This is about to shake out. What’s ahead and how much notice will there be.
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121 thoughts on “Officials Can’t Agree On Hawaii Travel Tests And Other New Rules”
This is about to shake out. What’s ahead and how much notice will there be.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Aloha Heyward B,
If accuracy is what you want address as to The Hawaiian Monarchy and how it actually ended up in American hands I would suggest a History book. The actions of America has been documented not only by the Queen who was imprisoned, but many of her subjects past and present. The entry of Hawaii as a State was not the wishes of the Hawaiian people.
I did not enter this dialogue to do anything other than state the people who reside in these Islands are more than concerned about the lack of accountability as to this Variant entering our sphere.
Having said this, please know that when I make a statement referring to fool’s, that statement is self explanatory and is not limited to any particular people’s. The fool is the fool who follows the fool is to suggest that anyone who chooses to ignore the crisis impacting our Islands and it’s people and blindly follow those only interested in the montary impact are indeed acting foolishly. This of course is my opinion and whomever the show may fit, have at it! I stand by what I have said, we need to stop accepting vaccination cards until there is a legitimate national/international data base in which to verify. Testing is also skewed as who is to say a person will not become infected within the 72 hrs before they enter. Nonetheless, short of isolation it appears to be the best option!
Aloha
Aloha Paul U,
I can’t thank you enough for understanding and compassion for what we as residents are experiencing .
Mahalo and keep your family and love ones safe!
Aloha Hayward B,
Your views are interesting although you should know not valid! We are called the Pacific Rim and contain the Pacific Fleet for a reason.
Considering America, nor those who stole the lands have absolutely no interest in relinquishing the monetary gain, your words are fruitless and carry less value. Please know that the fool is the fool who follows the fool and contrary to what may be perceived, Hawaiians, nor those deemed local are fools.
Aloha and stay safe
Aloha Hayward B,
Your view point is also quite interesting and somewhat condescending concerning all the damage that has been bestowed since 1893! Nonetheless, please note that your view point is not without merit in my view. I will concede this is a personal view,however, I do have complete faith in the local people restoring and preserving their way of existence if those with less values for human preservation removed themselves and their need for greed from the equation. We must iterate however this would call for all of that which was illegally acquired by the overthrow of the treacherous missionary children whom had been trusted for generations by the Alii or Kings and Queens proceeding! Now, having said all of this and traveling down historical lands, let’s be real. America has no interest in releasing any capital gains nor returning any lands stolen. Alexander, Baldwin, Castle, Cook and Dole ancestors have done everything possible to divide, conquer and acquire as much montary gain as they can in order to not be held accountable.
Please let’s not ignore the value of these Islands to the Protection of the West coast of America, i.e. Pacific Rim is called that for a reason. Don’t mistake distance from America for lack of understanding the importance of our position. The fool is the fool who follows the fool. We are Islanders, not fools! We happen to live with a sincere Aloha spirit, unfortunately the lack of understanding what that truly is brings about a distorted view from some.
Aloha and your opinion although I view as skewed, is still interesting and respected as such.
Aloha Hayward B,
Please by all means please consider one of the many options you and your family may have to enjoy your vacation,. Please understand Hawaii, Maui, which is my particular concern is our Home and not just an environment to appease those who wish to vacation or use as a playground. No, contrary, we have families. Our grandparents, our parents and our children. As you make the choices for yours,we are a large Ohana who considers the safety of all. This consideration extends to those less concerned with their fellow human beings. This lack of empathy is not welcomed and if this means you chose another destination, well good luck to those who are receptive.
Aloha and stay safe
Thank you for your comments but I am somewhat confused.
I have 2 daughters, 4 grand-children, and a significant other to one of the daughters as a business operator, all living on Oahu. One might consider that provides me, as with you and your resident family, “a dog in the hunt” as regards the impact of visitors to Hawaii. I don’t look for a playground as you seem to consider as my desire to visit Hawaii. Rather I look to reunite with my children and grand-children. Thus your statement I have lack of empathy for those in Hawaii, and indeed elsewhere, is somewhat confusing to me.
I think each must make their own choice as regards travel. Be the destination Hawaii or anywhere else for that matter. Just as I believe each must decide how to view those that may visit their person, their home, and their habitat. Whatever that view be there will always be consequences. Some positive; some negative. I view the travel and visitation glass to Hawaii as half full; you appear to view it half empty. That is fair enough. Neither of us knows the correct outcome of either viewpoint. We may only guess as to the consequences for Hawaiians and their economic future.
I simply point out that should the Hawaiian government choose wide spread travel restrictions and incur the commensurate loss of tourism it is logical to think the consequences to the Hawaiian economy can be rather negative. You apparently view the consequences of this differently. I simply don’t know with certainty; nor I suggest do you or anyone else, to include the Hawaiian leadership.
Should you wish to visit Georgia my family will be more than pleased to welcome and assist you in any manner we may. We value your time you may choose to be with us. And yes, we have COVID here, but I think you will find for good and considered reasons the great majority of Georgians choose not to live in fear nor isolation.
Heyward B
First accept my apology for misspelling your name please! I have visited Georgia on a few occasions. I have a brother who resided there and retired from the military after 25 years of service. Your perception of acceptance may be slightly skewed by your environment. I found Georgia to be interesting, however not as accepting as you may perceive. Nonetheless, our State is quite accepting as to why you and so many choose to use as a playground. I must admit, we enjoy sharing, but don’t mistake with we don’t care about our people’s lives. We only want respect! If you appreciate then show by respecting our Islands when you arrive. Wear your mask, become “truly” vaccinated, keep your distance,respect our marine life and oceans and above all, have fun! Aloha
Excellent article. My wife and I are coming to Kauai on Friday 8/27/21 for 2 weeks. We are vaccinated and will follow all guidelines implemented by Hawaii. We have made 5 restaurant reservations. Hopefully, all goes well.
Hi Bo.
Aloha. We too hope that everything goes perfectly. Look forward to hearing.
Aloha.
I agree with Scott L. and I also ask Hawaii to “Please reinstate pre travel testing for ALL passengers whether they are vaccinated or not.”
JUDIE S…. I agree with you in theory BUT only if they agree to allow testing by other than their famous “Trusted Partners”! We have to drive 7 hours to get Rapid Results Testing because there isn’t a single Trusted Partner in our state that does Rapid Results. Regular PRC, yes, but not Trusted Partners.
Being vaccinated and even taking a test prior to visiting the Islands is more than adequate to travel freely.
– Makoa E
Beat of Hawaii – “Officials Can’t Agree On Hawaii Travel Tests And Other New Rules”
There’s a shocker…🙄…Not!
LT Gov. Green – “The CDC has taken the position that vaccinated travel is the safe approach and what they recommend, therefore the attorney general cannot defend the policy of mandating testing pre-arrival any longer.”
Yeah, that’s following the science…🙄…Not!
BoH – “4. Whether the latest Covid variant could be peaking soon, at least in some areas, as was just indicated by former FDA head Scott Gottlieb. If that’s the case, then implementation of any new travel rules could be too late.”
I think you guys nailed this one, as you always have fairly keen insight. This makes total sense, in my opinion. In my pigeon accent, “Dah government always going run on local time, bruddah”…aka, too slow to react, as they have been for this entire fiasco.
I’m not expecting any loco decisions that will affect my ability to travel to my island home, but should they try to keep those property owners and part time residents from permanently being able to come to maintain their properties and handle their business, you can bet there will be some big time class action lawsuits.
Appreciate the update, Jeff and Rob. As usual you guys bring the facts, with unbiased straight forward reporting…
Hi Jim.
Thanks. We appreciate your being a part of this. And nearly 300 comments to date.
Aloha.
Wow! Humm lives vs Part time property owners and the threat of law suits! I think our local residents can assure you if you come correctly you will be welcomed as you were when you chose to invest. Please note that the full time residents recognize that the part time investors do it and have done it strictly for the return. Make your money off of the Islands to live and spend elsewhere is America’s capitalist mindset. Please do not forget this is a culture that has it’s own roots and those roots do not derive from American values, but Kanaka Mao’li values and no matter how long or how many infiltrate, the value system will remain; lives over dollars. Now having said that, my eldest son reminded me the anti vaxxers will eliminate themselves and we will all move forward and prosper in more ways than one. Hawaii is a State of Aloha, however there are limitations when your families well being is at risk.
Aloha and stay safe
Good Day Ruby M.
I carefully read your very interesting and revealing viewpoint delineating the Hawaiian position regarding those who have come and invested in your islands. With permission, I will refer to them as “other Americans”. From your comments I gather you might support Hawaii returning to its early 20th century state. In such state, Hawaii would of course be free and unencumbered of all Federal Government presence as well as mainland based “capitalist mindset” other American commercial and private investment problems. Indeed, all return on internal investment by Hawaiians would remain right at home.
Actually, I agree with you. I think there might well be significant benefits, not only to Hawaiians and the preservation of their unique culture, but we Federal taxpayers as well. I can’t help but think it possibly be less costly to maintain a Pacific Rim presence by basing and conducting Federal and private business in other parts of the pacific area. There is a lot for “capitalist mindset” stockholders and Federal budget analysts to like in that. And transportation? No need to stop in Hawaii. Aircraft today routinely fly direct mainland to the far east and other Pacific islands.
Sure would be a lot less infiltrators and anti-vaxxers to place your families at risk also.
WOW, Ruby! You assume that THIS is what all “part time investors” do, — you couldn’t be further from the truth, when it comes to me. I don’t rent my property. I don’t make money off my property at all, other than the market value increase, (which likely won’t last long, because of the inept government), and if I did rent it would likely be to family or close friends (cheaply), because of need! I actually LIVE there (a few months at a time), and I take care of what I own and have, as well as visit my Dad who is in his late 70’s, among other family who I have on many islands. I haven’t seen most since this fiasco started, because I don’t live with them regularly.
You’re seriously going preach to me about American culture/values, when your demeanor is definitely NOT representative of the cultural and family values I was taught by the true people of Hawaii, my local kapuna and ohana. That is frankly appalling and not at all respectful for someone who claims to represent Kanaka Mao’li values, while showing no Aloha Nui Loa. You’re practically hoping a certain group of people will die, and I’m embarrassed by locals like you, who think you’re better than everyone that aren’t indigenous people to Hawaii. 😠
I don’t know if refunds will be given for trips booked months ago. People would be more willing to cancel plans if reimbursed.
I booked our trip at the end of December. I wanted something to look forward to after losing my sister. We got the vaccine in April because I was sure we would need it to travel. I’ve spent the past 8 months dealing with numerous flight changes but I didn’t care. I want to be at my happy place to celebrate our anniversary at a luau and I want to wish my sister happy birthday from the top of a volcano at sunrise and I want to support the people of Hawaii. I tried to during the lock downs by ordering from Hawaii businesses. Now we’re 5 weeks from our trip and don’t know what will happen. Do I cancel the trip now so I have a smaller credit to be used or do I say to hell with it and hope that everything works out? At least I have insurance but I am kicking myself for not taking out the refund coverage instead of the credit coverage.
The FDA granting Pfizer approval is like putting lipstick on a pig – when all is said and done, it is still a pig. Hasn’t Hawaii been following what is happening in Europe? Israel is a highly vaccinated country yet 85% to 90% of COVID-related hospitalizations are among the fully vaccinated and the fully vaccinated also account for 95% of severely ill COVID-19 patients. The Israeli were also vaccinated with Pfizer so how can it be even remotely okay for the FDA to grant approval when the clinical trials for all the experimental vaccines aren’t completed until 2023?
Hello,
The facts are important here, so I wanted to respond to this.
Judy L’s comment contains numerous inaccuracies.
1) Israel is highly vaccinated relative to much of the world, including developing countries, which have very low vaccination rates. But the total population Israel is only at about 58% vaccinated, which is not particularly high compared with many developed countries, and has never been considered a sufficient level to reach any kind of herd immunity.
2) I’m not sure where the 85-95% numbers are coming from, but they are not correct. As reported by NPR on August 20th, the number of serious cases in unvaxxed people over 60 is 9 times higher than among vaccinated people, while the number of serious cases amongst unvaxxed people under 60 is about double of those vaccinated.
3) Amongst those hospitalized with severe covid in Israel, about half are vaccinated (not 95%), and the majority of those are people over 60 and have comorbidities. However those who are hospitalized and unvaccinated are mostly young and otherwise healthy.
4) The vaccine remains one of, if not the best, ways to stop the pandemic, reduce spread, prevent serious illness, etc. Does the vaccine prevent 100% of cases? No, of course not. Does this mean that it’s a “pig” or that it doesn’t work? Absolutely not.
Hawaii could continue to safely allow travel to and from the state with proof of vaccination, testing, etc. And, the current surge within the state can absolutely be quelled with greater levels of vaccination and masking.
Thanks,
Paul
Aloha Paul U,
Considering accuracy is important, until our State of Hawaii and the Continental United States has a Data base in place to secure the vaccination cards presented are indeed valid and not purchased nafaricyly on line; our State needs to implement a program and or process that protects our communities. We are Islands with limited resources and must consider the rapid danger a few unscrupulous individuals can do.
Aloha
Hello Ruby,
I agree that fraudulent vax passports/cards are problematic.
I realize, too, that Hawaii has limited resources.
My post was mostly to point out the inaccuracies presented by Judy L, and attempt to stop the spread of misinformation.
I completely agree that policies to protect Hawaii can, and should, be put in place. I would fully support the resumption of pre-travel testing for anyone coming to the island, regardless of vaccine status.
For those on the island, better adherence to masking, distancing, and greater levels of vaccination will help turn the tide.
Cheers and Aloha.
Aloha Paul U,
I can’t thank you enough for understanding and compassion for what we as residents are experiencing .
Mahalo and keep your family and love ones safe!
I wrote a reply to this comment, but looks like it was not approved. That is a shame, as Judy L’s comment is wildly inaccurate and I took care to follow the commenting rules/guidelines. Why leave Judy L’s comment up, and allow misinformation to spread? Why was my original reply disallowed?
Hi Paul.
Welcome to BOH! Since you are new to comments, we want you to know that each comment is approved manually, as we have time available. Your prior comment was approved as well.
Aloha.
The most recent data I reviewed indicated Hawaii has 70% of its population with one dose of vaccine and 54% with two doses administered. Perhaps Hawaii might be better served tidying up its own house before it points to others.
The unfortunate aspect of this is that it is now impossible for ordinary travelers, indeed anyone, to obtain accurate information regarding the efficacy of vaccines, mask, lock-downs, specific areas to avoid, etc. What is factual is we don’t know very much about this at all. What we appear to be witnessing is government and medicine responding to these uncertainties with a “we have to do something or we look bad” moment. This is where Hawaii appears to be.
Hawaii would do well to consider that when governments are shooting dogs so that people will not travel to rescue them (Australia), allowing denying people access to medical care due to their vaccination status (United States), denigrating the non-vaccinated regardless of reason (United States), all the while watching their vaccine fail (efficacy now ~ 60%) (worldwide), they are not solving the problem. They are becoming the problem.
While the Hawaiian leadership certainly owes a great duty to its governed, it would do well to also remind itself we are not required to visit the Islands. Our time and treasure will go where it receives the best treatment, all things considered.
Hello Heyward,
I’m a bit confused. You say that data is “impossible” to obtain, yet you’ve claimed that worldwide vaccine efficacy is at approximately 60%. Where did you find that number? What is your source? Is it 60% against infection? 60% against severe disease?
In short, there is plenty of data available showing that vaccines, masking, distancing, etc work. Much of this data can be found online via the CDC.
As for vaccine effectiveness, bear in mind that the vaccine was originally developed for the initial strain of covid, and not some of the more recent mutations which now dominate infections. If you take time to do some research you will see that many experts warned that the initial vaccine may not have the same efficacy against different strains of the virus and that additional boosters and/or modified vaccines might be necessary to increase protection.
The vaccines were (and still are) very effective against the original Covid strain, and are effective (albeit, slightly less) against Delta and some of the other variants. Even if efficacy is not as high as had been hoped or if the protection wanes over time, the answer is not that the vaccine doesn’t work (which seems to be a sentiment I keep seeing) or that people don’t need to get vaccinated (another oft-seen idea). The answer is that additional vaccination may be needed as well as additional measures, such as pre-travel testing, masking, distancing, etc.
You are absolutely right when you say people aren’t required to visit the islands.
If people have a problem with Hawaiian leadership asking people to vaccinate and get tested before traveling, then those people can choose to go elsewhere. Those who are vaccinated and willing to be tested will still go and enjoy Hawaii and all it has to offer.
Cheers and Aloha.
Paul,
As to: “If people have a problem with Hawaiian leadership asking people to vaccinate and get tested before traveling, then those people can choose to go elsewhere. Those who are vaccinated and willing to be tested will still go and enjoy Hawaii and all it has to offer.”
I invite your attention to the following:
“Since vaccination became accepted in place of testing in June, Hawaii travel has soared. Unfortunately, so has the cases of Covid. The state believes that those are largely unrelated to visitors and are likely from community spread associated with residents. Hawaii’s health department maintains that less than 2% of cases are related to visitors.”
beatofhawaii.com/officials-cant-agree-on-hawaii-travel-tests-and-other-new-rules/
It appears perhaps Hawaii might consider testing itself first.
Hello Heyward,
I’m not sure I understand your point. By saying “it appears Hawaii might consider testing itself first,” are you saying that you agree that most of the covid issues on the islands are due to Hawaii citizens, and that more internal island testing is needed? Or are you saying that in a more satirical way, i.e. that Hawaii is wrong about the sources of its covid problems?
What I’m saying is that travelers to Hawaii who are vaccinated and pre-tested should not be dissuaded from coming to the islands, as they are not the real contributors to Hawaii’s current covid surge. But, those who are unvaccinated and/or unwilling to take a pre-test should be dissuaded/prevented from traveling, as they represent a much higher risk.
So, are we both arguing the same thing, or have I misunderstood you?
Aloha Paul U,
It appears your position to skip over and negate vaccination cards can be and are purchased on line and from black market sources is irrelevant to visitors bringing this extremely contagious Variant to our home.
I am going to let you and others who seem to think our local populace should just ignore and be grateful for your dollars be quite assume your position! However please know this won’t be the case,as money to our people has never been the driving force of our Aloha. I am fully aware this concept may be foriegn to the sensibilities of those who money is where their self worth begins and ends,but fortunately that is not the case for our people.
Those who claim to have vested interests in Hawaii and our populace would know this. I don’t care whether you live here part time or full time, if your interests aren’t aligned with our people or their well being you should return to from whence you came!
Aloha Nui
Paul,
I think we may agree. If not in detail, then in principle.
It occurs to me that if Hawaiian health officials are essentially correct that 2% +/- of Hawaiian COVID cases are related to visitors, there must be an exceptionally large internal source for cases. My prior comment suggest that Hawaii might be better served in its COVID eradication efforts by giving priority of testing to identifying the 98% resident pool for treatment. Are the 2% at the airport a problem? Potentially yes, but I would not think at this point they are a significant problem compared the extent of the larger base of transmitters. It is with treating and vaccinating these that I believe Hawaii should give priority.
As to pre-testing. I think at this juncture that it is a feel good exercise driven by domestic politics. A government that cannot demonstrate it is doing something (anything) to care for the welfare of its governed is doomed to be discarded. I understand the political need to appear in charge and ahead of a situation. When actions from this are essentially benign they are fine. However, when those actions cause or may cause cascading harm, there exist the requirement for a pause and careful risk/benefit analysis. But we never quite seem to get that analysis. Rather we get another morphed order issued by fiat.
I think the jury is still out on where vaccines are and may be going. However, that they have done some good is I think apparent. Mask on the other hand are, I believe, another Dr. Fauchi feel good. Those things said, I believe the CDC has indicated that being fully vaccinated and masked are acceptable metrics for commercial air travel. However, without additional compelling evidence, anything beyond vaccines and mask, such as testing when no medical indication for such is apparent, remains somewhat suspect to me as regards its necessity in defeating COVID.
Good Day Paul,
I submitted an earlier reply to your question but I must gather it failed to pass Moderator’s Muster.
Sorry for the confusion. My referenced point is that I think under the circumstances as reported by Hawaiian health officials regarding transmitters of COVID, Hawaii would be better served to apply its testing efforts to the sources of the 98% of home grown cases. Is the 2% +/- of cases at the airport troubling? Potentially yes. But I suggest the priority of effort should be directed to testing, treating, and vaccinating the much larger domestic pool. The 2% should be comparatively easy to identify and manage.
I do disagree with any pre-travel testing requirement. First, it is not medically necessary. Second, it is a further restraint and inhibitor of travel. Third and last, the CDC metric for safe air travel is a mask and
full vaccination.
Thanks for allowing me to clarify.
Wow! Yes, visitor numbers are 2 percent, yet it takes “one” visitor to infect countless residents. I may be mistaken, but it appears blinders to the impact visitors have had on our population. Before we opened our doors to the vaccination cards without testing we were relatively low numbers. Is this really a dialog about how to move forward safely or just a dialog about not interrupting the dollars of the tourist industry? If you truly care, then consider the tourist do not service themselves and there will reach a point when local people refuse in order to protect their families.
We need to restore the Pacific testing process and that should be whether you are vaccinated or not. Those vaccinated can still become infected and contaminate. This seems like the twilight zone of trying to make sense out of nonsense. Our locals are not ignorant to what your intentions are. Let’s see how many tourist arrive when no one shows up to service!
The fool is the fool who follows the fool! You can’t be business minded individuals with this mindset! Wow
Aloha
Good Day Ruby,
I’m not exactly sure what you refer to when you advise us “Our locals are not ignorant of what your intentions are”. As a non-local who travels to Hawaii somewhat frequently, might I respectfully inquire specifically what you believe the intentions of we non-locals are?
It occurs to me you appear to wish to have a circa 1900 Hawaii, except when you don’t. To stay within the confines of the COVID issue and travel, I would remind you that under your view of Hawaii there would be few if any vaccines, few if any hospitals, no testing, few if any public health facilities, and most probably minimal infrastructure, to include skilled medical personnel, to support any of this.
Hawaii is a wonderful and unique place. But Hawaii is in the 21st century and by its own hand within the United States. It must conduct its affairs accordingly. In keeping with this, Hawaii has chosen to utilize its greatest resources; location, geography, and unique cultural history as its economic engine. As you undoubtedly realize, in order this engine perform requires others to come and purchase what you offer. Should Hawaii choose a different economic base it certainly may do so. But the fact is whatever it chooses, it must accept the risk that comes with the benefits.
An attempt to place all the ills of present Hawaii upon visitors, past and present, is in my opinion simply incorrect.
You have several times made reference to fools. I readily admit being confused as to whether you apply this to Hawaiians, or visitors such as I, or perhaps both. You don’t specify.
Please allow me to offer a reference to fools as well.
“The world is full of fools, and he who would not see it should live alone and smash his mirror.”
Claude Le Petit
“The world is full of fools, and he who would not see it should live alone and smash his mirror.”
Claude Le Petit
Brilliant Hayward B.! 😁
We are scheduled to travel September 8th through 13. And no refund is offered. When are we going to know if we can go?
DEB… No guarantees but every time there’s been a change of policy that impacts travel into the islands, there has been a forewarning of weeks and usually more like a month.
Thank you. We are all set to go in October. We moved our reservations from 2020 to 2021. We have had all our vaccinations and I am getting a 3rd. We are not partyers so are looking forward just relaxing and cooking our own meals. I hope it doesn’t change again. We are getting excited and can’t wait to get there.
Please understand That if you keep imposing restrictions people will not come… The economy is already going to not recover the same… People have lost everything many landlords are in big trouble… Even in the small town on the North of the island havi… All businesses are lost except one restaurant is left. No more shut down you just need to deal with this virus. Herd immunity is best.
Well reasoned, Heather. Perhaps the Hawaiian leadership might succeed in reducing Hawaii’s COVID exposure. Who truly knows? The risk is that in attempting to do so it may well kill the tourist based economy patient that remains seriously ill due to prior self-imposed lock-downs and travel restrictions.
Uncertainty inevitably leads to hesitation. Our two visits currently scheduled for this year are on indefinite hold. So it is with others we know. We will reevaluate if and when Hawaii commits to a firm policy.