308 thoughts on “Hawaii Tourism Reopening Plans This Week as Feds Get Involved”
John
Typical government, try and control the 20 million tourists instead of putting all their resources protecting the few thousand people at risk living in the state.
Dave R
Yet 70% of Hawai’i residents polled support the quar antine.
Gayane T.
Our business collapsing! Look at Florida and Ige in his dreams. How unfortunate to have bureaucratic government who can just elevate TAX! God Bless Hawai’i. Aloha
norm c
the state that we know and love will never be the same. just as dumb as the governor is the Mayor of Kauai,maybe dumber? we are devastated here wake up Hawaii we need to elect officials that have brains.Politics will not work here.
Robert L.
Friends who live in Kauai called me yesterday and told me of restaurant closures (Merriman’s, Tortilla Republic, Plantation, and more), lost jobs, homeless camps in Salt Pond, Anini, and others. They are volunteering with the Salvation Army serving the homeless until their tourist-dependent jobs a restored. They said one thing that is very noticeable is that the water is unbelievably clear, and the coral reefs are growing again, which makes for a healthy marine environment. I think a 30-60 day lead time for airlines, hotels, restaurants and support services to prepare is necessary. Some of the smaller businesses may not need that much time, but large hotels and restaurants will need to restaff, possibly train, stock, and clean. And airlines will definitely need the lead time, more likely a 60 day lead time, to resume operations. And then, it will be a phased reopening. It will be impossible to allow 30,000 visitors on day one. Ige needs to consult hoteliers, restauranteurs, airline reps, Chamber of Commerce, Medical reps, Police and Fire Departments to first, ask for their required timelines, and second, give them an overarching plan for reopening. Given these necessities, I don’t believe a reopening will or should occur before 1 August, with full service restored by September or October. Of course, this is all based on no resurgence of C0VID.
Pam L
Can Govenor Ige actually stop tourism from the mainland? After all they are a part of the United States. I live in Wisconsin and work in Wisconsin Dells the “Waterpark capital of the world”. We cannot stop tourist from coming, it’s our livelihood in the summer. I thought we were the land of the free!
Craig
He can’t stop people from coming, per se, but he can leave the 14 day quar antine in place which is pretty much a deterrent. That is within his governance to do so.
Hopefully lifted in the near future for all involved.
Dave R
Here’s what the State of Wisconsin has to say about it:
“We do not recommend travel between your private homes within the state. For example, do not travel to seasonal homes or rental cabins. You may spread C0VID-19 to areas with few doctors or hospitals. This is for your safety and wellbeing as well as the safety of our rural counties and tribal communities.
“Several counties in Wisconsin have issued travel advisories for seasonal and second homeowners. If you must travel, be sure to check for area-specific safety updates and closures. You may need to stay in place, or self-quar antine, for 14 days.
“Bring everything you will need, including your own groceries, medications, and toiletries.”
Why do so many people on the mainland pretend that only Hawai’i has restrictions?
Pam L
Restrictions for guar antine has been lifted and businesses in Wisconsin are up and running with businesses having to have strict cleaning, disinfecting, social distancing and capacity rules in place. I see where Ige is concerned because some tourist tourists do not follow guidelines. Believe me I deal with it every day. When working with the public we just have to be vigilant and adhere to what each county health dept. Expects. But then again, without tourism, like Hawaii the Dells would be dead in the water. Ige, it’s time to open up. Share the beauty of your island!!!
Marcello A.
Hi all,
I planned my summer holidays in your wonderful islands last August, almost one year ago:how many things have changed since then, it seems another era…
We are ready to undergo all kinds of reasonable checks, before, during and after the trip to guarantee you and us a peaceful and joyful ‘coexistence’.
I really hope we can have certain news related to the reopening date of travel from Europe next week (I should be arriving on August 10th).
I also hope that these decisions are not based on what was heard on TV or read in the newspapers, but on real data.
With the desire to visit four of your incredible islands, little ‘corners of paradise’, I wish you all the best!
Marcello
bob b
I believe many hotels are already open or working on plans that will allow them to open asap without having to wait 60 days. as a travel agent I have clients scheduled the middle of aug and hope that the decision is made soon. So far their flight aren’t canceled and hoping the rental cars are open again .
Judy M.
Thank you for the updates. We are following the situation there because we have reservations for Maui in November for our 42 anniversary. I applaud you for taking all of the precautions to make sure everyone is safe. We will continue to follow your updates. Thank you, and be safe.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Judy.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Jim R
Aloha Guys!
I truly wish that they would get it together at the State Government level. It’s pretty clear Hawaii hasn’t and won’t be hit that hard (at least this summer) by this, and the politics are destroying the fragile economy, that is dominated by tourism.
I read today in a Honolulu Star Advertiser op.ed, Hawaii is “ranking among states with the lowest per capita C0VID infection rates — and with a total of 17 deaths, has the lowest mortality rate in the nation”. Although I do understand that there should be concerns with protecting the elderly and those with co-morbidity issues, There should have been plans with some sort of procedures and protocols in place, at least a month or 2 back…to be set in motion and implement much more rapidly, when the time came. It’s poor planning and administration to say the least.
Leaving thousands of people (like me) that have property and call Hawaii home for part of the year hanging, and not giving us clear-cut protocols, as to how we can return to our Hawaii homes, and stock up our food supply for a 14 day quar antine, for example, is just a horrible way to treat those of us who pay hundreds (if not thousands) in property taxes to the State so we can live there when we want to. I could get no information, from any source I tried to contact, and heard of no service that would help people like me, who would be forced to quar antine, to get our needs met.
Fortunately, I was told by neighbors that they would help, if I decided to risk traveling, but because I live outside Hilo, there was no direct flight, and I may have been forced to stay on another island, for 14 days, before going to Hilo. Truthfully, these types of unique circumstances should have been dealt with by the Government to ensure security (and survival for that matter) for those of us who spend several months out of the year there. But, the reality is they can’t seem to deal with the basic decisions, let alone the nuances of situations that would only affect a smaller minority. It’s definitely disheartening that Ige and his administration, are moving so ineptly slow.
As always, I appreciate the info you get, and pass along, and let’s hope they get it together and make some decisions soon, and stop the bleeding, so to speak. Mahalo Guys!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Jim.
We appreciate all of your comments!
Aloha.
Paul C
HOW exactly do you figure Hawaii wont be hit that hard with 20 million visitors per year? Keep your politics off of here and allow Hawaii to open how they need to
Jim R
Paul C,
First, Hawaii, has never had 20 million visitors in any year, let alone “per year”. The most it’s ever recorded is just under 10.5 million, and that was in 2019.
Second, there was over 2.1 million visitors through march (the 1st quarter of 2020) all while this Vi rus was supposed to be spreading like wild fire…that’s before the majority of the shutdown took place. The fact is with more than 2 million visitors, during that time period, the number of cases and death toll is absolutely minuscule, in comparison, and I haven’t even mentioned the roughly 1.4 million or so residents.
Finally, I have actually done research on this topic, and I’d suggest you actually do some, before making false claims about visitor statistics. Really…are you actually trying to tell someone how they should voice there opinion, when you can’t even give basic (researchable) facts in your own??? It’s best to know what you’re talking about before you speak, if you’re going to chastise someone else for their comment.
Paul C completely agree with everything you have said on here!! The cases are low because they took control and prevented people coming in droves because the airfares were so low! The hospitals in Hawaii literally could not handle a huge number of cases! If they need to be super slow reopening and careful to not have a sudden increase in cases (Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Arizona) that is what they need to do to protect THEIR people!! Sorry if the possibility of an increase in cases and people dying messes up your vacation plans.
I had wanted to visit the Big Island again this summer, but knew that it most likely would not be a possibility. I will gladly wait until it it safe for both myself and the Hawaiian people.
Dave R
HI has a low rate of cases and deaths precisely because they followed the restrictive practices that you are complaining about. And please realize that they haven’t been “horrible” in their treatment of you. It’s not about you, it’s about health. And similar restrictions are in place in dozens of other US states. As for timetables, the disease doesn’t do timetables.
Frankly I truly hope that all the mainlanders who are so critical will decide to go elsewhere. They tend to be the kind of visitor who has a negative impact on both locals and other visitors, with self-centered attitudes.
Pam L
I hear you about self centered attitudes. I work in Wisconsin Dells and we are going crazy now that we opened up. Our biggest complaint is respect for others. Especially to those working. When I go on vacation I thank those that serve and help me because I know how they feel. I think of it this way, people DO NOT owe me my vacation, I need to be respectful and appreciate those helping me make my memories. I can’t wait to come to Kauai make a memory with my family, make a positive impact and help those that live there by spending my money respectfully.
John W
Aloha, yesterday I had planned to cancel my 4 week holiday to Oahu in September. A place my wife and I met 24 years ago and have returned every year since.
However, Since reading your latest report in Beat that the Governor is to announce dates for International visitors to return, I shall wait to hear if I can return. Mahalo for all your news and updates.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi John.
Stand by, as we certainly expect to be able to update with definitive information in the next week or so.
Aloha.
Mary Kay
The rest of the world has moved on… I guess hawaii didn’t notice? Just open up already. C0vid was mostly a farce. Hawaii destroyed it’s economy over a political game. Sadly.
norm c
right on Mary Kay simple and to the point. It is all politics just as dumb as the looters.
Paul C
Mary Kay
I have had two personal friends die from C0vid19 and guess what they were young no underlying conditions and happened to catch it on a flight home from Europe. I have to elderly people who somehow got the vi rus and they already distance always……. So stop please spreading your unscientific position. Maybe if you had someone close to you die from it you would take this more seriously. I am very saddened to see your flippant attitude towards this. Hawaii gets what 20 MILLION visitors a year.
To Hawaii open up when its safe for you and all of us. Mahalo
OH AND PS the world has NOT moved on
Claudia S
Aloha Mary Kay. May I politely disagree… nothing you wrote is based on facts. The rest of the world has moved on? Please back this up with fact. To say C0vid is a farce is misinformation. It’s also not a political game. I’m thankful the islands were not hit harder. There have been 383,000 deaths… hardly a farce or political game. Now, because of the stringent rules of the govt., it is hopefully time to open and welcome visitors back to our lovely island. Everyone be safe, and stay healthy. Mahalo!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Claudia.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Dave R
All those dead people (over 110,000 in the US alone, and adding about 1,000 per day), and people with blood clots and other life-changing issues due to C0VID are not playing political games. Nor are all the scientists and medical professionals who are working day and night to save lives.
Michael M
Aloha…
It’s a difficult balance to strike between the tourism, so vital to the economy and public health given this widespread pan demic.
I’m delighted to hear that the Islands will again be open to travellers and I hope that everyone takes good care of themselves, others and the environment.
As a longtime visitor from overseas, I hope the international travel ban to the USA will soon be lifted to allow my honorary Hawai’i status (self-proclaimed) to be indulged.
Mahalo again for all the information.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Michael.
Thank you. We look forward to your being able to return again soon.
Aloha.
Paul C
Why is this hawaii page allowing BS political stuff? You all seem better than this. STOP with the politics. Doesnt matter if your president governor or mayor no matter what they DO or DONT do there will be people complaining. Come on where is the ALOHA spirit here?
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Paul.
There is a wide range of opinions expressed and we do our best in moderating and attempting to maintain civility and aloha.
Aloha.
Paul C
Fair enough. Just the conspiracy stuff is a bit over the top. Looking forward to seeing you all in September hopefully Mahalo
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Paul.
Thanks for your understanding.
Aloha.
Dave R
I think that Paul is right. It shouldn’t be hard to keep the threads focused on the topic at hand. There is a lot of irrelevant political commentary (and just plain whining) – much of it very vitriolic – that does nothing to provide information or advance the discussion. Although it does reveal, in an indirect way, what a curse tourism and tourists can be.
Joann B
My niece and her husband are moving in with us as soon as possible. My husband has leukemia and recently underwent a quadruple heart bypass. We are both in our 70’s. My health isn’t that great and the plan is for them to live with us here on Maui. Eventually when we pass on, the house will go to them. Neither one of us want to end up in a nursing home. With my husbands cancer we have been distancing for 5 years. We want them to be able to come as soon as possible. We are negative for C0vid and they have plans to test before they leave California and after they arrive here to keep us safe.
Mahalo for any advice to help their move be a smooth and safe one
Aloha
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Joann.
Thanks for sharing your tough situation. It is just that they will need to stay in your home for the first 14 days if that is still in effect. We aren’t aware of exceptions. However, have you tried reaching out to the Lieutenant Governor’s office? Not sure it will help, but it came to mind. Wishing you all the best.
Aloha.
Darlene S
Hi and thank you for keeping us informed on a daily basis. We are residents and want to return home after several attempts to get back to the Big Island. July 2nd is the new reservation from Seattle to Kona…..Any thoughts as to if the quar antine will be lifted? Again, mahalo.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Darlene.
Thank you. We can’t say with any certainty and there has been no solid information from the state. As for our gut feeling, perhaps later in July at the earliest. But don’t hold us to that. We should know next week, so fingers are crossed.
Aloha.
Ane T
Aloha, thanks for the info.
I was not aware the Ing had such a low approval rating. Anyone would have a difficult time managing all of this. I appreciate that he has been cautious. few or now cases is awesome for us. I also appreciate that he will take his time with re-opening travel with out quar antine. I am guessing most if not all of the people who disapprove of him are ones who lost their jobs or closed their businesses because of the vi rus. 40% is a lot of people to disapprove of you.
Personally I am happy so far with how it has gone so slowly AND grateful for Josh Green handling the details mostly behind the scenes. Hope he runs for Gov. next time!
Thanks again for the great site.
Still looking for a place to stay on Kauai when we can finally come over.
Ane T
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Ane.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Tj
The high disapproval rating of Governor Ige certainly isn’t anything new or a new occurrence since C0vid. It stems back to the botched missile launch warning in 2018, the 30 meter telescope, the super ferry debacle, homeless crisis and much, much more. Governor Ige is a walking disaster and a disgrace to Hawaii. He’s pretty much batting zero for zero! He has no positive accomplishments to his credit as the governor of Hawaii. Currently, he is in the midst of destroying Hawaii’s economy. He is indecisive and unable to come up with a plan to reopen Hawaii to tourism; Hawaii’s economic engine. It appears that he’s on a power trip with no end in sight. To add insult to injury, he’s now entertaining the idea of allowing Japanese tourists to be the first tourist allowed back into Hawaii. In the process he is backhanding fellow Americans living on the mainland. Governor Ige should be impeached. He is taking Hawaii on a journey of no return. By the time this man leaves office in 2022 Hawaii will be hurdling towards a point of total destruction.
I agree, many of the people that disapprove of him are probably among those that have lost their jobs or closed their businesses. Who wouldn’t be upset over that?
Mahalo!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi TJ.
Thank you.
Aloha.
K.B
Could not agree with you more. Thank you for your comment.
Lili H
This is the same governor who let his citizens and visitors spend 38 minutes thinking they were about to be annihilated by a nuclear missile. Does anyone really think he has either the intellect or compassion or even the common sense to “lead” this state back to economic or emotional health? If there was ever a governor who should be recalled,if that is possible in Hawaii, he would be the one.
Lynda C
I have to believe that those insistent on opening the islands are totally unaware that some breast cancer patients scheduled for mastectomies in March are now booked for late June and July. Serious and emergency medical conditions were complicated by conditions created by C0vid on the islands. We have a shortage of doctors and hospitals. Please ask yourself if this vacation is more important than their lives?
Curtis C.
In 2017, AARP rated Hawaii as the #1 state for health care in the USA. I know of retirees who took that into consideration when deciding on a move to the islands. If mastectomies were delayed, the patients were sold a bill of goods. Hawaii has had a minimum of hospitalizations compared to most locations on the mainland.
Gayana
Unfortunately Hawai’i government does NOT welcome mainland doctors to come and establish business. They don’t like it! How many doctors have told and complain me about. As if it’s a not USA .
Kitty K
We’ve been vacation club owners at Marriott since 1995 and at Westin since 2008. We have heard of the governor’s potential plan to open tourism to Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand first, because these countries have lower C0VID rate and their travelers “obey the rules.” As long term visitors and VC owners, we feel we are disadvantaged by this. We’ve been to Kauai almost every year since 1990. We’ve spent significant money (he says the others spend more than Mainland visitors). Many of us have had plans for 2020 and need to know if we’re going to be able to visit without having the 14 day quar antine. I wrote the Governor and Lt Governor about this and receive a nice but standard auto – reply. We (East Coast people) don’t really want to have to convert our trips to other destinations, like the Caribbean but will if we have to. A firm date for what’s going to happen would be a big help. Thanks.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Kitty.
Thanks. We look forward to having more information soon.
Aloha.
Gayle W.
Same here. With timeshare owners, we have to book our stay a year ahead of time. We also own at the Marriott and the Westin. Our stay begins on July 3rd. I haven’t canceled any plans yet. I’m holding on, hoping that the quarantine will be dropped on June 30th. I need this trip badly! If they make us get tested before coming, I’d do it in order to come to Hawaii. If we don’t have it, we wouldn’t be a threat to any locals.We’d help the Hawaiian economy instead!
Phebe H
Thanks so much for the updates. My husband and I have had an 8 day vacation to Maui for August 21st – 29th booked since October. We have reservations at a resort in Lahaina.It be our first trip to Hawaii. We’re so looking forward to coming. Sure hope everything will be open before then. I will keep watching for your next update. Thank you and hope everyone stays safe! Mahalo!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Phebe.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Bill S
Aloha Phebe
Is your reservation at Lahaina Shores?
We were looking to go in November, but afraid to book yet.
Mahalo
Bill
FS
Go ahead! Open up and have a massive outbreak that closes everything down again. Only this time without the assistance of the Feds. Don’t be in such a hurry to make a bad situation worse. Lives are at stake!
K.B
It’s a very slippery slope. Should locals not be allowed to leave? How do you ensure they are not bringing it back? Important to recognize tourism is an essential part of economy.
Barbara H
We always vacation from the mainland at least once a year, if not twice. We have a beautiful vacation rental booked for early September! I am hoping and praying we don’t have to break a 36 year tradition.
Doug
As a six month year PT resident and owner of a condo (which we DON’T rent out when we are not there) this entire reopening has been nothing short of a spectacular epic failure
! I can imagine the hardship to the average worker and to the overall tourist industry for YEARS to come. Get the crap together and move forward! Wow!
Sherry D
Thank you very much for keeping all of us posted on future travel. It has been very important to me. Due the fact that the government changed their short term rental rules we were forced to sell our wonderful little one bedroom in Mahaha after 18 years. The unit closes June 26. We were hoping to return in June to Oahu from the mainland to pick up things that were special to us,say goodbye to old friends and get rid of a car etc. Fortunately we have a wonderful realtor who will donate our belongins to a church. I do understand the need to keep the islands safe but feel sad we cannot return.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Sherry.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Jen F.
Thank you for the continuous updates, I have come to count on them as I await learning the fate of my trip to Maui in mid-July. Our stay is only 5 days long from the 14th-19th so we have no time to be able to quarantine, there have been no cancellations of our flight with Hawaiian Airlines nor our accommodations once there. I remain hopeful and it will be down to the wire it seems. Airbnb is my preferred accommodation method and cancellations are only moderately flexible when it comes down to this unknown and day by day decisions changes, plus that part being booked after the deadlines that allowed for full cancellation refund down to the last minute. We understand it has been a difficult time for everyone to navigate, and am eager for everyone to feel comfortable and get back closer to normal again. Please share if you have any insight into travel to/from Maui from Phoenix, AZ as that is our origin for July. We have not been a hot spot at any point but it is not a city that has been commented on with regards to Hawaii travel. Good luck to everyone on their upcoming plans!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Jen.
Thank you. We look forward to updating you soon.
Aloha.
Pam L
I appreciate the constant up dates that you have given me and the other people that want to come visit the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. I believe the others like myself on this website are just tired of the daily grind and want to get away to a island oasis and forget about the things happening in this world, and Hawaii is that place. We all just want to come and make awesome memories with our families and learn about a place that takes us back in time to a simpler way of life. God willing I hope to get my husband and 2 daughters there the beginning of August.
Thank you and ALOHA!!!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Pam.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Raj K.
It would seem the airlines would require passengers to be tested before getting on board to protect staff and passengers, therefore, tourists arrive healthy and virus free.
David W
There seems to be a complete disconnect between Governor Ige and the needs of business owners both small and large in Hawaii. The Governor seems to think businesses can survive endless shutdowns or reopen without the support of 99 percent of the tourists. Allowing a few tourists from Japan is hardly enough to make it profitable for most businesses to reopen. Federal aid will not last much longer and real effects of the Governor’s actions will be felt by Hawaiians in the form of additional tax burdens, bankruptcies, and long term unemployment. In addition, the damage to tourism and the negative feelings this has created toward mainland tourists will take years to heal. I think the Governor must look at the totality of circumstances and move swiftly to reopening travel without the 14 day quar antine.
Claudia S
This is great news! Thank you for sharing. As an owner of a Vacation Rental, I can say I’m happy to welcome guests a soon as deemed safe. As long as beaches and restaurants are allowed to open, and even if restaurants only allow take out, my home, as well as other short term rental owners will be available to accept renters. If it is held off until July, if I’m allowed to come to my second home, can I say, I WOULD SWIM THERE IF I COULD! I miss the Aloha spirit and my lovely friends on island. Be safe and big love to everyone! Mahalo!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Claudia.
Thanks.
Aloha
Jeff
I have plans to travel to Oahu and to Maui the first couple of weeks in September. We need to know now as tourists if we are going to be able to go there or not. And Hawaiian Airlines needs to allow for us to get our money back no questions asked so we can use that money somewhere else. I’m tired of Being left in limbo.
James B
There are two rumors that would appreciate your comments:
1. Governor Ige will allow hotels only upon the announcement of travel from other states/countries/corridors. Condos/Air BnB will not be allowed to book.
2. There is a likelihood that travel from other countries or states will not re-open for the remainder of 2020.
Mahalo for this service.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi James.
Thanks for your comment. Should the governor delay vacation rental reopening, we suspect lawsuits will result. We also don’t think reopening will wait that long at all. We should know much more next week.
Aloha.
david f
we have a 10 day vacation booked in mid August, which means that Ige would have to open the state in the next few weeks for preparation. any thoughts?
Sharon Y
Inquiring minds can you recall your Governor?
Ryan S.
What I want to know is when Ige and the mayors will open short term rental operations. Inter-island travel opening up on June 16 has encouraged many Hawaii residents to begin seeking accommodations for a staycation. I have had to turn away two resident staycationers in the last 24 hours because Ige and the mayors are still keeping us closed. In a recent article on West Hawaii Today even headlined “Mayors unenthusiastic about vacation rentals”. I get why they don’t want STRs in residential areas, and certainly not the illegal STRs, but for those of us zoned “resort” and fully registered tax-paying businesses, we’re getting screwed!
John
Taxation without representation and personal/hotel lobby interests of government officals over the tax payers
Sam H.
Ryan, I recommend all of you in the same boat to get together, mass demonstrate, and make every effort to expose all those politicians making those decisions and hurting you financially. If you ever expect people like me to come back over there, you might wish to make some serious political changes.
Ryan S.
Hey Sam,
I’m trying. I don’t live there…I live in Tennessee…a good ole red state! I have no vote in Hawaii, but I’m reaching out to Ige and Victorino every few days for answers!
matt s.
stay in tennesse .you have no say what hawaii does.
paul C
what is with all the politics on this thread? Is beat of Hawaii a political based group? I came here for information about Hawaii not to read angry political posts. What the heck people?
Half of you commenting I would hate to share space in Hawaii with you with your angry attitudes. Peace and love to all.
Mike
Thanks for another informative update.
Do you think it is possible that Ige and his administration will differentiate between tourists and residents returning from the mainland? Certainly fewer preparations are needed to allow off-island residents to return home as there would be no hotels, vacation rentals, etc. involved.
I am now looking (and hoping) for an early August return to Hawaii island but will Ige’s glacial decision making allow for that?
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Mike.
Our sense is no there will be no differentiation.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Janet B
I think the Hawaii governor is doing a great job keeping his state safe! Kudos! I’m from
California and though I realize this is hard on all the governors strict measures have kept C0VID very low in your state.
Jeri M.
As a Big Island resident, I completely agree with you . This must be a very difficult decision for the governor and others. I don’t see how opening up tourism without the 14 day quar antine can take place unless some sort of pre-testing protocol in place. Even with a two month lead time that’s going to put us right back into fall flu season.
Ryan S.
I would just be happy to be able to open up my condo to Hawaii residents at this time. We aren’t even allowed to do that, even though they are encouraging people to travel between islands to visit family and so forth.
Scott
You must still have a paycheck and no kids at home to school. How nice for you.
The rest of us need our State back in the face of CDC, IMHC and WHO data that contradicts the original claims of the lethal nature of the virus. Our concern is the lethal nature of an economic, social and psychological collapse of our Lives.
Laura B.
Please let me know when I can come to the isle of Kauai
Thank you
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Laura.
We will continue to update you.
Aloha.
Ann P
I’m wondering what to do since my family and I have plane tickets for the end of August. First to the Big Island and then a 3 day stay in Honolulu. Should I cancel our reservations or reschedule? Very discerning.
Gregory H.
Hoping to get more news on Hawaii for September 29 2020
If Hawaiian airlines flight 7
LAS TO HNL IS STILL GOING
THANK
YOU
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Gregory.
Obviously there is no specific information yet. We’ll be posting as soon as we have any updates.
Aloha.
Gary C.
Aloha my friends,
We are wondering the possibility of traveling to our timeshare on Kauai in mid July. Please let us know if we should cancel our flights made and plan for 2021. Would love to come and spend lots of money and tip our staff well. We are healthy with strong immune systems and would be willing to be tested and just hang out at our home facility. Just checking as we do not want to upset any of the residents with our presence. Mahalo and am looking forward to your thoughts on this.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Gary.
We hope to have more news soon on July. Please stand by.
Aloha.
Timothy W.
To all those posting here that they want Hawaii to stay closed: Good luck! Please keep in mind that without risk, there is no reward. Any amateur investor, any business owner, any entrepreneur can tell you that. Restarting your economy is no different.
I would, however, advise that you take a close look at the State of Georgia as your guide. They are going on 3 weeks since restarting and have yet to see any major outbreaks. If an uptick there truly existed, the media would be reporting it. And the stunning fact about Georgia is that testing there has increased many times over since their peak. So more testing should equal more cases, but it’s not. At least, not yet.
As a final thought, keep this in mind: extreme poverty will kill people too!
PBS
Thank you for this comment. Your perspective is exactly what we need to hear more.
paul C
keep your freaking politics out of this.
Jerry
Wow Paul, lighten up. Mahalo.
Claudia S.
Paul C, a reminder to be kind and keep the Aloha Spirit. We’re all in this together and want the best for Hawaii and everyone. Be safe. Aloha.
paul c
Why because I said keep your politics out of it? I have been nothing but supportive of Aloha spirit and the islanders. I am so much looking forward to coming to Honolulu in September after our May 1-11 trip was cancelled. I am weary of those who are making light of the vi rus as I have two personal friends who have died from it and know many others who either have it or have had it. SO dont preach to me about the Aloha Spirit when I see so many posting HATEFILLED messages about The Hawaiian people etc. But do correct me if I said something specific that made you say this
Claudia S.
Timothy W., I wonder if all the riots and unrest this last week may have superseded the news coverage of C0vid in GA. Lets all try to stay calm and remember to breathe!
Comments are closed.
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Typical government, try and control the 20 million tourists instead of putting all their resources protecting the few thousand people at risk living in the state.
Yet 70% of Hawai’i residents polled support the quar antine.
Our business collapsing! Look at Florida and Ige in his dreams. How unfortunate to have bureaucratic government who can just elevate TAX! God Bless Hawai’i. Aloha
the state that we know and love will never be the same. just as dumb as the governor is the Mayor of Kauai,maybe dumber? we are devastated here wake up Hawaii we need to elect officials that have brains.Politics will not work here.
Friends who live in Kauai called me yesterday and told me of restaurant closures (Merriman’s, Tortilla Republic, Plantation, and more), lost jobs, homeless camps in Salt Pond, Anini, and others. They are volunteering with the Salvation Army serving the homeless until their tourist-dependent jobs a restored. They said one thing that is very noticeable is that the water is unbelievably clear, and the coral reefs are growing again, which makes for a healthy marine environment. I think a 30-60 day lead time for airlines, hotels, restaurants and support services to prepare is necessary. Some of the smaller businesses may not need that much time, but large hotels and restaurants will need to restaff, possibly train, stock, and clean. And airlines will definitely need the lead time, more likely a 60 day lead time, to resume operations. And then, it will be a phased reopening. It will be impossible to allow 30,000 visitors on day one. Ige needs to consult hoteliers, restauranteurs, airline reps, Chamber of Commerce, Medical reps, Police and Fire Departments to first, ask for their required timelines, and second, give them an overarching plan for reopening. Given these necessities, I don’t believe a reopening will or should occur before 1 August, with full service restored by September or October. Of course, this is all based on no resurgence of C0VID.
Can Govenor Ige actually stop tourism from the mainland? After all they are a part of the United States. I live in Wisconsin and work in Wisconsin Dells the “Waterpark capital of the world”. We cannot stop tourist from coming, it’s our livelihood in the summer. I thought we were the land of the free!
He can’t stop people from coming, per se, but he can leave the 14 day quar antine in place which is pretty much a deterrent. That is within his governance to do so.
Hopefully lifted in the near future for all involved.
Here’s what the State of Wisconsin has to say about it:
“We do not recommend travel between your private homes within the state. For example, do not travel to seasonal homes or rental cabins. You may spread C0VID-19 to areas with few doctors or hospitals. This is for your safety and wellbeing as well as the safety of our rural counties and tribal communities.
“Several counties in Wisconsin have issued travel advisories for seasonal and second homeowners. If you must travel, be sure to check for area-specific safety updates and closures. You may need to stay in place, or self-quar antine, for 14 days.
“Bring everything you will need, including your own groceries, medications, and toiletries.”
Why do so many people on the mainland pretend that only Hawai’i has restrictions?
Restrictions for guar antine has been lifted and businesses in Wisconsin are up and running with businesses having to have strict cleaning, disinfecting, social distancing and capacity rules in place. I see where Ige is concerned because some tourist tourists do not follow guidelines. Believe me I deal with it every day. When working with the public we just have to be vigilant and adhere to what each county health dept. Expects. But then again, without tourism, like Hawaii the Dells would be dead in the water. Ige, it’s time to open up. Share the beauty of your island!!!
Hi all,
I planned my summer holidays in your wonderful islands last August, almost one year ago:how many things have changed since then, it seems another era…
We are ready to undergo all kinds of reasonable checks, before, during and after the trip to guarantee you and us a peaceful and joyful ‘coexistence’.
I really hope we can have certain news related to the reopening date of travel from Europe next week (I should be arriving on August 10th).
I also hope that these decisions are not based on what was heard on TV or read in the newspapers, but on real data.
With the desire to visit four of your incredible islands, little ‘corners of paradise’, I wish you all the best!
Marcello
I believe many hotels are already open or working on plans that will allow them to open asap without having to wait 60 days. as a travel agent I have clients scheduled the middle of aug and hope that the decision is made soon. So far their flight aren’t canceled and hoping the rental cars are open again .
Thank you for the updates. We are following the situation there because we have reservations for Maui in November for our 42 anniversary. I applaud you for taking all of the precautions to make sure everyone is safe. We will continue to follow your updates. Thank you, and be safe.
Hi Judy.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Aloha Guys!
I truly wish that they would get it together at the State Government level. It’s pretty clear Hawaii hasn’t and won’t be hit that hard (at least this summer) by this, and the politics are destroying the fragile economy, that is dominated by tourism.
I read today in a Honolulu Star Advertiser op.ed, Hawaii is “ranking among states with the lowest per capita C0VID infection rates — and with a total of 17 deaths, has the lowest mortality rate in the nation”. Although I do understand that there should be concerns with protecting the elderly and those with co-morbidity issues, There should have been plans with some sort of procedures and protocols in place, at least a month or 2 back…to be set in motion and implement much more rapidly, when the time came. It’s poor planning and administration to say the least.
Leaving thousands of people (like me) that have property and call Hawaii home for part of the year hanging, and not giving us clear-cut protocols, as to how we can return to our Hawaii homes, and stock up our food supply for a 14 day quar antine, for example, is just a horrible way to treat those of us who pay hundreds (if not thousands) in property taxes to the State so we can live there when we want to. I could get no information, from any source I tried to contact, and heard of no service that would help people like me, who would be forced to quar antine, to get our needs met.
Fortunately, I was told by neighbors that they would help, if I decided to risk traveling, but because I live outside Hilo, there was no direct flight, and I may have been forced to stay on another island, for 14 days, before going to Hilo. Truthfully, these types of unique circumstances should have been dealt with by the Government to ensure security (and survival for that matter) for those of us who spend several months out of the year there. But, the reality is they can’t seem to deal with the basic decisions, let alone the nuances of situations that would only affect a smaller minority. It’s definitely disheartening that Ige and his administration, are moving so ineptly slow.
As always, I appreciate the info you get, and pass along, and let’s hope they get it together and make some decisions soon, and stop the bleeding, so to speak. Mahalo Guys!
Hi Jim.
We appreciate all of your comments!
Aloha.
HOW exactly do you figure Hawaii wont be hit that hard with 20 million visitors per year? Keep your politics off of here and allow Hawaii to open how they need to
Paul C,
First, Hawaii, has never had 20 million visitors in any year, let alone “per year”. The most it’s ever recorded is just under 10.5 million, and that was in 2019.
Second, there was over 2.1 million visitors through march (the 1st quarter of 2020) all while this Vi rus was supposed to be spreading like wild fire…that’s before the majority of the shutdown took place. The fact is with more than 2 million visitors, during that time period, the number of cases and death toll is absolutely minuscule, in comparison, and I haven’t even mentioned the roughly 1.4 million or so residents.
Finally, I have actually done research on this topic, and I’d suggest you actually do some, before making false claims about visitor statistics. Really…are you actually trying to tell someone how they should voice there opinion, when you can’t even give basic (researchable) facts in your own??? It’s best to know what you’re talking about before you speak, if you’re going to chastise someone else for their comment.
https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/research/monthly-visitor-statistics/
Paul C completely agree with everything you have said on here!! The cases are low because they took control and prevented people coming in droves because the airfares were so low! The hospitals in Hawaii literally could not handle a huge number of cases! If they need to be super slow reopening and careful to not have a sudden increase in cases (Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Arizona) that is what they need to do to protect THEIR people!! Sorry if the possibility of an increase in cases and people dying messes up your vacation plans.
I had wanted to visit the Big Island again this summer, but knew that it most likely would not be a possibility. I will gladly wait until it it safe for both myself and the Hawaiian people.
HI has a low rate of cases and deaths precisely because they followed the restrictive practices that you are complaining about. And please realize that they haven’t been “horrible” in their treatment of you. It’s not about you, it’s about health. And similar restrictions are in place in dozens of other US states. As for timetables, the disease doesn’t do timetables.
Frankly I truly hope that all the mainlanders who are so critical will decide to go elsewhere. They tend to be the kind of visitor who has a negative impact on both locals and other visitors, with self-centered attitudes.
I hear you about self centered attitudes. I work in Wisconsin Dells and we are going crazy now that we opened up. Our biggest complaint is respect for others. Especially to those working. When I go on vacation I thank those that serve and help me because I know how they feel. I think of it this way, people DO NOT owe me my vacation, I need to be respectful and appreciate those helping me make my memories. I can’t wait to come to Kauai make a memory with my family, make a positive impact and help those that live there by spending my money respectfully.
Aloha, yesterday I had planned to cancel my 4 week holiday to Oahu in September. A place my wife and I met 24 years ago and have returned every year since.
However, Since reading your latest report in Beat that the Governor is to announce dates for International visitors to return, I shall wait to hear if I can return. Mahalo for all your news and updates.
Hi John.
Stand by, as we certainly expect to be able to update with definitive information in the next week or so.
Aloha.
The rest of the world has moved on… I guess hawaii didn’t notice? Just open up already. C0vid was mostly a farce. Hawaii destroyed it’s economy over a political game. Sadly.
right on Mary Kay simple and to the point. It is all politics just as dumb as the looters.
Mary Kay
I have had two personal friends die from C0vid19 and guess what they were young no underlying conditions and happened to catch it on a flight home from Europe. I have to elderly people who somehow got the vi rus and they already distance always……. So stop please spreading your unscientific position. Maybe if you had someone close to you die from it you would take this more seriously. I am very saddened to see your flippant attitude towards this. Hawaii gets what 20 MILLION visitors a year.
To Hawaii open up when its safe for you and all of us. Mahalo
OH AND PS the world has NOT moved on
Aloha Mary Kay. May I politely disagree… nothing you wrote is based on facts. The rest of the world has moved on? Please back this up with fact. To say C0vid is a farce is misinformation. It’s also not a political game. I’m thankful the islands were not hit harder. There have been 383,000 deaths… hardly a farce or political game. Now, because of the stringent rules of the govt., it is hopefully time to open and welcome visitors back to our lovely island. Everyone be safe, and stay healthy. Mahalo!
Hi Claudia.
Thanks.
Aloha.
All those dead people (over 110,000 in the US alone, and adding about 1,000 per day), and people with blood clots and other life-changing issues due to C0VID are not playing political games. Nor are all the scientists and medical professionals who are working day and night to save lives.
Aloha…
It’s a difficult balance to strike between the tourism, so vital to the economy and public health given this widespread pan demic.
I’m delighted to hear that the Islands will again be open to travellers and I hope that everyone takes good care of themselves, others and the environment.
As a longtime visitor from overseas, I hope the international travel ban to the USA will soon be lifted to allow my honorary Hawai’i status (self-proclaimed) to be indulged.
Mahalo again for all the information.
Hi Michael.
Thank you. We look forward to your being able to return again soon.
Aloha.
Why is this hawaii page allowing BS political stuff? You all seem better than this. STOP with the politics. Doesnt matter if your president governor or mayor no matter what they DO or DONT do there will be people complaining. Come on where is the ALOHA spirit here?
Hi Paul.
There is a wide range of opinions expressed and we do our best in moderating and attempting to maintain civility and aloha.
Aloha.
Fair enough. Just the conspiracy stuff is a bit over the top. Looking forward to seeing you all in September hopefully Mahalo
Hi Paul.
Thanks for your understanding.
Aloha.
I think that Paul is right. It shouldn’t be hard to keep the threads focused on the topic at hand. There is a lot of irrelevant political commentary (and just plain whining) – much of it very vitriolic – that does nothing to provide information or advance the discussion. Although it does reveal, in an indirect way, what a curse tourism and tourists can be.
My niece and her husband are moving in with us as soon as possible. My husband has leukemia and recently underwent a quadruple heart bypass. We are both in our 70’s. My health isn’t that great and the plan is for them to live with us here on Maui. Eventually when we pass on, the house will go to them. Neither one of us want to end up in a nursing home. With my husbands cancer we have been distancing for 5 years. We want them to be able to come as soon as possible. We are negative for C0vid and they have plans to test before they leave California and after they arrive here to keep us safe.
Mahalo for any advice to help their move be a smooth and safe one
Aloha
Hi Joann.
Thanks for sharing your tough situation. It is just that they will need to stay in your home for the first 14 days if that is still in effect. We aren’t aware of exceptions. However, have you tried reaching out to the Lieutenant Governor’s office? Not sure it will help, but it came to mind. Wishing you all the best.
Aloha.
Hi and thank you for keeping us informed on a daily basis. We are residents and want to return home after several attempts to get back to the Big Island. July 2nd is the new reservation from Seattle to Kona…..Any thoughts as to if the quar antine will be lifted? Again, mahalo.
Hi Darlene.
Thank you. We can’t say with any certainty and there has been no solid information from the state. As for our gut feeling, perhaps later in July at the earliest. But don’t hold us to that. We should know next week, so fingers are crossed.
Aloha.
Aloha, thanks for the info.
I was not aware the Ing had such a low approval rating. Anyone would have a difficult time managing all of this. I appreciate that he has been cautious. few or now cases is awesome for us. I also appreciate that he will take his time with re-opening travel with out quar antine. I am guessing most if not all of the people who disapprove of him are ones who lost their jobs or closed their businesses because of the vi rus. 40% is a lot of people to disapprove of you.
Personally I am happy so far with how it has gone so slowly AND grateful for Josh Green handling the details mostly behind the scenes. Hope he runs for Gov. next time!
Thanks again for the great site.
Still looking for a place to stay on Kauai when we can finally come over.
Ane T
Hi Ane.
Thank you.
Aloha.
The high disapproval rating of Governor Ige certainly isn’t anything new or a new occurrence since C0vid. It stems back to the botched missile launch warning in 2018, the 30 meter telescope, the super ferry debacle, homeless crisis and much, much more. Governor Ige is a walking disaster and a disgrace to Hawaii. He’s pretty much batting zero for zero! He has no positive accomplishments to his credit as the governor of Hawaii. Currently, he is in the midst of destroying Hawaii’s economy. He is indecisive and unable to come up with a plan to reopen Hawaii to tourism; Hawaii’s economic engine. It appears that he’s on a power trip with no end in sight. To add insult to injury, he’s now entertaining the idea of allowing Japanese tourists to be the first tourist allowed back into Hawaii. In the process he is backhanding fellow Americans living on the mainland. Governor Ige should be impeached. He is taking Hawaii on a journey of no return. By the time this man leaves office in 2022 Hawaii will be hurdling towards a point of total destruction.
I agree, many of the people that disapprove of him are probably among those that have lost their jobs or closed their businesses. Who wouldn’t be upset over that?
Mahalo!
Hi TJ.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Could not agree with you more. Thank you for your comment.
This is the same governor who let his citizens and visitors spend 38 minutes thinking they were about to be annihilated by a nuclear missile. Does anyone really think he has either the intellect or compassion or even the common sense to “lead” this state back to economic or emotional health? If there was ever a governor who should be recalled,if that is possible in Hawaii, he would be the one.
I have to believe that those insistent on opening the islands are totally unaware that some breast cancer patients scheduled for mastectomies in March are now booked for late June and July. Serious and emergency medical conditions were complicated by conditions created by C0vid on the islands. We have a shortage of doctors and hospitals. Please ask yourself if this vacation is more important than their lives?
In 2017, AARP rated Hawaii as the #1 state for health care in the USA. I know of retirees who took that into consideration when deciding on a move to the islands. If mastectomies were delayed, the patients were sold a bill of goods. Hawaii has had a minimum of hospitalizations compared to most locations on the mainland.
Unfortunately Hawai’i government does NOT welcome mainland doctors to come and establish business. They don’t like it! How many doctors have told and complain me about. As if it’s a not USA .
We’ve been vacation club owners at Marriott since 1995 and at Westin since 2008. We have heard of the governor’s potential plan to open tourism to Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand first, because these countries have lower C0VID rate and their travelers “obey the rules.” As long term visitors and VC owners, we feel we are disadvantaged by this. We’ve been to Kauai almost every year since 1990. We’ve spent significant money (he says the others spend more than Mainland visitors). Many of us have had plans for 2020 and need to know if we’re going to be able to visit without having the 14 day quar antine. I wrote the Governor and Lt Governor about this and receive a nice but standard auto – reply. We (East Coast people) don’t really want to have to convert our trips to other destinations, like the Caribbean but will if we have to. A firm date for what’s going to happen would be a big help. Thanks.
Hi Kitty.
Thanks. We look forward to having more information soon.
Aloha.
Same here. With timeshare owners, we have to book our stay a year ahead of time. We also own at the Marriott and the Westin. Our stay begins on July 3rd. I haven’t canceled any plans yet. I’m holding on, hoping that the quarantine will be dropped on June 30th. I need this trip badly! If they make us get tested before coming, I’d do it in order to come to Hawaii. If we don’t have it, we wouldn’t be a threat to any locals.We’d help the Hawaiian economy instead!
Thanks so much for the updates. My husband and I have had an 8 day vacation to Maui for August 21st – 29th booked since October. We have reservations at a resort in Lahaina.It be our first trip to Hawaii. We’re so looking forward to coming. Sure hope everything will be open before then. I will keep watching for your next update. Thank you and hope everyone stays safe! Mahalo!
Hi Phebe.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Aloha Phebe
Is your reservation at Lahaina Shores?
We were looking to go in November, but afraid to book yet.
Mahalo
Bill
Go ahead! Open up and have a massive outbreak that closes everything down again. Only this time without the assistance of the Feds. Don’t be in such a hurry to make a bad situation worse. Lives are at stake!
It’s a very slippery slope. Should locals not be allowed to leave? How do you ensure they are not bringing it back? Important to recognize tourism is an essential part of economy.
We always vacation from the mainland at least once a year, if not twice. We have a beautiful vacation rental booked for early September! I am hoping and praying we don’t have to break a 36 year tradition.
As a six month year PT resident and owner of a condo (which we DON’T rent out when we are not there) this entire reopening has been nothing short of a spectacular epic failure
! I can imagine the hardship to the average worker and to the overall tourist industry for YEARS to come. Get the crap together and move forward! Wow!
Thank you very much for keeping all of us posted on future travel. It has been very important to me. Due the fact that the government changed their short term rental rules we were forced to sell our wonderful little one bedroom in Mahaha after 18 years. The unit closes June 26. We were hoping to return in June to Oahu from the mainland to pick up things that were special to us,say goodbye to old friends and get rid of a car etc. Fortunately we have a wonderful realtor who will donate our belongins to a church. I do understand the need to keep the islands safe but feel sad we cannot return.
Hi Sherry.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Thank you for the continuous updates, I have come to count on them as I await learning the fate of my trip to Maui in mid-July. Our stay is only 5 days long from the 14th-19th so we have no time to be able to quarantine, there have been no cancellations of our flight with Hawaiian Airlines nor our accommodations once there. I remain hopeful and it will be down to the wire it seems. Airbnb is my preferred accommodation method and cancellations are only moderately flexible when it comes down to this unknown and day by day decisions changes, plus that part being booked after the deadlines that allowed for full cancellation refund down to the last minute. We understand it has been a difficult time for everyone to navigate, and am eager for everyone to feel comfortable and get back closer to normal again. Please share if you have any insight into travel to/from Maui from Phoenix, AZ as that is our origin for July. We have not been a hot spot at any point but it is not a city that has been commented on with regards to Hawaii travel. Good luck to everyone on their upcoming plans!
Hi Jen.
Thank you. We look forward to updating you soon.
Aloha.
I appreciate the constant up dates that you have given me and the other people that want to come visit the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. I believe the others like myself on this website are just tired of the daily grind and want to get away to a island oasis and forget about the things happening in this world, and Hawaii is that place. We all just want to come and make awesome memories with our families and learn about a place that takes us back in time to a simpler way of life. God willing I hope to get my husband and 2 daughters there the beginning of August.
Thank you and ALOHA!!!
Hi Pam.
Thanks.
Aloha.
It would seem the airlines would require passengers to be tested before getting on board to protect staff and passengers, therefore, tourists arrive healthy and virus free.
There seems to be a complete disconnect between Governor Ige and the needs of business owners both small and large in Hawaii. The Governor seems to think businesses can survive endless shutdowns or reopen without the support of 99 percent of the tourists. Allowing a few tourists from Japan is hardly enough to make it profitable for most businesses to reopen. Federal aid will not last much longer and real effects of the Governor’s actions will be felt by Hawaiians in the form of additional tax burdens, bankruptcies, and long term unemployment. In addition, the damage to tourism and the negative feelings this has created toward mainland tourists will take years to heal. I think the Governor must look at the totality of circumstances and move swiftly to reopening travel without the 14 day quar antine.
This is great news! Thank you for sharing. As an owner of a Vacation Rental, I can say I’m happy to welcome guests a soon as deemed safe. As long as beaches and restaurants are allowed to open, and even if restaurants only allow take out, my home, as well as other short term rental owners will be available to accept renters. If it is held off until July, if I’m allowed to come to my second home, can I say, I WOULD SWIM THERE IF I COULD! I miss the Aloha spirit and my lovely friends on island. Be safe and big love to everyone! Mahalo!
Hi Claudia.
Thanks.
Aloha
I have plans to travel to Oahu and to Maui the first couple of weeks in September. We need to know now as tourists if we are going to be able to go there or not. And Hawaiian Airlines needs to allow for us to get our money back no questions asked so we can use that money somewhere else. I’m tired of Being left in limbo.
There are two rumors that would appreciate your comments:
1. Governor Ige will allow hotels only upon the announcement of travel from other states/countries/corridors. Condos/Air BnB will not be allowed to book.
2. There is a likelihood that travel from other countries or states will not re-open for the remainder of 2020.
Mahalo for this service.
Hi James.
Thanks for your comment. Should the governor delay vacation rental reopening, we suspect lawsuits will result. We also don’t think reopening will wait that long at all. We should know much more next week.
Aloha.
we have a 10 day vacation booked in mid August, which means that Ige would have to open the state in the next few weeks for preparation. any thoughts?
Inquiring minds can you recall your Governor?
What I want to know is when Ige and the mayors will open short term rental operations. Inter-island travel opening up on June 16 has encouraged many Hawaii residents to begin seeking accommodations for a staycation. I have had to turn away two resident staycationers in the last 24 hours because Ige and the mayors are still keeping us closed. In a recent article on West Hawaii Today even headlined “Mayors unenthusiastic about vacation rentals”. I get why they don’t want STRs in residential areas, and certainly not the illegal STRs, but for those of us zoned “resort” and fully registered tax-paying businesses, we’re getting screwed!
Taxation without representation and personal/hotel lobby interests of government officals over the tax payers
Ryan, I recommend all of you in the same boat to get together, mass demonstrate, and make every effort to expose all those politicians making those decisions and hurting you financially. If you ever expect people like me to come back over there, you might wish to make some serious political changes.
Hey Sam,
I’m trying. I don’t live there…I live in Tennessee…a good ole red state! I have no vote in Hawaii, but I’m reaching out to Ige and Victorino every few days for answers!
stay in tennesse .you have no say what hawaii does.
what is with all the politics on this thread? Is beat of Hawaii a political based group? I came here for information about Hawaii not to read angry political posts. What the heck people?
Half of you commenting I would hate to share space in Hawaii with you with your angry attitudes. Peace and love to all.
Thanks for another informative update.
Do you think it is possible that Ige and his administration will differentiate between tourists and residents returning from the mainland? Certainly fewer preparations are needed to allow off-island residents to return home as there would be no hotels, vacation rentals, etc. involved.
I am now looking (and hoping) for an early August return to Hawaii island but will Ige’s glacial decision making allow for that?
Hi Mike.
Our sense is no there will be no differentiation.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I think the Hawaii governor is doing a great job keeping his state safe! Kudos! I’m from
California and though I realize this is hard on all the governors strict measures have kept C0VID very low in your state.
As a Big Island resident, I completely agree with you . This must be a very difficult decision for the governor and others. I don’t see how opening up tourism without the 14 day quar antine can take place unless some sort of pre-testing protocol in place. Even with a two month lead time that’s going to put us right back into fall flu season.
I would just be happy to be able to open up my condo to Hawaii residents at this time. We aren’t even allowed to do that, even though they are encouraging people to travel between islands to visit family and so forth.
You must still have a paycheck and no kids at home to school. How nice for you.
The rest of us need our State back in the face of CDC, IMHC and WHO data that contradicts the original claims of the lethal nature of the virus. Our concern is the lethal nature of an economic, social and psychological collapse of our Lives.
Please let me know when I can come to the isle of Kauai
Thank you
Hi Laura.
We will continue to update you.
Aloha.
I’m wondering what to do since my family and I have plane tickets for the end of August. First to the Big Island and then a 3 day stay in Honolulu. Should I cancel our reservations or reschedule? Very discerning.
Hoping to get more news on Hawaii for September 29 2020
If Hawaiian airlines flight 7
LAS TO HNL IS STILL GOING
THANK
YOU
Hi Gregory.
Obviously there is no specific information yet. We’ll be posting as soon as we have any updates.
Aloha.
Aloha my friends,
We are wondering the possibility of traveling to our timeshare on Kauai in mid July. Please let us know if we should cancel our flights made and plan for 2021. Would love to come and spend lots of money and tip our staff well. We are healthy with strong immune systems and would be willing to be tested and just hang out at our home facility. Just checking as we do not want to upset any of the residents with our presence. Mahalo and am looking forward to your thoughts on this.
Hi Gary.
We hope to have more news soon on July. Please stand by.
Aloha.
To all those posting here that they want Hawaii to stay closed: Good luck! Please keep in mind that without risk, there is no reward. Any amateur investor, any business owner, any entrepreneur can tell you that. Restarting your economy is no different.
I would, however, advise that you take a close look at the State of Georgia as your guide. They are going on 3 weeks since restarting and have yet to see any major outbreaks. If an uptick there truly existed, the media would be reporting it. And the stunning fact about Georgia is that testing there has increased many times over since their peak. So more testing should equal more cases, but it’s not. At least, not yet.
As a final thought, keep this in mind: extreme poverty will kill people too!
Thank you for this comment. Your perspective is exactly what we need to hear more.
keep your freaking politics out of this.
Wow Paul, lighten up. Mahalo.
Paul C, a reminder to be kind and keep the Aloha Spirit. We’re all in this together and want the best for Hawaii and everyone. Be safe. Aloha.
Why because I said keep your politics out of it? I have been nothing but supportive of Aloha spirit and the islanders. I am so much looking forward to coming to Honolulu in September after our May 1-11 trip was cancelled. I am weary of those who are making light of the vi rus as I have two personal friends who have died from it and know many others who either have it or have had it. SO dont preach to me about the Aloha Spirit when I see so many posting HATEFILLED messages about The Hawaiian people etc. But do correct me if I said something specific that made you say this
Timothy W., I wonder if all the riots and unrest this last week may have superseded the news coverage of C0vid in GA. Lets all try to stay calm and remember to breathe!