly a closed door in Europe and other developed countries.
Let Hawaii manage its pandemic response based on their assessment since the federal response is zero. No crocodile tears about the tragedy to Hawaii’s economy when the actual reason is simply whining about one’s vacation gone kerflooy.
Actually Yes they are slobs, leave behind garbage and waste. Dont care about anyone but themselves. Are they all that way? Certainly not but we can clearly see people under quarantine flaunting the rules.
WTF does Antifa have to do with Hawaii? Oh and so what by default does that make you pro-fascist? Right ok.
I not frightened nor scared. I am cautious and that has led me to mostly a very healthy life.
Really? How do you think spreads start? One person to the next x10x10x10
Many have mentioned. Well guess what Bob A, I am essential personnel and have worked every single day thru this pandemic. The adults are wearing masks, social distancing and taking precautions. Those like you think this is a big hoax to destroy DT are not and are extending shut downs due to you not taking this seriously. I am sure the entire world is in on it right? Yes Hawaiians need to get back to work as do all however it has to be done correctly or you will have Texas and Florida on your hand in a state that has very few hospital resources.
Why would I want to bankrupt Hawaiians exactly? Grow up Bob A.
JamesB “Stop it already! All this vitriol because of a spoiled vacation. Guess what? Try to find another country that will let you vacation if you are a U.S. citizen without stringent requirements.”
Respectfully, the vitriol is not because of a spoiled vacation. It may be because of tens of thousands of spoiled vacations, weddings, family reunions etc. but not a “spoiled vacation.”
Most importantly, Hawaii is a US State, our 50th. It’s not Americans asking France if we can come to “their” country, it is our country. I live in California on the beach and we are open, we do not tell people from Arizona to stay away. The chance of death from CV19 is minuscule. I think those people terrified should stay in their homes. Wear masks in the shower, when they sleep and do not come out for five years, but the rest of us Americans should go back to work and travel freely within our country.