116 thoughts on “Updated: Restrictions, Vaccine Passport, Shutdown? | Nearly 1K Cases Again Today”
Lopaka15
Many people have written that the State cannot mandate restrictions relative to travel during COVID because it violates their rights…..I would suggest that those people read the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which gives the States authority to take public emergency actions like quarantines and business restrictions, etc.(There’s more to it)..It makes interesting reading.
1
David B
Have you considered the possibility that the SCOTUS has ruled on this issue maybe once or twice (or several dozen ew dozen times in various context) (‘sarc for those who can’t tell) since the late 1700s?
Remember, the US Constitution “says what it means what we say it means, nothing more or less, unless we change our minds” US Supreme Court.
A more interesting question is how they would rule on a state’s right to require quarantine of a US citizen who crosses their boundary.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi David.
Perhaps you know more about this and can share. What about Sáenz v. Roe,is that relevant? Governor Ige recently expressed concern about the state’s ability to limit travel from and to Hawaii, especially since the federal government has indicated it is safe for those fully vaccinated to travel.
Aloha.
David B
A classic Stevens decision. Same guy that “found” right to abortion, certainly not something mentioned in the Constitution. It’s been 30 years since my con law class days, but that decision was recent at the time. I remember it as creating a “right” to travel (move freely) to another state, including to move to another state to collect better welfare benefits. Was California, of course. That was back when Deukmejian was governor. Governor Hair Gel would never object to people moving there for welfare. Those are his voters.
But, has nothing to do with a state’s ability to force someone who travels there into quarantine, especially at that same person’s expense. What has Hawaii been doing when indigent people arrive on a one way ticket with no money to return hoping to join the “campers” on one of the islands. No test and before vax days and no money to pay $2500K to be locked in the Tip Top for two weeks or 10 days or whichever. Arrest them and put them in jail to quarantine? Aren’t them for what? Being too poor to pay for their own jail? IDK. I hear Australia has created (or is in process of creating) some sort of entry prison that anyone traveling to Australia has to stay in for two weeks. The “zero Covid” countries have become nightmares to their own citizens.
Daniel C.
When will the Governor get a clue that it is not the visitor causing the surge on COVID cases in Hawaii, but rather the resident visiting high COVID case outbreak travel destination and bringing it back and infecting the non-vaccinated residents. We visitor have run through hoops just to visit Hawaii. I was just wondering if Hawaii is so worried the spread of the Virus, why is there more testing options like there are in the Mainland?
DS
Surely, something along the lines of a compromise between the tactics employed by Hawaii, and the insanity taking place in Florida, would be worth a try.
This situation keeps up throughout next year and the ‘Big 4’ will view the tourism economy of Molokai with envy.
Al F
Great Job BOH, you have been such a great source of info. Our Tripp to Kauai starts 9/12 we are heavily mask and planning to keep a low profile at the townhouse and the beach, this also is our 2nd try at coming.My question is can we use Clear or Common Pass now? Or just stick to Safe Travels!
Mahalo
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Al.
Thank you! You can just stick with the state’s Safe Travels website. The other apps are as a convenience for those who choose, but are definitely not necessary.
Aloha.
dave t
so hawaii is considering another lock down and covid passports,,the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and hoping for a different out come ,,this is insane. covid passport are not only insane but UN-contitutional too,,to discriminate and punish a whole group of people who have done nothing wrong. but oh ,, the politicians dont want to let a pesky thing like the constitution slow down or stop their power grab.
Heyward B.
Good Day Dave T.
I share many of your sentiments and frustrations, but in defense this problem is not Hawaiian, it is global.
Nowhere are we defeating COVID; we are attempting to minimize casualties.
Flu, a near relative of COVID in many respects, was isolated in humans in the 1940’s. Despite billions of vaccinations it lives on and strikes us as I write. This may well be a very long struggle also.
At this juncture, I think the fundamental question that is evolving is not when we will be free of COVID, but rather how much of our historical freedom are we willing to surrender in exchange for some yet undefined reduced rate of infection.
There is no perfect answer and we are beginning to see the clash of ideas and principles right here in the BOH. I think this is good for I believe whatever the answer, we will not find it in the laboratory nor halls of governments, but rather in places just like this.
Heyward B.
My wife and I each hold two fully paid round trip reservations from Atlanta to Honolulu for later this year and early 2022. We wait and watch with interest.
We note that reports released today state that Australia is abandoning its “zero covid” ambition with the Australian Prime Minister admitting, ” …that the country’s approach is not ‘sustainable’ in the face of the more infectious COVID-19 delta variant.”
Australia now moves toward a position of achieving a 80% vaccinated population as the milestone to reducing its very restrictive policies. There is no mention of how Australia will achieve this nor how long it believes it will take.
Although Australia currently has a measure of internal resistance to its highly restrictive travel and isolation policies, many believe economic concerns are a major driving force in this shift.
Also reported today in the “NY Post” newspaper: “A COVID-19 variant first detected in South Africa could be more infectious than other mutations — and may have the potential of being resistant to vaccines, according to a report. … the strain has a mutation rate of about 41.8 mutations per year, almost double the global mutation rate seen in any other existing variant of concern.”
These are not good news and are indicators to we travelers awaiting lower or no COVID rates that we may well be in for substantial delays.
For we two in Georgia, we continue to await the announcement of Hawaii’s long range plan and attendant timeline.
Time to move from Hawaii…a state w/ officials taking our personal rights of its citizens. Why doesn’t Hawaiians speak up and say no??
Frank P.
Some are, but maybe others understand the danger given our limited medical resources. And what rights, exactly, are being “taken away”?
Ryan
Vaccine. Mandates.
All these ideas are great; but they won’t stop the surge. They won’t reduce the burden on the health care system.
So many are collectively living in denial; how many non-solutions will we come up with, before we learn that the only solution to save the hospital system is to vaccinate everyone.
Liam G
Not true see Israel data 59 percent are vaccinated in their hospitals. Israel has over 80 percent vaccination rate and has double the infections per million of the us. Us numbers is off the same data they used ending March 13 2021 !!! They used this same data for fda approval and just marked it July 28th !!! Without updating the data or including delta. Why? Because the fda requires 50 percent efficacy minimum and Isreal is currently at 39 percent and they knew that.
The best data, including CDC’s, indicates that currently the overall breakthrough rate in fully vaccinated adults is 0.8 percent.
The world’s population is 7.9 billion.
Thus were everyone in the world fully vaccinated we could expect there could be as many 63.2 million active cases of COVID in humans. In the United States there could be as many as 2.6 million active cases.
I think just from a practical perspective the issue of mandating vaccines doesn’t work very well.
In the United States I think the issue may well turn on the question of is it permissible for the government to have a substance placed into your body without your consent absent considerable individual due process. A fundamental question going to the core of human rights and established law.
Liam G
Unfortunately many do not understand breakthrough rate. Many think breakthrough is testing positive. It is not. It was until there were too many then in May the cdc changed it to only include hospitalization and deaths. One has to wonder why they would do that. So many claim look at the low breakthrough rate the vaccines are awesome !!!! This includes much of the media when in fat the data sets have changed.
Heyward G.
Good Day Liam G.
You are correct in that breakthrough reporting is not fully understood. And yes, the CDC did change reporting to reflect only hospitalizations and deaths as successful breakthrough events.
Here is what may be an issue with utilizing hospitalization and death as the breakthrough determinant.
From a 14 week study of fully vaccinated adults conducted in Israel:
“In this study, we found that although the [Pfizer] vaccine is extremely effective, rare breakthrough infections carry an infectious potential and create a special challenge, since such infections are often asymptomatic and may pose a risk to vulnerable populations,” the researchers wrote.
The Israeli study, utilizing testing rather than hospitalization or death to determine breakthrough, found a breakthrough rate of 2.6%. Many of these were healthcare workers.
David B
According to “Science Magazine”:
“As of 15 August, 514 Israelis were hospitalized with severe or critical COVID-19, a 31% increase from just 4 days earlier. Of the 514, 59% were fully vaccinated. Of the vaccinated, 87% were 60 or older.”
But, the very same article states:
“Israel has among the world’s highest levels of vaccination for COVID-19, with 78% of those 12 and older fully vaccinated, the vast majority with the Pfizer vaccine.”
So, 22% percent of the population represents 41% of the hospitalizations. Based on this one snapshot in time, one is better off with the vaccine. But it’s not a ringing endorsement. The better course of action is to avoid being “60 or older”.
Liam G
Yeah the elder folks are certainly in more danger would be nice to know how many of the unvaccinated are 60 or older? This is where risk reward comes in. Many it’s not that big of a difference. And the risk of side effects from the vaccine probably balances things out. The problem has been politicians and government officials claiming this was the savior and now it’s not even close.
Carl R
Aloha,
We your readers are so blessed to have access to real, factual information, thanks to your ongoing dedication, commitment and consistent endeavors. As a vaccinated couple, we still hope to travel to Kauai and Oahu in September, and to do so in a very respectful, caring manner. Thanks to you, we will have the latest information as to whether our trip will still occur. Mahalo many times over…where would we be without all of you there?
Beat of Hawaii
HI Carl.
Thanks for saying that. We appreciate it. Please let us know how your travels go.
Aloha.
JON M
I guess the Luau business is dead with the group size restrictions. These Covid 19 times have been very hard on our local businesses. So Sad.
Aloha
Wendy M.
I’m a 10-year Hawaii resident. I am a very strong supporter of Covid vaccines, and everyone in my family is fully vaccinated. However, I am vehemently opposed to being required to prove that I am vaccinated in order to engage in everyday activities such as dining in a restaurant. I will NOT do it, and I won’t just switch to carry-out. My money will not support any restaurant or store with such a requirement. If that means I have to only eat at home and shop online, then so be it.
Kimberly
Thank you! ♥️
Duke
You’ll have company.. not going to play that show me your papers game
Susan H
Aloha BoH,
Arrived Maui 8/25 as planned. Resort seems pretty quiet here, pool busy but not overly so. Our dinner reservations have been fine and of all the times in elevator only once one other person. Sunset dinner cruise last night very nice with good social distancing. Mask wearing inside but not at pool. So far, so good. Here till 9/8 so see what plays out while here. Mahalo!
Dave R
Has the Governor thought about having the Navy hospital ship come to the islands to help with the Covid outbreak? They took it to New York early in the pandemic, why not Hawaii?
Jon M
Actually a good idea for Oahu where they have a good port and docking facilities. As for the smaller Islands like Kaua’i I don’t understand why they have not invested some of the Federal relief money they have received to build more ICU rooms. Having 20 more ICU Beds at Wilcox for example would relieve a lot of stress.
Instead of coming up with more and more restrictions it’s time to do something positive. This Covid is not going away. Please, start planning for the future needs of the Islands and get vaccinated.
David B
“They took it to New York early in the pandemic”
Then what happened?
Heyward B.
First, I would commend BOH for providing a no-nonsense professionally managed website that consistently provides a source of timely and accurate information regarding travel and visitation to Hawaii. We should also appreciate that while BOH strongly promotes Hawaii and its tourism based economy, it does so in an evenhanded manner and without having a “fanboy” approach. From my perspective, I give it a well done in the face of challenging events.
What is the overarching plan of Hawaii as regards COVID and travel to and from the islands? I can certainly read and understand the current published procedures Hawaii promulgates. But my question is in regards the policies and plans from which these requirements are derived. I read in the information from Hawaiian officials as provided here on the BOH words such as “might”, “may”, “possibly”, “could”, and “hope”. Perhaps I err, but I don’t think these are the words that are indicative of a reasonably consistent policy, nor consistent with plans designed to execute that policy. COVID has been upon Hawaii for well over 12 months. That would seem ample time to work through some probable scenarios and develop milestones to measure progress or retrograde.
What does the leadership of Hawaii want? No COVID? Manageable COVID? No visitors? Some visitors? COVID passports? Pre-arrival testing? Lockdowns? Closed facilities? Open facilities? Acceptable vs. unacceptable economic loss? Many more of these questions I am sure.
Of equal importance is the question of what are the generalized metrics contained in Hawaii’s policies and plans to determine when these issues are to be applicable or discarded? Put another way, when is an essential element considered won or lost?
You will not reach your journey’s end if you do not know your destination.
Again, a well done and thank you to BOH.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Heyward.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Rafael F
We were in Maui for January through March. At first there were very few visitors and almost no Covid. At the end of February people started pouring in. Many refused to wear masks. They should have just shipped the ignorant out. Unfortunately a vaccine mandate might be necessary to protect the children…
Judy B.
Only 2% of COVID is actually coming from visitors. Interesting fact. Vaccinated people are very unlikely to give anyone COVID!!
GregK
If shutdowns work, why aren’t they working?
If masks work, why aren’t they working?
Do not allow your elected officials, who work for you, to screw things up again as they did earlier this year and last year.
You must take your state back and place the governing back into the hands of the people and their trusted government officials, not these corrupt administrators.
Peggy M
Because people didn’t actually abide by the masking or shutdown guidelines. They actually have to be implemented and adhered to.
Duke
All truth
Jamie L
the sooner individual establishments require vaccination, the sooner we can choose not to patronize those anti-science and put them out of business.
Sorry if that sounds harsh but its time to stand up
mahalo
Rickesh P.
If you look at cdc stats that would be minorities you want to put out of business.
Please do more research before making enemies amongst people.
Vaccinated or non vaccinated its really nothing different than divide and conquer when used in this way of force and denial.
Have love and empathy for people during this unprecedented times.
Don’t walk around with hatred/violence in your heart.
And don’t advocate people losing their livelihood.
It’s a tough time for all. It’s the best time to be sensible.
I think proper ventilation would help address this issue but that would also hurt big pharmas (invested in me) bottom line so it is never even talked about. I would hope all businesses had government implement this instead of just giving out free money alone.
Let’s bring solutions to the table mot just point fingers because economy and business still needs to operate if we wish to enjoy the same comfortable and pleasurable lives. And we do.
I don’t say this with any hostility 🙏🏽
Ryan
The solution is vaccines.
No alternatives will reduce the burden in the health care system. We can keep making excuses and try half-measures that go no where; but the only way to save the health care system is to vaccinate; vaccinate everyone.
Jim C
There are also some very promising therapeutics that could help reduce the seriousness and mortality of COVID. We just need the FDA to actually approve them for use. For people who have contracted COVID after being vaccinated, this is what is needed.
Heyward B.
How is this to be possible?
From May, 2021 Census data:
Nationwide, 18,110,000 people, 7.3% of the adult population, do not trust COVID-19 vaccines.
An additional 6,330,000, or 2.5%, do not trust vaccines in general.
13,890,000 American adults, or 5.6% of the 18 and older population do not trust the government.
There are additional smaller numbers of non-vaccinated due to religious belief, medical advice, and age.
These represent ~38 million or ~15% of the adult population of the United States.
Liam G
Follow the Israel science what people here in the us do is parrot talking points for an agenda without a clue of what’s really going on. It’s really amazing the lack of critical thinking that happens in this country. Israel and the UK data contradict almost all US data. Why is that? Because they use up to date day not data that ended March 2021. How can Israel with an over 80 percent vaccination rate have double the infection rate of the USA if the vaccine works. How can they have a 59 percent hospitalization rate of the vaccinated when all we hear is it’s all the unvaccinated causing the problems. Why is it the vaccinated have the same viral load as the unvaccinated? That came from the cdc. Anyone heard the term waning efficacy? Look it up please.
Tom P
Totally agree
sean
I will never eat at a place that does these passports…
And when this crap is done, I still will never eat there.
PM
Better for us, I thank you.
Don K
Welcome to Hawaii! Now you will show us your papers!!
Jim R.
“Pop-ups, canopies, and tents are now prohibited, and again groups are limited to 10 and then must be at least 20 feet away from the next group.” Seriously, “pop-ups, canopies and tents”, who believes this is following any kind of science at all???…🙄
What possible difference would providing cover from the hot sun make, when you’re mandating limits of 10 people to a group at outdoor parks? Speaking of which, why does the Big Island (an island with 1/5th the population) only allow groups of 10 outdoors, when “Oahu is limiting gatherings to…25 outdoors”?
I don’t see any common sense in having an island with 1 million people on it having less restrictions than an Island with 5 times the mass, and 1/5th the population. The Stupidity is real, and it’s mind-boggling that residents don’t see this ignorance…🤦♂️
Jerry L
I’m a big island resident and I see it. This is all politics not science.
1
Andrea
Aloha Jerry, As the cases continue to climb very high I just don’t feel very comfortable traveling anywhere where the cases are high so I’m postponing my Oahu trip until 2023. It has been my lifelong dream to come to Hawaii for my vacation, so what is alittle more time to wait?! 🐢🐠🌺🌏🏖🏝🛩🌞🌈🌊🕶👙🛍🩴👒📅❤ I’m getting very excited & looking forward to when I do get to come!! We all should be taking steps & precautions to keep yourself and others safe during this crazy virus situation because as human beings we are all in this together. By making the decision to postpone my trip is the safest choice I can make for myself & others. I will be the best most respectful visitor that you will ever have, I promise ❤ My Grandfather was in Navy & in Pearl Harbor. I’ve always wanted to come to PH to pay my respects since I have a deep connection to USA history! PH is #1 on my itinerary & my itinerary has been completed for months now. I’ve been doing my Hawaii research since 2019 & I’ve been learning a few things. For example, the Pink Palace of the Pacific was closed to the public after PH happened. Hotel was used for a place of rest & recovery for our military. Take care of yourself, stay safe, & be blessed 😇….Psalms 91:11
Heyward B.
Good Day Jim R.
Be pleased in Hawaii it is only a prohibition placed upon your tents, pop-ups, and canopies. At least you are permitted to gather in small numbers.
Here on the mainland in Chicago they prohibit you from being with your child.
August 28, 2021 Bruce Hoenshell, Chicago Mother Says That A County Judge Revoked Her Mother’s Parental Rights Over Vaccination Status – No MSM Coverage, usasupreme.com
Apparently we have not yet plumbed the full depth of this fear of the non-vaccinated.
“Sometimes what you fear the most is the very thing that will set you free”
– Unknown
Duke
Too much logic.. your making peoples head hurt
1
Dominic S
Thank you for your update. We were looking foreword to again visit Kauai. We have both had our double vaccinations but for the sake of everyone we will be cancelling our travel plans until 2022 or 2023. We love Hawaii and do not want to jeopardize anyone’s health.
Janet R
Thanks BOH for your great updates. So much great information, especially for those of us who actually have airline tickets, VRBO BOOKINGS and managed to snag a car before totally unaffordable. 9we arrive January 1st on Kona the go to Maui for a month). When they talk about canopies are they also referring to the simple little beach umbrellas? Are we supposed to suffer from skin cancer? By the way we are vaccinated and I don’t swim and do have a condition where I can’t have too much sun but love to sit in my chair and watch the whales.
Keep up the great updates
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Janet.
Thanks. Beach umbrellas are fine. Have a great time.
Aloha.
RR
Aloha,
please let us know if you have heard about the following:
an acquaintance told me that Weddings are excluded from the gathering restrictions….
she has a friend that will be getting married soon on Oahu and has been told that she does not need to restrict her guest list as there is a Wedding exclusion clause???
is this really true?
if it is, that is very Contradictory and concerning.
thank you.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi RR.
Weddings are included in the new regulations.
Aloha.
John S
Thank you for all the timely information. With rumors and misinformation in abundance you guys are a bright light to those of us with upcoming plans for a Hawaiian vacation.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi John.
Thanks. We appreciate that. Safe travels.
Aloha.
Martha U
Last year we had to cancel our mothers 90th birthday. She’s never been to Hawaii and always talks about seen it before she leaves this world. I lost quite a bit of money. This year we’re planning again coming to Maui in mid September. My mother is in good health all of us (4) are fully vaccinated. Hopefully we won’t turned away. We’re praying.
Jamie L.
i hope you do the responsible thing and test your entire party before travelling.
Vaccines do not prevent you from getting and spreading covid
anthony p
with the present “problems” regarding “what/who/when” visitors will be able to visit the Islands, and what “official documentation” is needed, WHY would mainland residents ever want to “TRY” to some to Hawaii again??? After many years trying to be “O’hana”— usually spent about 3 months on the 4 major Islands for over 20 years, I don’t think I will ever visit my “old home”. SO SAD !!!
Tony
Kavika C
Me too😌
G
People that have a trip to Hawaii Honolulu in October will they still be able to come to Waikiki
Thank you
Francis M.
14 day shutdown. Close schools for 30 days. Stop waiting until numbers keep soaring. We did it before and we kept Covid in control.
It worked before and it’ll help now. Back to take out only. A big Mahalo to those people who got their vaccination. Having to close a business, or watch people die needlessly. Not a difficult decision.
sean
In what world did any mandates work?
Hawaii never really opened up… and the result,same as any other State that isn’t mandated.
MARKR
I said this on another post today. Listening to KSSK 92.3 this morning, heard that there is a large group of University of Hawaii football team fans are going to the ULCA game and possibly going to Vegas. Did the Governor tell them not to come back unless the get tested? Again blame tourists, and not hold residents accountable. Hey governor, you cant have it both ways…..
Liam G
Trying to figure out how tourists only cause 2 percent of case when basically someone returning to Hawaii is a tourist? Then they say those returning are causing all the problems. What they say contradicts itself and is statistically impossible with the narrative green and the rest try to spin. If we had more transparency and honesty there wouldn’t be this problem. They have upset both vaccinated and unvaccinated. They oversold the vaccine as the cure all and then demeaned the unvaccinated. Now neither side trusts anyone and they’ve divided everyone.
LF
True most residents returning from travel are the ones testing positive. That said, its equally likely visitors would choose wait until they also return home if possible – so numbers are probably higher.
And why would people test themselves upon return if they don’t have symptoms? Even vaccinated travelers are concerned about carrying the virus back home (in either direction) to loved ones.
How about if we went back to everyone traveling (vaccinated or not) got tested or 10day quarantine?
Liam G
No one visiting will ever get tested in Hawaii if they aren’t feeling well. Who wants to quarantine there with the rest of the family get locked in a room and pay ridiculous hotel rates only eat overpriced room service for at least 10 days. I can guarantee you people visiting are spreading covid if they feel real bad they’ll just leave early.
JohnW
Funny, I give most people the benefit of the doubt….I think most people try and do the right thing…it’s the one’s that don’t that are causing the most problems of course, but I think most people are trying. That’s why mask mandates work…most people follow them and help reduce the spread, it’s the abusers that are more likely to spread the virus. Most people are trying to sort through the vaccine debate, it’s the misinformation spreaders that are killing people. People are pointing fingers at Churches…just saw were something like 82 Churches here in Hawaii were going to help vaccinate people, it’s just a few that are “anti-vax” but they get all the publicity, most Churches want to protect people. I think people wouldn’t dream of getting on an airplane if they had symptoms, but for sure there are a few.
Andy M
Good idea!
Frank P.
That’s why I say test everyone. Unless they’ve been at sea for 14+ days, or walked or drove here, make them take a test. Is it really that much of an inconvenience? No. Before vaccination was a way to bypass quarantine, 10’s of thousands arrived here after getting tested. It didn’t stop them.
Kathleen S
We leave tomorrow. Too late to cancel and too much money would be lost. I hope the beaches and state parks don’t close on Kauai. I feel like ample notice of any changes should be given.
Thank you for all updates.
Bob S
Concerning the new restrictions being implemented on the Big Island. My family will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary on the Big Island in late December. We have a total of 14 people (including 8 grandchildren) attending. We have a house in Kona rented that will accommodate us all. What is your best guess on gathering limits. Any advice. Thank You
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Bob.
No idea where the world will be in late December, to be honest.
Aloha.
Claudia S
Aloha guys! I so appreciate your efforts to keep us all informed. Especially since nobody else seems to be very clear on any of this!
Mahalo!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Claudia.
Thanks so much for say that today. We needed it. Have a great weekend.
Aloha, and mahalo for keeping us informed. We were very sad to cancel our mid-September 25th anniversary trip to Kauai, which we did this morning. Even with trip insurance, under these circumstances it is costing us $2800 to reschedule to next May on too short of notice. Not easy for everyday working people like us. I really hope things improve, others get vaccinated, and this pandemic is conquered soon. We love Kauai and only want the best for this island and her people. Be safe everyone! Mahalo.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Carol.
Thanks for letting us know. We look forward to welcoming you back next May. And congratulations!
Aloha.
NB
Ok – the whole “no tents or canopies” thing is a bit ridiculous. So now the ‘Rona can tell if people are gathered under a canopy or not? Being OUTSIDE is one of the best preventative measures. Even Fauci has stated as much on multiple occasions. The spread outdoors is significantly less probable.
We love the Hawaiian Islands and hope the spread gets under control quickly; otherwise, the struggling recovery is only going to be hurt even more. I’ve got friends that have left the islands because of all the terrible governing that is going on there.
Nash B
Amen on the “being outside” remark. I just got back from a 700-mile pedal from Miami to Charleston(SC). From Jacksonville north, I could easily count on two hands the number of people that I saw wearing masks(for whatever reason that is).
On the other hand, there was the story of the woman in Jacksonville(last year; can’t post link here), she stayed inside for months. First night out? Contracted COVID. If you surpress your immune system to that level….well, the conversation that needs to be had is,”the American lifestyle is unhealthy, poisonous, get outside.” But I don’t see this topic even being in the narrative.
I do understand somewhat, a little bit anyway, the history of the islands☹️”enlightened visitors”, colonizers with dark souls, terrible intentions, bringing plague and disease to the islands. Disgusting people.
In 2021 though…..it’s 2021.
And Hawaii’s outdoors are healing. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
David B
Sorry if I should already know this, but are these “vaccination passports” something that the state of Hawaii will issue to residents and visiting no-residents alike? I was thinking the “passport” is just a buzzword for the piece of paper that has your shot types and dates on it?
Does this mean the poor L&L BBQ window worker has to inspect and/or electrically verify a customer’s “passport” before they will let said customer eat their saimin bowl while sitting at the outside bench table?
Beat of Hawaii
Hi David.
Guess we will all learn that together since there hasn’t been any further clarification beyond that it will work in a fashion similar to Safe Travels. And getting that all working in the next 10 days sounds about the same as getting the highway reopened in September. Bon weekend.
Aloha.
G
I hope that waikiki Honolulu Is open in October and that no lockdown again
Thank
You
Leo G
We are planning to go to Big Island in November, thank you you for all the information you post here. We have a 2-people pop-up tent, is that really prohibited now?
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Leo.
Yes, no pop-up tents at this time. November may be different, however.
Aloha.
TRACY Y
It seems to me the common statement in this (and most past posts) is that Hawaii is “waiting” and “reviewing” instead of acting. How many more days of record high Covid cases (and deaths) before the “wait and see” becomes a reality. Hawaii already went through this last year, but everyone in Govt is acting like the best thing to do is keep waiting to see what happens tomorrow, next week and next month. Does the Mayor of Maui really think visitors are going to just stay at their resorts and not venture out because he’s asked them to?
Suzanna G.
Thank you for the most recent updates. We leave for Kauai Sept 1st. Can you please clarify exactly how the vaccine passports work? I’ve already loaded our CDC issued COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards into the Safe Travels website. Is that enough or do I need to download into one of these ‘passport’ websites too? We will of course do the airline pre-screen to get our wristbands before boarding our Flt from SMF. Thank you for your help again!!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Suzanna.
As we mentioned in response to the same question from David, we have thus far seen no details. And we aren’t sure, based on that, how it can even be implemented in the timeframe indicated by the governor.
Aloha.
Suzanna G
Just saw David’s post
Don’t envy him or you guys. We appreciate how difficult it is & the kind aloha way we are always shown when we visit
Take care & stay safe. Mahalo!
Jane W
We so enjoyed our stay in Waikiki in early August. So glad we were able to see family & have our Granddaughter get married before things got so much worse. Everyone needs to get vaccinated🌺
DK
Stop pushing the vaccine. I work for a local hospital in a different state. I have seen more hospital related positive covids after the vaccine! I wish I could shout from the rooftops, but I need my job. *hint*(job title hint) I see more details on what happens each day with a covid positive patient than a frontline worker. Any guesses what my job title is? No vaccine for me EVER!
Jim R.
Not at all surprised to hear this, DK.
I have heard this same thing from a few people I know in the medical field that are working directly with patients. Stay safe, and I hope they don’t try and force you to be vaccinated. The last thing we need is a 20, 30, or 50% shortage of medical personnel, because they are trying to force you guys to take a drug that has far too little testing behind it…
Jamie L.
its not hard to find data from the states themselves that show that 20-40% of hospitalizations and deaths in last six weeks are among the vaccinated. Its time for Hawaii to get serious and mandate testing for ALL visitors and stop pretending the vaxxes of dudious efficay will save them.
JohnW
The reason it’s not hard to find is there are so many people pushing misinformation.
Go to reputable sources, and you will find about 90 percent of the hospitalized cases are unvaccinated on average….it’s not hard to find information supporting Chemtrails either, doesn’t mean it’s so.
For the life of me I just can’t understand why some people are so willing to spread misinformation when the choice they are trying to talk people out of could save their life. Not wanting to get vaccinated is one thing, but trying to talk others into foregoing something that could save their life is mind boggling to me.
Margaret P
“Stop pushing the vaccine. I work for a local hospital in a different state. I have seen more hospital related positive covids after the vaccine! I wish I could shout from the rooftops, but I need my job. *hint*(job title hint) I see more details on what happens each day with a covid positive patient than a frontline worker. Any guesses what my job title is? No vaccine for me EVER!”
DANGEROUS NARRATIVE. Anyone can post this. I can say the complete opposite. To all that are reading please check the facts. Don’t believe everything you read. Vaccines work to reduce the need for ICU. The numbers where I come from don’t lie. (Ontario, Canada)
Greg
My sister ran a Covid unit in a Bay Area hospital for over a year and the lack of knowledge on vaccination is frightening. Stop watching news. Go to real medical sites, like Johns Hopkins or Mayo Clinic or Stanford to get accurate info on vaccines.
John
Here’s the actual numbers from King County in Washington as of Aug 27.
” Duchin said…… among our 1.5 million fully vaccinated residents, about four-tenths of one percent had a positive test following vaccination. About one one-hundredth of one percent have been hospitalized for COVID-19 and about two one-thousandth of one percent have died due to COVID-19.”
He’s a little more qualified then any of us posting on here…..
Jeffrey Duchin, M.D. is the Health Officer and the Chief of the Communicable Disease Epidemiology & Immunization Section for Public Health–Seattle & King County, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, and Adjunct Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Washington, Seattle. Jeff currently serves on the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) Board of Scientific Counselors (Office of Infectious Diseases) and the Board of Directors for the Infectious Disease Society of America where he is the IDSA liaison to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
He’s not lying, this isn’t fake news, he’s just putting out the actual numbers that they have. When someone says “all the experts are wrong and I know better” perhaps it’s wise to give their perspective the skepticism that so many are using to undermine the experts. There is a traveling nurse from Florida that’s spreading all manor of misinformation and pure lies…she had on her Facebook page that one Palm Beach Hospital was all unvaccinated patients in the ICU. Complete fabrication yet she has a ton of followers.
On one side of this debate you have actual numbers indicating the vaccines to be a far safer option then going unvaccinated and on the other you have some understandable trepidation, a lot of misinformation, some outright lies and frankly some genuine crazy perspectives.
Something to think about anyway.
Jamie L.
those numbers are meaningless.
if you check the percentage of cases among the unvaxxed it is slightly higher but also extremely low
this is one of the disinfo narratives circulating though official sources. The other is that “99.x% of the hospitalized/dead were unvaccinated!”
The reality is anyone that cites this latter narrative is including all the hospitalizations/deaths from the pre-vax surge in january to boost their numbers
COVID is real, and deadly to some people
the COVID fear porn is entirely manipulated to control a population, and is easily recognized
Liam G
Correct Jamie, even the fda approval uses data only up to March 13. It does not include delta. I wonder why that is since they actually have the data. It’s the same data they originally used to say it March they were at 93%. Israel states the vaccine is 39 percent effective now which is below the 50 percent guideline the fda always uses. Could that be why? I’ll let the people decide. When green and the rest spout of the ridiculous numbers it really is a disservice to the population. I have worked with healthcare data the last 20 years and nothing I mean nothing is 99.7 percent. If we ever get that number we have a red flag that we are calculating something wrong. Where is the science? Science questions all I see is agendas and narratives.
Janet
Thank you so much for your updates !
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Janet.
Most welcome. Thanks for your many comments too.
Aloha.
Comments are closed.
Aloha!
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Many people have written that the State cannot mandate restrictions relative to travel during COVID because it violates their rights…..I would suggest that those people read the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which gives the States authority to take public emergency actions like quarantines and business restrictions, etc.(There’s more to it)..It makes interesting reading.
Have you considered the possibility that the SCOTUS has ruled on this issue maybe once or twice (or several dozen ew dozen times in various context) (‘sarc for those who can’t tell) since the late 1700s?
Remember, the US Constitution “says what it means what we say it means, nothing more or less, unless we change our minds” US Supreme Court.
A more interesting question is how they would rule on a state’s right to require quarantine of a US citizen who crosses their boundary.
Hi David.
Perhaps you know more about this and can share. What about Sáenz v. Roe,is that relevant? Governor Ige recently expressed concern about the state’s ability to limit travel from and to Hawaii, especially since the federal government has indicated it is safe for those fully vaccinated to travel.
Aloha.
A classic Stevens decision. Same guy that “found” right to abortion, certainly not something mentioned in the Constitution. It’s been 30 years since my con law class days, but that decision was recent at the time. I remember it as creating a “right” to travel (move freely) to another state, including to move to another state to collect better welfare benefits. Was California, of course. That was back when Deukmejian was governor. Governor Hair Gel would never object to people moving there for welfare. Those are his voters.
But, has nothing to do with a state’s ability to force someone who travels there into quarantine, especially at that same person’s expense. What has Hawaii been doing when indigent people arrive on a one way ticket with no money to return hoping to join the “campers” on one of the islands. No test and before vax days and no money to pay $2500K to be locked in the Tip Top for two weeks or 10 days or whichever. Arrest them and put them in jail to quarantine? Aren’t them for what? Being too poor to pay for their own jail? IDK. I hear Australia has created (or is in process of creating) some sort of entry prison that anyone traveling to Australia has to stay in for two weeks. The “zero Covid” countries have become nightmares to their own citizens.
When will the Governor get a clue that it is not the visitor causing the surge on COVID cases in Hawaii, but rather the resident visiting high COVID case outbreak travel destination and bringing it back and infecting the non-vaccinated residents. We visitor have run through hoops just to visit Hawaii. I was just wondering if Hawaii is so worried the spread of the Virus, why is there more testing options like there are in the Mainland?
Surely, something along the lines of a compromise between the tactics employed by Hawaii, and the insanity taking place in Florida, would be worth a try.
This situation keeps up throughout next year and the ‘Big 4’ will view the tourism economy of Molokai with envy.
Great Job BOH, you have been such a great source of info. Our Tripp to Kauai starts 9/12 we are heavily mask and planning to keep a low profile at the townhouse and the beach, this also is our 2nd try at coming.My question is can we use Clear or Common Pass now? Or just stick to Safe Travels!
Mahalo
Hi Al.
Thank you! You can just stick with the state’s Safe Travels website. The other apps are as a convenience for those who choose, but are definitely not necessary.
Aloha.
so hawaii is considering another lock down and covid passports,,the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and hoping for a different out come ,,this is insane. covid passport are not only insane but UN-contitutional too,,to discriminate and punish a whole group of people who have done nothing wrong. but oh ,, the politicians dont want to let a pesky thing like the constitution slow down or stop their power grab.
Good Day Dave T.
I share many of your sentiments and frustrations, but in defense this problem is not Hawaiian, it is global.
Nowhere are we defeating COVID; we are attempting to minimize casualties.
Flu, a near relative of COVID in many respects, was isolated in humans in the 1940’s. Despite billions of vaccinations it lives on and strikes us as I write. This may well be a very long struggle also.
At this juncture, I think the fundamental question that is evolving is not when we will be free of COVID, but rather how much of our historical freedom are we willing to surrender in exchange for some yet undefined reduced rate of infection.
There is no perfect answer and we are beginning to see the clash of ideas and principles right here in the BOH. I think this is good for I believe whatever the answer, we will not find it in the laboratory nor halls of governments, but rather in places just like this.
My wife and I each hold two fully paid round trip reservations from Atlanta to Honolulu for later this year and early 2022. We wait and watch with interest.
We note that reports released today state that Australia is abandoning its “zero covid” ambition with the Australian Prime Minister admitting, ” …that the country’s approach is not ‘sustainable’ in the face of the more infectious COVID-19 delta variant.”
Australia now moves toward a position of achieving a 80% vaccinated population as the milestone to reducing its very restrictive policies. There is no mention of how Australia will achieve this nor how long it believes it will take.
Although Australia currently has a measure of internal resistance to its highly restrictive travel and isolation policies, many believe economic concerns are a major driving force in this shift.
Also reported today in the “NY Post” newspaper: “A COVID-19 variant first detected in South Africa could be more infectious than other mutations — and may have the potential of being resistant to vaccines, according to a report. … the strain has a mutation rate of about 41.8 mutations per year, almost double the global mutation rate seen in any other existing variant of concern.”
These are not good news and are indicators to we travelers awaiting lower or no COVID rates that we may well be in for substantial delays.
For we two in Georgia, we continue to await the announcement of Hawaii’s long range plan and attendant timeline.
(Deleted – warning on not adhering to https://beatofhawaii.com/comment-policy/)
Time to move from Hawaii…a state w/ officials taking our personal rights of its citizens. Why doesn’t Hawaiians speak up and say no??
Some are, but maybe others understand the danger given our limited medical resources. And what rights, exactly, are being “taken away”?
Vaccine. Mandates.
All these ideas are great; but they won’t stop the surge. They won’t reduce the burden on the health care system.
So many are collectively living in denial; how many non-solutions will we come up with, before we learn that the only solution to save the hospital system is to vaccinate everyone.
Not true see Israel data 59 percent are vaccinated in their hospitals. Israel has over 80 percent vaccination rate and has double the infections per million of the us. Us numbers is off the same data they used ending March 13 2021 !!! They used this same data for fda approval and just marked it July 28th !!! Without updating the data or including delta. Why? Because the fda requires 50 percent efficacy minimum and Isreal is currently at 39 percent and they knew that.
(Deleted – warning on not adhering to https://beatofhawaii.com/comment-policy/)
Good Day Ryan.
Good points, indeed.
The best data, including CDC’s, indicates that currently the overall breakthrough rate in fully vaccinated adults is 0.8 percent.
The world’s population is 7.9 billion.
Thus were everyone in the world fully vaccinated we could expect there could be as many 63.2 million active cases of COVID in humans. In the United States there could be as many as 2.6 million active cases.
I think just from a practical perspective the issue of mandating vaccines doesn’t work very well.
In the United States I think the issue may well turn on the question of is it permissible for the government to have a substance placed into your body without your consent absent considerable individual due process. A fundamental question going to the core of human rights and established law.
Unfortunately many do not understand breakthrough rate. Many think breakthrough is testing positive. It is not. It was until there were too many then in May the cdc changed it to only include hospitalization and deaths. One has to wonder why they would do that. So many claim look at the low breakthrough rate the vaccines are awesome !!!! This includes much of the media when in fat the data sets have changed.
Good Day Liam G.
You are correct in that breakthrough reporting is not fully understood. And yes, the CDC did change reporting to reflect only hospitalizations and deaths as successful breakthrough events.
Here is what may be an issue with utilizing hospitalization and death as the breakthrough determinant.
From a 14 week study of fully vaccinated adults conducted in Israel:
“In this study, we found that although the [Pfizer] vaccine is extremely effective, rare breakthrough infections carry an infectious potential and create a special challenge, since such infections are often asymptomatic and may pose a risk to vulnerable populations,” the researchers wrote.
The Israeli study, utilizing testing rather than hospitalization or death to determine breakthrough, found a breakthrough rate of 2.6%. Many of these were healthcare workers.
According to “Science Magazine”:
“As of 15 August, 514 Israelis were hospitalized with severe or critical COVID-19, a 31% increase from just 4 days earlier. Of the 514, 59% were fully vaccinated. Of the vaccinated, 87% were 60 or older.”
But, the very same article states:
“Israel has among the world’s highest levels of vaccination for COVID-19, with 78% of those 12 and older fully vaccinated, the vast majority with the Pfizer vaccine.”
So, 22% percent of the population represents 41% of the hospitalizations. Based on this one snapshot in time, one is better off with the vaccine. But it’s not a ringing endorsement. The better course of action is to avoid being “60 or older”.
Yeah the elder folks are certainly in more danger would be nice to know how many of the unvaccinated are 60 or older? This is where risk reward comes in. Many it’s not that big of a difference. And the risk of side effects from the vaccine probably balances things out. The problem has been politicians and government officials claiming this was the savior and now it’s not even close.
Aloha,
We your readers are so blessed to have access to real, factual information, thanks to your ongoing dedication, commitment and consistent endeavors. As a vaccinated couple, we still hope to travel to Kauai and Oahu in September, and to do so in a very respectful, caring manner. Thanks to you, we will have the latest information as to whether our trip will still occur. Mahalo many times over…where would we be without all of you there?
HI Carl.
Thanks for saying that. We appreciate it. Please let us know how your travels go.
Aloha.
I guess the Luau business is dead with the group size restrictions. These Covid 19 times have been very hard on our local businesses. So Sad.
Aloha
I’m a 10-year Hawaii resident. I am a very strong supporter of Covid vaccines, and everyone in my family is fully vaccinated. However, I am vehemently opposed to being required to prove that I am vaccinated in order to engage in everyday activities such as dining in a restaurant. I will NOT do it, and I won’t just switch to carry-out. My money will not support any restaurant or store with such a requirement. If that means I have to only eat at home and shop online, then so be it.
Thank you! ♥️
You’ll have company.. not going to play that show me your papers game
Aloha BoH,
Arrived Maui 8/25 as planned. Resort seems pretty quiet here, pool busy but not overly so. Our dinner reservations have been fine and of all the times in elevator only once one other person. Sunset dinner cruise last night very nice with good social distancing. Mask wearing inside but not at pool. So far, so good. Here till 9/8 so see what plays out while here. Mahalo!
Has the Governor thought about having the Navy hospital ship come to the islands to help with the Covid outbreak? They took it to New York early in the pandemic, why not Hawaii?
Actually a good idea for Oahu where they have a good port and docking facilities. As for the smaller Islands like Kaua’i I don’t understand why they have not invested some of the Federal relief money they have received to build more ICU rooms. Having 20 more ICU Beds at Wilcox for example would relieve a lot of stress.
Instead of coming up with more and more restrictions it’s time to do something positive. This Covid is not going away. Please, start planning for the future needs of the Islands and get vaccinated.
“They took it to New York early in the pandemic”
Then what happened?
First, I would commend BOH for providing a no-nonsense professionally managed website that consistently provides a source of timely and accurate information regarding travel and visitation to Hawaii. We should also appreciate that while BOH strongly promotes Hawaii and its tourism based economy, it does so in an evenhanded manner and without having a “fanboy” approach. From my perspective, I give it a well done in the face of challenging events.
What is the overarching plan of Hawaii as regards COVID and travel to and from the islands? I can certainly read and understand the current published procedures Hawaii promulgates. But my question is in regards the policies and plans from which these requirements are derived. I read in the information from Hawaiian officials as provided here on the BOH words such as “might”, “may”, “possibly”, “could”, and “hope”. Perhaps I err, but I don’t think these are the words that are indicative of a reasonably consistent policy, nor consistent with plans designed to execute that policy. COVID has been upon Hawaii for well over 12 months. That would seem ample time to work through some probable scenarios and develop milestones to measure progress or retrograde.
What does the leadership of Hawaii want? No COVID? Manageable COVID? No visitors? Some visitors? COVID passports? Pre-arrival testing? Lockdowns? Closed facilities? Open facilities? Acceptable vs. unacceptable economic loss? Many more of these questions I am sure.
Of equal importance is the question of what are the generalized metrics contained in Hawaii’s policies and plans to determine when these issues are to be applicable or discarded? Put another way, when is an essential element considered won or lost?
You will not reach your journey’s end if you do not know your destination.
Again, a well done and thank you to BOH.
Hi Heyward.
Thank you.
Aloha.
We were in Maui for January through March. At first there were very few visitors and almost no Covid. At the end of February people started pouring in. Many refused to wear masks. They should have just shipped the ignorant out. Unfortunately a vaccine mandate might be necessary to protect the children…
Only 2% of COVID is actually coming from visitors. Interesting fact. Vaccinated people are very unlikely to give anyone COVID!!
If shutdowns work, why aren’t they working?
If masks work, why aren’t they working?
Do not allow your elected officials, who work for you, to screw things up again as they did earlier this year and last year.
You must take your state back and place the governing back into the hands of the people and their trusted government officials, not these corrupt administrators.
Because people didn’t actually abide by the masking or shutdown guidelines. They actually have to be implemented and adhered to.
All truth
the sooner individual establishments require vaccination, the sooner we can choose not to patronize those anti-science and put them out of business.
Sorry if that sounds harsh but its time to stand up
mahalo
If you look at cdc stats that would be minorities you want to put out of business.
Please do more research before making enemies amongst people.
Vaccinated or non vaccinated its really nothing different than divide and conquer when used in this way of force and denial.
Have love and empathy for people during this unprecedented times.
Don’t walk around with hatred/violence in your heart.
And don’t advocate people losing their livelihood.
It’s a tough time for all. It’s the best time to be sensible.
I think proper ventilation would help address this issue but that would also hurt big pharmas (invested in me) bottom line so it is never even talked about. I would hope all businesses had government implement this instead of just giving out free money alone.
Let’s bring solutions to the table mot just point fingers because economy and business still needs to operate if we wish to enjoy the same comfortable and pleasurable lives. And we do.
I don’t say this with any hostility 🙏🏽
The solution is vaccines.
No alternatives will reduce the burden in the health care system. We can keep making excuses and try half-measures that go no where; but the only way to save the health care system is to vaccinate; vaccinate everyone.
There are also some very promising therapeutics that could help reduce the seriousness and mortality of COVID. We just need the FDA to actually approve them for use. For people who have contracted COVID after being vaccinated, this is what is needed.
How is this to be possible?
From May, 2021 Census data:
Nationwide, 18,110,000 people, 7.3% of the adult population, do not trust COVID-19 vaccines.
An additional 6,330,000, or 2.5%, do not trust vaccines in general.
13,890,000 American adults, or 5.6% of the 18 and older population do not trust the government.
There are additional smaller numbers of non-vaccinated due to religious belief, medical advice, and age.
These represent ~38 million or ~15% of the adult population of the United States.
Follow the Israel science what people here in the us do is parrot talking points for an agenda without a clue of what’s really going on. It’s really amazing the lack of critical thinking that happens in this country. Israel and the UK data contradict almost all US data. Why is that? Because they use up to date day not data that ended March 2021. How can Israel with an over 80 percent vaccination rate have double the infection rate of the USA if the vaccine works. How can they have a 59 percent hospitalization rate of the vaccinated when all we hear is it’s all the unvaccinated causing the problems. Why is it the vaccinated have the same viral load as the unvaccinated? That came from the cdc. Anyone heard the term waning efficacy? Look it up please.
Totally agree
I will never eat at a place that does these passports…
And when this crap is done, I still will never eat there.
Better for us, I thank you.
Welcome to Hawaii! Now you will show us your papers!!
“Pop-ups, canopies, and tents are now prohibited, and again groups are limited to 10 and then must be at least 20 feet away from the next group.” Seriously, “pop-ups, canopies and tents”, who believes this is following any kind of science at all???…🙄
What possible difference would providing cover from the hot sun make, when you’re mandating limits of 10 people to a group at outdoor parks? Speaking of which, why does the Big Island (an island with 1/5th the population) only allow groups of 10 outdoors, when “Oahu is limiting gatherings to…25 outdoors”?
I don’t see any common sense in having an island with 1 million people on it having less restrictions than an Island with 5 times the mass, and 1/5th the population. The Stupidity is real, and it’s mind-boggling that residents don’t see this ignorance…🤦♂️
I’m a big island resident and I see it. This is all politics not science.
Aloha Jerry, As the cases continue to climb very high I just don’t feel very comfortable traveling anywhere where the cases are high so I’m postponing my Oahu trip until 2023. It has been my lifelong dream to come to Hawaii for my vacation, so what is alittle more time to wait?! 🐢🐠🌺🌏🏖🏝🛩🌞🌈🌊🕶👙🛍🩴👒📅❤ I’m getting very excited & looking forward to when I do get to come!! We all should be taking steps & precautions to keep yourself and others safe during this crazy virus situation because as human beings we are all in this together. By making the decision to postpone my trip is the safest choice I can make for myself & others. I will be the best most respectful visitor that you will ever have, I promise ❤ My Grandfather was in Navy & in Pearl Harbor. I’ve always wanted to come to PH to pay my respects since I have a deep connection to USA history! PH is #1 on my itinerary & my itinerary has been completed for months now. I’ve been doing my Hawaii research since 2019 & I’ve been learning a few things. For example, the Pink Palace of the Pacific was closed to the public after PH happened. Hotel was used for a place of rest & recovery for our military. Take care of yourself, stay safe, & be blessed 😇….Psalms 91:11
Good Day Jim R.
Be pleased in Hawaii it is only a prohibition placed upon your tents, pop-ups, and canopies. At least you are permitted to gather in small numbers.
Here on the mainland in Chicago they prohibit you from being with your child.
August 28, 2021 Bruce Hoenshell, Chicago Mother Says That A County Judge Revoked Her Mother’s Parental Rights Over Vaccination Status – No MSM Coverage, usasupreme.com
Apparently we have not yet plumbed the full depth of this fear of the non-vaccinated.
“Sometimes what you fear the most is the very thing that will set you free”
– Unknown
Too much logic.. your making peoples head hurt
Thank you for your update. We were looking foreword to again visit Kauai. We have both had our double vaccinations but for the sake of everyone we will be cancelling our travel plans until 2022 or 2023. We love Hawaii and do not want to jeopardize anyone’s health.
Thanks BOH for your great updates. So much great information, especially for those of us who actually have airline tickets, VRBO BOOKINGS and managed to snag a car before totally unaffordable. 9we arrive January 1st on Kona the go to Maui for a month). When they talk about canopies are they also referring to the simple little beach umbrellas? Are we supposed to suffer from skin cancer? By the way we are vaccinated and I don’t swim and do have a condition where I can’t have too much sun but love to sit in my chair and watch the whales.
Keep up the great updates
Hi Janet.
Thanks. Beach umbrellas are fine. Have a great time.
Aloha.
Aloha,
please let us know if you have heard about the following:
an acquaintance told me that Weddings are excluded from the gathering restrictions….
she has a friend that will be getting married soon on Oahu and has been told that she does not need to restrict her guest list as there is a Wedding exclusion clause???
is this really true?
if it is, that is very Contradictory and concerning.
thank you.
Hi RR.
Weddings are included in the new regulations.
Aloha.
Thank you for all the timely information. With rumors and misinformation in abundance you guys are a bright light to those of us with upcoming plans for a Hawaiian vacation.
Hi John.
Thanks. We appreciate that. Safe travels.
Aloha.
Last year we had to cancel our mothers 90th birthday. She’s never been to Hawaii and always talks about seen it before she leaves this world. I lost quite a bit of money. This year we’re planning again coming to Maui in mid September. My mother is in good health all of us (4) are fully vaccinated. Hopefully we won’t turned away. We’re praying.
i hope you do the responsible thing and test your entire party before travelling.
Vaccines do not prevent you from getting and spreading covid
with the present “problems” regarding “what/who/when” visitors will be able to visit the Islands, and what “official documentation” is needed, WHY would mainland residents ever want to “TRY” to some to Hawaii again??? After many years trying to be “O’hana”— usually spent about 3 months on the 4 major Islands for over 20 years, I don’t think I will ever visit my “old home”. SO SAD !!!
Tony
Me too😌
People that have a trip to Hawaii Honolulu in October will they still be able to come to Waikiki
Thank you
14 day shutdown. Close schools for 30 days. Stop waiting until numbers keep soaring. We did it before and we kept Covid in control.
It worked before and it’ll help now. Back to take out only. A big Mahalo to those people who got their vaccination. Having to close a business, or watch people die needlessly. Not a difficult decision.
In what world did any mandates work?
Hawaii never really opened up… and the result,same as any other State that isn’t mandated.
I said this on another post today. Listening to KSSK 92.3 this morning, heard that there is a large group of University of Hawaii football team fans are going to the ULCA game and possibly going to Vegas. Did the Governor tell them not to come back unless the get tested? Again blame tourists, and not hold residents accountable. Hey governor, you cant have it both ways…..
Trying to figure out how tourists only cause 2 percent of case when basically someone returning to Hawaii is a tourist? Then they say those returning are causing all the problems. What they say contradicts itself and is statistically impossible with the narrative green and the rest try to spin. If we had more transparency and honesty there wouldn’t be this problem. They have upset both vaccinated and unvaccinated. They oversold the vaccine as the cure all and then demeaned the unvaccinated. Now neither side trusts anyone and they’ve divided everyone.
True most residents returning from travel are the ones testing positive. That said, its equally likely visitors would choose wait until they also return home if possible – so numbers are probably higher.
And why would people test themselves upon return if they don’t have symptoms? Even vaccinated travelers are concerned about carrying the virus back home (in either direction) to loved ones.
How about if we went back to everyone traveling (vaccinated or not) got tested or 10day quarantine?
No one visiting will ever get tested in Hawaii if they aren’t feeling well. Who wants to quarantine there with the rest of the family get locked in a room and pay ridiculous hotel rates only eat overpriced room service for at least 10 days. I can guarantee you people visiting are spreading covid if they feel real bad they’ll just leave early.
Funny, I give most people the benefit of the doubt….I think most people try and do the right thing…it’s the one’s that don’t that are causing the most problems of course, but I think most people are trying. That’s why mask mandates work…most people follow them and help reduce the spread, it’s the abusers that are more likely to spread the virus. Most people are trying to sort through the vaccine debate, it’s the misinformation spreaders that are killing people. People are pointing fingers at Churches…just saw were something like 82 Churches here in Hawaii were going to help vaccinate people, it’s just a few that are “anti-vax” but they get all the publicity, most Churches want to protect people. I think people wouldn’t dream of getting on an airplane if they had symptoms, but for sure there are a few.
Good idea!
That’s why I say test everyone. Unless they’ve been at sea for 14+ days, or walked or drove here, make them take a test. Is it really that much of an inconvenience? No. Before vaccination was a way to bypass quarantine, 10’s of thousands arrived here after getting tested. It didn’t stop them.
We leave tomorrow. Too late to cancel and too much money would be lost. I hope the beaches and state parks don’t close on Kauai. I feel like ample notice of any changes should be given.
Thank you for all updates.
Concerning the new restrictions being implemented on the Big Island. My family will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary on the Big Island in late December. We have a total of 14 people (including 8 grandchildren) attending. We have a house in Kona rented that will accommodate us all. What is your best guess on gathering limits. Any advice. Thank You
Hi Bob.
No idea where the world will be in late December, to be honest.
Aloha.
Aloha guys! I so appreciate your efforts to keep us all informed. Especially since nobody else seems to be very clear on any of this!
Mahalo!
Hi Claudia.
Thanks so much for say that today. We needed it. Have a great weekend.
Aloha.
(Deleted – warning on not adhering to https://beatofhawaii.com/comment-policy/)
Aloha, and mahalo for keeping us informed. We were very sad to cancel our mid-September 25th anniversary trip to Kauai, which we did this morning. Even with trip insurance, under these circumstances it is costing us $2800 to reschedule to next May on too short of notice. Not easy for everyday working people like us. I really hope things improve, others get vaccinated, and this pandemic is conquered soon. We love Kauai and only want the best for this island and her people. Be safe everyone! Mahalo.
Hi Carol.
Thanks for letting us know. We look forward to welcoming you back next May. And congratulations!
Aloha.
Ok – the whole “no tents or canopies” thing is a bit ridiculous. So now the ‘Rona can tell if people are gathered under a canopy or not? Being OUTSIDE is one of the best preventative measures. Even Fauci has stated as much on multiple occasions. The spread outdoors is significantly less probable.
We love the Hawaiian Islands and hope the spread gets under control quickly; otherwise, the struggling recovery is only going to be hurt even more. I’ve got friends that have left the islands because of all the terrible governing that is going on there.
Amen on the “being outside” remark. I just got back from a 700-mile pedal from Miami to Charleston(SC). From Jacksonville north, I could easily count on two hands the number of people that I saw wearing masks(for whatever reason that is).
On the other hand, there was the story of the woman in Jacksonville(last year; can’t post link here), she stayed inside for months. First night out? Contracted COVID. If you surpress your immune system to that level….well, the conversation that needs to be had is,”the American lifestyle is unhealthy, poisonous, get outside.” But I don’t see this topic even being in the narrative.
I do understand somewhat, a little bit anyway, the history of the islands☹️”enlightened visitors”, colonizers with dark souls, terrible intentions, bringing plague and disease to the islands. Disgusting people.
In 2021 though…..it’s 2021.
And Hawaii’s outdoors are healing. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Sorry if I should already know this, but are these “vaccination passports” something that the state of Hawaii will issue to residents and visiting no-residents alike? I was thinking the “passport” is just a buzzword for the piece of paper that has your shot types and dates on it?
Does this mean the poor L&L BBQ window worker has to inspect and/or electrically verify a customer’s “passport” before they will let said customer eat their saimin bowl while sitting at the outside bench table?
Hi David.
Guess we will all learn that together since there hasn’t been any further clarification beyond that it will work in a fashion similar to Safe Travels. And getting that all working in the next 10 days sounds about the same as getting the highway reopened in September. Bon weekend.
Aloha.
I hope that waikiki Honolulu Is open in October and that no lockdown again
Thank
You
We are planning to go to Big Island in November, thank you you for all the information you post here. We have a 2-people pop-up tent, is that really prohibited now?
Hi Leo.
Yes, no pop-up tents at this time. November may be different, however.
Aloha.
It seems to me the common statement in this (and most past posts) is that Hawaii is “waiting” and “reviewing” instead of acting. How many more days of record high Covid cases (and deaths) before the “wait and see” becomes a reality. Hawaii already went through this last year, but everyone in Govt is acting like the best thing to do is keep waiting to see what happens tomorrow, next week and next month. Does the Mayor of Maui really think visitors are going to just stay at their resorts and not venture out because he’s asked them to?
Thank you for the most recent updates. We leave for Kauai Sept 1st. Can you please clarify exactly how the vaccine passports work? I’ve already loaded our CDC issued COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards into the Safe Travels website. Is that enough or do I need to download into one of these ‘passport’ websites too? We will of course do the airline pre-screen to get our wristbands before boarding our Flt from SMF. Thank you for your help again!!
Hi Suzanna.
As we mentioned in response to the same question from David, we have thus far seen no details. And we aren’t sure, based on that, how it can even be implemented in the timeframe indicated by the governor.
Aloha.
Just saw David’s post
Don’t envy him or you guys. We appreciate how difficult it is & the kind aloha way we are always shown when we visit
Take care & stay safe. Mahalo!
We so enjoyed our stay in Waikiki in early August. So glad we were able to see family & have our Granddaughter get married before things got so much worse. Everyone needs to get vaccinated🌺
Stop pushing the vaccine. I work for a local hospital in a different state. I have seen more hospital related positive covids after the vaccine! I wish I could shout from the rooftops, but I need my job. *hint*(job title hint) I see more details on what happens each day with a covid positive patient than a frontline worker. Any guesses what my job title is? No vaccine for me EVER!
Not at all surprised to hear this, DK.
I have heard this same thing from a few people I know in the medical field that are working directly with patients. Stay safe, and I hope they don’t try and force you to be vaccinated. The last thing we need is a 20, 30, or 50% shortage of medical personnel, because they are trying to force you guys to take a drug that has far too little testing behind it…
its not hard to find data from the states themselves that show that 20-40% of hospitalizations and deaths in last six weeks are among the vaccinated. Its time for Hawaii to get serious and mandate testing for ALL visitors and stop pretending the vaxxes of dudious efficay will save them.
The reason it’s not hard to find is there are so many people pushing misinformation.
Go to reputable sources, and you will find about 90 percent of the hospitalized cases are unvaccinated on average….it’s not hard to find information supporting Chemtrails either, doesn’t mean it’s so.
For the life of me I just can’t understand why some people are so willing to spread misinformation when the choice they are trying to talk people out of could save their life. Not wanting to get vaccinated is one thing, but trying to talk others into foregoing something that could save their life is mind boggling to me.
“Stop pushing the vaccine. I work for a local hospital in a different state. I have seen more hospital related positive covids after the vaccine! I wish I could shout from the rooftops, but I need my job. *hint*(job title hint) I see more details on what happens each day with a covid positive patient than a frontline worker. Any guesses what my job title is? No vaccine for me EVER!”
DANGEROUS NARRATIVE. Anyone can post this. I can say the complete opposite. To all that are reading please check the facts. Don’t believe everything you read. Vaccines work to reduce the need for ICU. The numbers where I come from don’t lie. (Ontario, Canada)
My sister ran a Covid unit in a Bay Area hospital for over a year and the lack of knowledge on vaccination is frightening. Stop watching news. Go to real medical sites, like Johns Hopkins or Mayo Clinic or Stanford to get accurate info on vaccines.
Here’s the actual numbers from King County in Washington as of Aug 27.
” Duchin said…… among our 1.5 million fully vaccinated residents, about four-tenths of one percent had a positive test following vaccination. About one one-hundredth of one percent have been hospitalized for COVID-19 and about two one-thousandth of one percent have died due to COVID-19.”
He’s a little more qualified then any of us posting on here…..
Jeffrey Duchin, M.D. is the Health Officer and the Chief of the Communicable Disease Epidemiology & Immunization Section for Public Health–Seattle & King County, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, and Adjunct Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Washington, Seattle. Jeff currently serves on the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) Board of Scientific Counselors (Office of Infectious Diseases) and the Board of Directors for the Infectious Disease Society of America where he is the IDSA liaison to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
He’s not lying, this isn’t fake news, he’s just putting out the actual numbers that they have. When someone says “all the experts are wrong and I know better” perhaps it’s wise to give their perspective the skepticism that so many are using to undermine the experts. There is a traveling nurse from Florida that’s spreading all manor of misinformation and pure lies…she had on her Facebook page that one Palm Beach Hospital was all unvaccinated patients in the ICU. Complete fabrication yet she has a ton of followers.
On one side of this debate you have actual numbers indicating the vaccines to be a far safer option then going unvaccinated and on the other you have some understandable trepidation, a lot of misinformation, some outright lies and frankly some genuine crazy perspectives.
Something to think about anyway.
those numbers are meaningless.
if you check the percentage of cases among the unvaxxed it is slightly higher but also extremely low
this is one of the disinfo narratives circulating though official sources. The other is that “99.x% of the hospitalized/dead were unvaccinated!”
The reality is anyone that cites this latter narrative is including all the hospitalizations/deaths from the pre-vax surge in january to boost their numbers
COVID is real, and deadly to some people
the COVID fear porn is entirely manipulated to control a population, and is easily recognized
Correct Jamie, even the fda approval uses data only up to March 13. It does not include delta. I wonder why that is since they actually have the data. It’s the same data they originally used to say it March they were at 93%. Israel states the vaccine is 39 percent effective now which is below the 50 percent guideline the fda always uses. Could that be why? I’ll let the people decide. When green and the rest spout of the ridiculous numbers it really is a disservice to the population. I have worked with healthcare data the last 20 years and nothing I mean nothing is 99.7 percent. If we ever get that number we have a red flag that we are calculating something wrong. Where is the science? Science questions all I see is agendas and narratives.
Thank you so much for your updates !
Hi Janet.
Most welcome. Thanks for your many comments too.
Aloha.