68 thoughts on “Visitors/Residents Sound Off on Return of Hawaii Tourism”
Karen M
Thank you for your empathy. Realize that the people throughout the State of Hawaii applaud your kindness. We are not trying to be rude or disrespectful. We are all going through tough times because of this crisis. The warmth given will be t
Returned back in more ways than you can imagine. When it is safe, please return back and enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer. Mahalo nui loa.
Closing the beaches makes no sense. With such a low infection rate …there is no need for their draconian measure.
40% of the state unemployed. Politicians and bureaucrats are getting full salary. They have no regard for common people without jobs and food. There more deaths due to opioid and drunk driving in Hawaii but they have not stopped car driving on the road or prescription of hydtocorone.
Wake up Hawaii politicians. Use data analytics and stop the stupid things like closing the beaches, parks and demand quar antine.
“There more deaths due to opioid and drunk driving in Hawaii but they have not stopped car driving on the road or prescription of hydtocorone.”
Addicts can’t pass on their fatal addiction to others by being near them in a supermarket, etc.
Drunk drivers can’t infect others with drunk driving by driving near them or being near them in a supermarket, etc.
Major difference.
Everyone has been scared out of their Cotton Pickin gourds by all of this craziness. The same people are at greater risk for are at greater risk for the flu with the same consequences. Those same folks should be the ones taking the precautions to protect themselves, keep their distance, stay at home, Etc. Realistically, if things don’t open up and get moving economically again, everywhere, we are all sunk. We won’t have to worry about where we’re going to go on our next vacation. And pity an economy like that of Hawaii. No visitors, no jobs, nothing. That’s what we really should be in fear of. My 2 cents. I don’t mean to offend. Thanks to all for an interesting thread.
“The same people are at greater risk for are at greater risk for the flu with the same consequences.”
It’s sad to see people repeat this totally wrong idea.
The flu: unlike this, people with no symptoms don’t infect others.
The flu: unlike this, patients don’t end up on respirators for days or weeks, dying a horrible death.
this: does lasting damage to multiple organs, including lungs, heart, liver, kidneys and G-I tract. The flu does not.
this: death rate is at least TEN TIMES higher than the flu.
So please, learn the facts and repeat them.
I don’t think you read my post closely. I just mentioned that the SAME PEOPLE ARE AT RISK for dying of this as FOR the flu. There are a few (small percentage) of persons with no co morbidity issues who sicken and die but the vast majority are the elderly and those with secondary health issues. The flu can be just as deadly – therefore my comment that those at highest risk should take precautions to protect themselves. Others should help out by staying home when ill. And I realize that in both cases, this and flu – one does not always know when they are contagious.
I don’t think it makes sense to cripple the worlds economy when those most vulnerable can protect themselves by staying home away from people. My sister who has serious COPD has been doing this self isolation for years now. Everyone will learn from this experience. Even with the the push for flu shots, the incidence and death rates are still very high year after year.
I feel for those who have been sick and even more so for those who grieve for loss of family and friends to do this illness. But, as my mother used to say “sometimes the cure is worse than the disease.” I certainly hope not. Take care everyone and yes, we are playing by the rules. Going out only when needed, washing, disinfecting, wearing masks, staying home and away from people.
I realize that this debate will never end. So, I will exit this discussion now.
I am supporting the planet and the living beings that live on it. I am staying-in-place in California. I have left my house a handful of times to get groceries or take food to my mom. If anyone from my family needs to get out, we go hang out in the backyard or front yard. We aren’t protesting or crying. We are trying to do our part. This is a serious matter and it is sad and very concerning that some people don’t understand and think that this is a hoax. The problem is that many of the non-believers haven’t seen the effects first hand or don’t know anyone who has experience with it. Those are the people who will negate all of the stay-at-home efforts and will overwhelm the hospitals. This is not the time for selfishness or ignorance. All that is being asked of you is to stay home. Last year, when you were at work, how many times did you think “I wish I could be at home right now”? This time we have the opportunity to help our fellow man/woman. Power to the people. Everyday we have the power to help forge the way to a better future. As always, and now, more than ever, we need to be unified on the planet we share…our planet…Earth.
God bless the people of Hawaii. I have a time share on the big island and look forward to going there in December when things get better. Capt Mike in Ventura 🚓
To everyone both residents and out state visitors. There are no reasons why any one would want to violate laws and mandates from the State of Hawaii. If you think still of coming into Hawaii and its many communities, realize that it is selfish and feeling of entitlement. Start thinking and practicing kindness and respect for others. Anything else are sad excuses. Yes, Hawaii is called the Aloha* State. ALOHA has many definitions (look them up). Postpone your plans and we can all try to help one another. Travel Agencies should know better. Hawaii will ways be here. Thank you.
Re: Daryl T
This is another comment where the person needs to do the research about the particular issue and critically think.
1. Most people with the flu do not go to the hospital. It is something that can be managed at home. With this, if you are not put on a ventilator when it is needed, you will die.
2. The availability of ventilators and hospital beds has been what has kept our numbers down. However, look at pics in NYC or other places that are readily available from news sources. The emergency rooms are stuffed and people are dying in a chair in the hall waiting to be see.
3. The flu is not nearly contagious as this and the whole reason we have kept numbers down is the strict containment issues. You do not get the flu from walking down the street past someone or touching a door knob. The vi rus itself lives on many surfaces for a much longer period of time than the normal flu. When someone has the flu, they know it. Someone can have this and be a carrier and spread the disease with no symptoms.
4. If we didn’t do containment the hospitals would be overrun and there would not be enough beds or ventilators and then if people got it the chance of dying would be much, much worse.
5. In the USA we have had over 41,000 deaths in less than 3 months. If this rate continued or escalated due to lack of containment, we would have many more deaths than we have of flu. Our current rate has already passed the rate for regular flu last year.
6, The part you don’t get is that there is not containment, a huge number more people would die because of lack of equipment. In a place like Kauai with only about 12 ventilators and over 70,000 residents plus all the visitors we get each month (which in winter are over 100,000 a month), if you get sick, your chances of getting a ventilator would be next to none and you would die.
They say it’s about saving lives? There have been 10 fatalities. You would probably get the same if it was the flu. 90% of those infected will have minor cold syptoms. Stop being hysterical. Look at the numbers. Less than 600 cases in the state. Out of 1.4; million people.
There have been only ten fatalities precisely because of the restrictions. Same for the relatively low number of cases overall.
Look at Sweden: they didn’t restrict people very much. Now their death rate per million people is much higher than the US, and over three times higher than some of their neighboring countries who took semi-lockdown measures. It’s kind of obvious: if you don’t get near someone who is carrying the disease, you don’t get the disease. And this isn’t like the flu; people who get a bad case end up with organ damage, amputations, etc. – if they survive.
If Hawai’i opened the floodgates to tourism like before, the result would be a disaster.
The good news is that a lot of people just don’t want to get on an airplane with a couple of hundred other people right now. Why risk your health or your life for a couple of weeks of sunshine? Just not worth it.
The big problem obviously is jobs, but if everyone starts getting sick those jobs aren’t going to be there anyway.
We were planning on coming back for a visit at the end of June. But, out of an abundance of caution for everyone, e are going to postpone for now. But, don’t worry, we will be back!
There has to be no new case for 4 weeks to open up hawaii for the locals… I’m sceptical for tourism though… if wherever they’re flying from or to is not the same ( 4 weeks with. I new cases) we will have a second wave…as much as we depend on tourism we need to protect our ohana first before allowing visitors again and that includes ppl that live here taking vacations to other places… This is very serious… worldwide it is 7 % deadly, united states is 2.6% deadly… flu is 0.1-0.3 % deadly… however there is a vac cine for flu not one yet for this…
The biggest crowds I see are at Costco. We can buy all food items at foodland safeway& times. Why do seniors need so much toilet paper? Why don’t they open the golf courses. ? We play on 300acres. They have many states on the mainland open.
I have been to the Islands at least 15-20 times. I have a small financial interest in Maui and a best friend and her family that live in Oahu. Living in California with similar “Shelter in Place” restrictions makes it easy for me to understand what our two friendly States are going through. Although I miss my friends and Maui, I can wait and be patient. Life is still beautiful!
Nancy should be banned from ever coming to the Hawaiian islands.total disrespect for the people that live on the islands. I have two properties on Kauai. And totally agree about the comments about the measles and other things that destroyed Hawaii
We cancelled our May trip to Kauai. We have rescheduled for mid July which is 3 months away. We are hopeful we will be able come in at that time. Kauai had very low cases in comparison to the other islands. We have direct flights from San Jose CA to Lihue. We love Hawaii and all its people.
I am a longtime visitor, and now a resident (9 months and counting) a businessman and a caring human being.
I firmly believe the fallout from this overreaction (in my opinion) will far outweigh even the most dire fatality total the “experts” have modeled. I believe the ability and desire to work is a gift from God, and does more for the human spirit than almost anything i can think of. The government has taken half of that away from 60 percent of your economy and its employees. The governments first priority should be to get as many people safely back to work as soon as possible. Visitors and return residents, provide a negative test for the vi rus, and come on in (or back). Hawaii already mandates a clean bill of health for visiting pets. Do the same for humans. And last but least, stop the insane rules (no lingering on the beach, use of parks, etc.) and clean up the disgusting, filthy, disease infested homeless camps (and campers) once and for all. It is so hypocritical to mandate “social dis tancing” while allowing homeless camps! pure nonsense! Get those planes flying, those employees working, and allow those less likely to die from this than from the flu to return to normal lives. Benjamin Franklin famously stated “those who give up essential freedoms for safety, deserve neither”
How do you get the ‘clean bill of health’ if testing for non sick people is not readily available? We are hoping to get back early next year. Will we be able to? IF we cannot PROVE we are healthy? This could be a real problem for many who desire to return to Hawaii. We will give it until summer. Then we may have to cancel and bank our timeshare weeks and go somewhere closer to home. Thanks for your comments.
Lol..
Bob F you rock!!!! Cant wait to see the friendly people of Hawaii, AND THE REST OF THEM. The rest of them consider people selfish and entitling. I am shocked at the way they are talking to people. And they are telling others to be kind? They need to practice what they preach. I would welcome anyone to my state and home anytime. I’m not being selfish. I’m being realistic. I’m being hospitable. We are not in control like so many think they are. GOD IS. Everybody thinks they know so much when really everyone is in the same situation. We are all being dictated to about when and how we can do things. When it is our time, it is our time.
I love you. I sure hope we are able to move our flight dates from May 9th to a later date. Your post has given me hope that there is someone who lives in Hawaii that understands us.
I was accepted to go to school and had to rearrange and postpone all my plans. I could’ve still moved but the thought of potentially bringing the vi rus and infecting the locals made it easy for me to cancel everything and hunker down until this blows over. The locals are just asking for some consideration for the time being they aren’t saying you can NEVER come back.
Please look at the Honolulu Star Advertiser article dated March 18, 2020. The state of Hawaii had 340 ICU beds and 561 ventilators on that date. Also other rooms which could be converted to ICU use. I assume military hospitals could also be used as other states have been able to convert facilities as needed. Thank you for trying to be as factual as possible, it is important to avoid panic and be honest about this disease. The USC and Stanford Antibody studies today show the death rate may be only 0.1%. The number 45 may be an estimate of empty ICU beds at some point in time, but does not represent total or future capacity if facilities are expanded. The focus of prevention should be nursing homes, not young healthy people. Thanks for your forum.
Thanks for pointing out there was an omission. The 45 beds we stated is correct, which is the total number ICU beds available for this crisis (reference to that has been added).
We had a trip scheduled to Kauai starting July 4 and have cancelled. I think anyone wanting to go to Hawaii this summer should cancel. Nothing will be open and the residents would appreciate it if you didn’t use all the food that they have in the grocery store as the food supply will take a while to replenish. I think if you are going this summer, you are very selfish.
In response to Nancy’s comments and she was not concerned about the residents living here in Hawaii. Don’t be so selfish and entitled. Now’s the time to be thoughtful of others and not be thoughtless of only yourself. Learn to be patient through this difficult time. Keep safe by staying home for now. Hawaii will always be here. Thank you.
I cannot wait for our planned trip to Oahu and Kauai at the end of September. Thank you so much for keeping us informed of the health of the Hawaiian people. Prayers that everyone there stays safe.
Strange that anyone would want to travel during this trying time. No one should expose others. Stay at home until this is over. I would love to see my grandchildren right now on the mainland, but we will not travel until this is well over. We have not left our property for five weeks and if everyone would do the same, this would end sooner.
It isnt that I’m not concerned about the residents concerns. I am. Truly I am. Some of their posts were so harsh and they made it clear that they didnt want visitors. It stung really bad and what I said in return was just a bad reaction. I want nothing but safety for everyone and it hurt me when someone posted such rude remarks about visitors. I took it personally. I was shocked at the rudeness because I had never came across anyone rude in any of our trips to Maui. I am very sorry if I offended anyone. I would welcome anyone to our state as I hope to be welcomed to yours when we are able to fly again. Peace and love for everyone.
Does anyone really want tourist everyone hates tourist everywhere…..but we are forced to deal with it…..them…..then what’s worse they decide to move here….and then they think they are a local
Hapuna Beach is the best beach. I completely understand the isolation of Hawaii and the lack of resources to treat their own residents no less tourists. I was on the Big Island in February and I met someone who’s sister in law was having an issue late in her pregnancy and had to be flown to Oahu to a hospital there that could accommodate her needs. I hope to be able to return in February 2021.
45 ICU beds in the whole state? Sounds like the state Hawaii govt needs to invest its strategic reserves big time for the “next time”. Pan demics are not “if” but “when” we are told. All the more crucial given the special conditions that you speak of that exist on the islands. No guarantee that the next pan demic doesn’t arrive at the islands first from abroad and spread from there to the mainland.
BOH, your replies / comments are so skewed toward the “local” and frankly uneducated and uninformed viewpoints that it’s hard to read them without cringing.
For example, you wrote, “Sadly, Nancy doesn’t understand the limitations of being as isolated as we are, with extremely limited resources, located 2,500 miles from the rest of the country. Or the lessons from historic issues of disease in Hawaii. Prior outbreaks of measles, smallpox and other diseases decimated Hawaii.” Really? How do you know what Nancy does and does not understand? Maybe she understands perfectly–and simply does not agree with your point of view. I found her comments to be 100% spot on. This is 2020, not 1720… or 1820… or even 1920. Hawaii has a capable and thoroughly modern health care system. Hawaii is less than 6 hrs by plane from virtually anywhere on the west coast of the mainland. Giant passenger and cargo planes make that flight dozens of times a day–supplying the islands with virtually anything they needed in very short order. That hardly seems “isolated”. And by what measure are you claiming that Hawaii is “with extremely limited resources”? You must be joking, right? These same tourists that the “locals” are trying to keep of the islands brings over 16 BILLION DOLLARS to state and local economies every year. BILLION. That hardly seems like “extremely limited resources”. Nancy’s points, on the other hand, were perfectly logical: (1) If Hawaiians don’t want visitors to come to Hawaii, Hawaiians should also stay home and not leave the islands, and (2) If Hawaii implements a 14 day quarantine for everyone arriving on the islands then Hawaiians should be required to endure the same mandatory quarantine if they leave the islands. What’s good for the goose….
And your comment, “Yes we look forward to welcoming visitors back with Aloha.” is so disingenuous. First of all, Aloha is a joke–a myth–that certain doesn’t exist today–if it ever did. I have traveled to many countries and most states and Hawaiians are actually some of the least friendly people I’ve ever met as a whole. And this whole anti-tourist, knee-jerk reaction is proof positive of that lack of “Aloha”. Your actions (as a population) speak much louder than your words.
Jared,
Hawaii appears to be weathering this well because they in fact did begin the self isolation process early ( only 4 new cases today!)
What we are doing is in fact working but obviously we can’t let our guard down. We were in fact able to pull this off because we are an isolated
state and not as vulnerable to the “you can’t tell me what to do jerks” that are currently starting to protest in some mainland states. The whole point was to reduce as many cases as possible, period. There will be plenty of time to rebuild, just not yet.
If you are having a problem with this site reflecting the local perspective that’s a reflection of you, just like the perspective that Hawaii lacks Aloha. It’s here in spades but the people that can’t see it aren’t capable of receiving it.
As a person who grew up in Hawaii in the 50s through 90s I feel secure in stating that it was never the Hawaiians who chose tourism, pineapple, or sugar cane as a method to sustain themselves. They had a very sophisticated method of self sufficiency that needed no outside “assistance.” It was forced upon them. To expect continuous Aloha spirit from a people decimated, overrun and denigrated is narcissistic and demeaning. They function exceptionally well under the tremendous deficits they have endured. Please remember they were here long before tourism and especially religious ideals of other races. As a haole growing up here I felt the wealth of Aloha and the scary threats but always, always knew why and have such respect for their continued pride and accomplishments they exhibit despite the hardships..
“Nancy” has not got a clue what we face here if people start flying in and asymptomatically bringing the vi rus. Unemployment is at 37%. Does she think we like this? Of course not. As to flying somewhere else? I skipped a trip to a place where I had venue-paid accommodations associated with a presentation I was doing. Why? Because I have NO desire to travel during this. Quar antine away. I wish everyplace would.
Aloha, I’ve been feeling unwelcome since before the quar antine with all the negative comments ive been reading from those who oppose the TMT and are in favor the sovereignty movement, seems to me that alot of native hawaiians would rather have the islands all to themselves, if thats the attitude I’d rather spend my money some place that appreciates me, and I’m a former local with a mother who was born in Hawaii. Aloha guys and stay safe.
I read the same comment that the people of Hawaii wanted the tourists to stay home. I visit Hawaii at least once or twice a year and it is a beautiful welcoming place. I did not take it that they did not want us to come. They just want to be safe and keep the Coronavirus off their islands. Everyone wants this to end and for all of us to feel safe to be able to travel to the islands again
It’s good that some people are aware of the isolation of Hawaii. These are small islands (and in some ways still a nation) and can’t be compared to the continent. In the opinion of many tourism has already reached a tipping point. Just too many. Hawaii has planned poorly,depending too much on the tourism industry and failing to diversify the economy.
This is a special place and should be respected. It seems that some appreciate that and that’s appreciated.
We booked a condo in Maui for end of July but we aren’t sure about purchasing air tickets. Do you feel things will be back for tourism by that time? Thanks
This is a crazy time for everyone. That will hopefully pass soon. I completely understand no tourism for Hawaii right now. They aren’t equipped to handle a mass out break. I had reservations for Maui in May and cancelled them. I rebooked for mid August. Hopefully I will be sitting on one of Maui’s beautiful beaches and sipping a cocktail. After being confined in my house for two months and counting a vacation to Maui will be heaven. Aloha
We escape Colorado and come to Kauai every year in February, always at Kiahuna, and have already booked for 2021. It is sad to get on the Sheraton website and see maybe only two or three locals in the water. That being said, we can understand the precautions, and wholeheartedly agree with them. The islands will open up again, but probably with a lot of restrictions until a vaccine is available, which most likely won’t be until next year. In the meantime, our hearts go out to the locals, since so many of them are dependent on the tourists. We wonder about the restaurant employees- Keoki’s, Bubba’s Burgers, Puka Dogs, Merriman’s, Kiawe Roots, our favorite first morning breakfast place, the Little Fish Coffee, and a slew of others. And the excursion companies like Capt Andy’s. We hope they are managing, and waiting to welcome the vacationers back with open arms.
Without having to read through all this, do the people of Maui and Oahu like our two families to visit starting June 1st (there are eight of us, two sets of parents and teens) or stay away due to capacity concerns ? It is getting very close to travel day and if it is better we not go, we need to start looking into hotel, car and air tix refunds (if that is even possible).
Thankx
And hope we kick this wicked vi rus to the ground ASAP
I live in Las Vegas, the premier tourist and business convention city in the country. We shut down our tourism by shutting down the casinos, hotels (except for essential work), restaurants, etc. We didn’t need to restrict flying to the city, we just made it dang hard if they did. No fourteen day quar antine. Your quar antine affects me, I’ve been self-isolating with my wife since early February. We follow all the guidelines if we have to go out (groceries, medical). I’ve had two flights on Hawaiian Air cancelled. We are trying to move to the islands and are in limbo waiting to sell our home and because we can’t fly to Hawaii, we can’t find the land we want and finalize any construction to build a new home. We are patiently waiting though and just want certainty when we do arrange our flights again.
Nancy, with any issue it is best to read and critically think about why the restrictions are in place and how they came to be. The very first cases on Kauai came from an Indiana couple who knew they had been exposed before they got here and chose to come anyway. All of our 21 cases have been travel related except one that the medical people cannot trace where it came from and is being treated as community spread. We have aprox 12 ICU on Kauai. Some of the travelers who came did not know they had the vi rus but developed it by the time they got here. Let’s turn this around. Would you want to be exposed even unknowingly by serving someone in a restaurant or helping them with their luggage or going out to visit with them if they then came down with the vi rus and you did, too? And then you went to the hospital and were told they couldn’t take you because there were no beds? This is critically thinking about the issue before making a proclamation that “HI thinks it’s better than another state”. Being better or not is an irrelevant issue. The practicalities of limited medical facilities and being on an island with limited ability to leave are the scientific and realistic reasons why these rules were put in place. Please think before you make an emotional accusation and only make an accusation based on fact and after assessing the situation. The two visitors from Indiana either didn’t think about what they were doing or were too selfish to care. Either reason caused harm to many people and this is why Hawaii does not welcome visitors now. We all must do our part to avoid spreading the disease and keep from dying ourselves.
Aloha,
Tourists stay home for now. Let the people of the beautiful state of Hawaii be safe. They don’t need a bunch of tourists coming right now adding more stress to an already stressful situation we all are in. Sucks big time!
This will pass, and hopefully soon, and we all can get back to our lives.
I look back before this, and at times it seemed life was so mundane. I’ll gladly and gratefully take it back.
Sky’s are clearer, and nature is healing itself.
Rest people, stay safe, and take care of yourself, and others when needed. Be grateful, and loving.
Much love, and Peace 🌈
Ron
Phx, Az
We were so very disappointed with our cancelled May trip to Kauai but we called the two different rental agencies and asked to have the same places and the same dates in 2021. Our request was met with great mahalo from everyone concerned. Now we have a return to Kauai to look forward to again!
Please let everyone you know the good news that was just released.
If you Google, USC and Stanford antibody test results you will find incredible good news. The antibody tests demonstrate that about 50 times more people have had Coronavirus than previously thought.
This lowers the death rate to about 0.1% which according to the New York times is about the seasonal flu death rate. About 1 person in a 1000
who get infected. Thanks for looking at the studies, everyone needs to be informed.
Thank you for your empathy. Realize that the people throughout the State of Hawaii applaud your kindness. We are not trying to be rude or disrespectful. We are all going through tough times because of this crisis. The warmth given will be t
Returned back in more ways than you can imagine. When it is safe, please return back and enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer. Mahalo nui loa.
Closing the beaches makes no sense. With such a low infection rate …there is no need for their draconian measure.
40% of the state unemployed. Politicians and bureaucrats are getting full salary. They have no regard for common people without jobs and food. There more deaths due to opioid and drunk driving in Hawaii but they have not stopped car driving on the road or prescription of hydtocorone.
Wake up Hawaii politicians. Use data analytics and stop the stupid things like closing the beaches, parks and demand quar antine.
“There more deaths due to opioid and drunk driving in Hawaii but they have not stopped car driving on the road or prescription of hydtocorone.”
Addicts can’t pass on their fatal addiction to others by being near them in a supermarket, etc.
Drunk drivers can’t infect others with drunk driving by driving near them or being near them in a supermarket, etc.
Major difference.
Everyone has been scared out of their Cotton Pickin gourds by all of this craziness. The same people are at greater risk for are at greater risk for the flu with the same consequences. Those same folks should be the ones taking the precautions to protect themselves, keep their distance, stay at home, Etc. Realistically, if things don’t open up and get moving economically again, everywhere, we are all sunk. We won’t have to worry about where we’re going to go on our next vacation. And pity an economy like that of Hawaii. No visitors, no jobs, nothing. That’s what we really should be in fear of. My 2 cents. I don’t mean to offend. Thanks to all for an interesting thread.
Colleen….you are right on. But Hawaii politicians don’t believe in logic or data analytics. They are hurting their own people
“The same people are at greater risk for are at greater risk for the flu with the same consequences.”
It’s sad to see people repeat this totally wrong idea.
The flu: unlike this, people with no symptoms don’t infect others.
The flu: unlike this, patients don’t end up on respirators for days or weeks, dying a horrible death.
this: does lasting damage to multiple organs, including lungs, heart, liver, kidneys and G-I tract. The flu does not.
this: death rate is at least TEN TIMES higher than the flu.
So please, learn the facts and repeat them.
I don’t think you read my post closely. I just mentioned that the SAME PEOPLE ARE AT RISK for dying of this as FOR the flu. There are a few (small percentage) of persons with no co morbidity issues who sicken and die but the vast majority are the elderly and those with secondary health issues. The flu can be just as deadly – therefore my comment that those at highest risk should take precautions to protect themselves. Others should help out by staying home when ill. And I realize that in both cases, this and flu – one does not always know when they are contagious.
I don’t think it makes sense to cripple the worlds economy when those most vulnerable can protect themselves by staying home away from people. My sister who has serious COPD has been doing this self isolation for years now. Everyone will learn from this experience. Even with the the push for flu shots, the incidence and death rates are still very high year after year.
I feel for those who have been sick and even more so for those who grieve for loss of family and friends to do this illness. But, as my mother used to say “sometimes the cure is worse than the disease.” I certainly hope not. Take care everyone and yes, we are playing by the rules. Going out only when needed, washing, disinfecting, wearing masks, staying home and away from people.
I realize that this debate will never end. So, I will exit this discussion now.
I am supporting the planet and the living beings that live on it. I am staying-in-place in California. I have left my house a handful of times to get groceries or take food to my mom. If anyone from my family needs to get out, we go hang out in the backyard or front yard. We aren’t protesting or crying. We are trying to do our part. This is a serious matter and it is sad and very concerning that some people don’t understand and think that this is a hoax. The problem is that many of the non-believers haven’t seen the effects first hand or don’t know anyone who has experience with it. Those are the people who will negate all of the stay-at-home efforts and will overwhelm the hospitals. This is not the time for selfishness or ignorance. All that is being asked of you is to stay home. Last year, when you were at work, how many times did you think “I wish I could be at home right now”? This time we have the opportunity to help our fellow man/woman. Power to the people. Everyday we have the power to help forge the way to a better future. As always, and now, more than ever, we need to be unified on the planet we share…our planet…Earth.
God bless the people of Hawaii. I have a time share on the big island and look forward to going there in December when things get better. Capt Mike in Ventura 🚓
I born raise in Honolulu I don’t care who comes here only God owns this island.and they have lots of Hawaii people live mainland to it’s both ways.
AMEN. ❤
To everyone both residents and out state visitors. There are no reasons why any one would want to violate laws and mandates from the State of Hawaii. If you think still of coming into Hawaii and its many communities, realize that it is selfish and feeling of entitlement. Start thinking and practicing kindness and respect for others. Anything else are sad excuses. Yes, Hawaii is called the Aloha* State. ALOHA has many definitions (look them up). Postpone your plans and we can all try to help one another. Travel Agencies should know better. Hawaii will ways be here. Thank you.
Re: Daryl T
This is another comment where the person needs to do the research about the particular issue and critically think.
1. Most people with the flu do not go to the hospital. It is something that can be managed at home. With this, if you are not put on a ventilator when it is needed, you will die.
2. The availability of ventilators and hospital beds has been what has kept our numbers down. However, look at pics in NYC or other places that are readily available from news sources. The emergency rooms are stuffed and people are dying in a chair in the hall waiting to be see.
3. The flu is not nearly contagious as this and the whole reason we have kept numbers down is the strict containment issues. You do not get the flu from walking down the street past someone or touching a door knob. The vi rus itself lives on many surfaces for a much longer period of time than the normal flu. When someone has the flu, they know it. Someone can have this and be a carrier and spread the disease with no symptoms.
4. If we didn’t do containment the hospitals would be overrun and there would not be enough beds or ventilators and then if people got it the chance of dying would be much, much worse.
5. In the USA we have had over 41,000 deaths in less than 3 months. If this rate continued or escalated due to lack of containment, we would have many more deaths than we have of flu. Our current rate has already passed the rate for regular flu last year.
6, The part you don’t get is that there is not containment, a huge number more people would die because of lack of equipment. In a place like Kauai with only about 12 ventilators and over 70,000 residents plus all the visitors we get each month (which in winter are over 100,000 a month), if you get sick, your chances of getting a ventilator would be next to none and you would die.
Please educate yourself. Ignorance will kill you.
They say it’s about saving lives? There have been 10 fatalities. You would probably get the same if it was the flu. 90% of those infected will have minor cold syptoms. Stop being hysterical. Look at the numbers. Less than 600 cases in the state. Out of 1.4; million people.
There have been only ten fatalities precisely because of the restrictions. Same for the relatively low number of cases overall.
Look at Sweden: they didn’t restrict people very much. Now their death rate per million people is much higher than the US, and over three times higher than some of their neighboring countries who took semi-lockdown measures. It’s kind of obvious: if you don’t get near someone who is carrying the disease, you don’t get the disease. And this isn’t like the flu; people who get a bad case end up with organ damage, amputations, etc. – if they survive.
If Hawai’i opened the floodgates to tourism like before, the result would be a disaster.
The good news is that a lot of people just don’t want to get on an airplane with a couple of hundred other people right now. Why risk your health or your life for a couple of weeks of sunshine? Just not worth it.
The big problem obviously is jobs, but if everyone starts getting sick those jobs aren’t going to be there anyway.
We were planning on coming back for a visit at the end of June. But, out of an abundance of caution for everyone, e are going to postpone for now. But, don’t worry, we will be back!
There has to be no new case for 4 weeks to open up hawaii for the locals… I’m sceptical for tourism though… if wherever they’re flying from or to is not the same ( 4 weeks with. I new cases) we will have a second wave…as much as we depend on tourism we need to protect our ohana first before allowing visitors again and that includes ppl that live here taking vacations to other places… This is very serious… worldwide it is 7 % deadly, united states is 2.6% deadly… flu is 0.1-0.3 % deadly… however there is a vac cine for flu not one yet for this…
The biggest crowds I see are at Costco. We can buy all food items at foodland safeway& times. Why do seniors need so much toilet paper? Why don’t they open the golf courses. ? We play on 300acres. They have many states on the mainland open.
I have been to the Islands at least 15-20 times. I have a small financial interest in Maui and a best friend and her family that live in Oahu. Living in California with similar “Shelter in Place” restrictions makes it easy for me to understand what our two friendly States are going through. Although I miss my friends and Maui, I can wait and be patient. Life is still beautiful!
Nancy should be banned from ever coming to the Hawaiian islands.total disrespect for the people that live on the islands. I have two properties on Kauai. And totally agree about the comments about the measles and other things that destroyed Hawaii
We cancelled our May trip to Kauai. We have rescheduled for mid July which is 3 months away. We are hopeful we will be able come in at that time. Kauai had very low cases in comparison to the other islands. We have direct flights from San Jose CA to Lihue. We love Hawaii and all its people.
Aloha Nancy,
Hawaii will not be very welcoming towards you and your ignorant attitude. You should not come anytime soon.
We cancelled April obviously and aren’t rescheduling yet. I’m thinking end of the year before it’s safe for everyone.
Have a vacation planned in mid August to visit family on Kona. Should be ok?
I am a longtime visitor, and now a resident (9 months and counting) a businessman and a caring human being.
I firmly believe the fallout from this overreaction (in my opinion) will far outweigh even the most dire fatality total the “experts” have modeled. I believe the ability and desire to work is a gift from God, and does more for the human spirit than almost anything i can think of. The government has taken half of that away from 60 percent of your economy and its employees. The governments first priority should be to get as many people safely back to work as soon as possible. Visitors and return residents, provide a negative test for the vi rus, and come on in (or back). Hawaii already mandates a clean bill of health for visiting pets. Do the same for humans. And last but least, stop the insane rules (no lingering on the beach, use of parks, etc.) and clean up the disgusting, filthy, disease infested homeless camps (and campers) once and for all. It is so hypocritical to mandate “social dis tancing” while allowing homeless camps! pure nonsense! Get those planes flying, those employees working, and allow those less likely to die from this than from the flu to return to normal lives. Benjamin Franklin famously stated “those who give up essential freedoms for safety, deserve neither”
How do you get the ‘clean bill of health’ if testing for non sick people is not readily available? We are hoping to get back early next year. Will we be able to? IF we cannot PROVE we are healthy? This could be a real problem for many who desire to return to Hawaii. We will give it until summer. Then we may have to cancel and bank our timeshare weeks and go somewhere closer to home. Thanks for your comments.
Hi Colleen.
Thanks for your comments!
Aloha.
Give me liberty or give me death … or both?
We’re moving to the Big Island next year. Can’t wait to enjoy the friendly people; and the rest of them.
Lol..
Bob F you rock!!!! Cant wait to see the friendly people of Hawaii, AND THE REST OF THEM. The rest of them consider people selfish and entitling. I am shocked at the way they are talking to people. And they are telling others to be kind? They need to practice what they preach. I would welcome anyone to my state and home anytime. I’m not being selfish. I’m being realistic. I’m being hospitable. We are not in control like so many think they are. GOD IS. Everybody thinks they know so much when really everyone is in the same situation. We are all being dictated to about when and how we can do things. When it is our time, it is our time.
I love you. I sure hope we are able to move our flight dates from May 9th to a later date. Your post has given me hope that there is someone who lives in Hawaii that understands us.
I was accepted to go to school and had to rearrange and postpone all my plans. I could’ve still moved but the thought of potentially bringing the vi rus and infecting the locals made it easy for me to cancel everything and hunker down until this blows over. The locals are just asking for some consideration for the time being they aren’t saying you can NEVER come back.
Please look at the Honolulu Star Advertiser article dated March 18, 2020. The state of Hawaii had 340 ICU beds and 561 ventilators on that date. Also other rooms which could be converted to ICU use. I assume military hospitals could also be used as other states have been able to convert facilities as needed. Thank you for trying to be as factual as possible, it is important to avoid panic and be honest about this disease. The USC and Stanford Antibody studies today show the death rate may be only 0.1%. The number 45 may be an estimate of empty ICU beds at some point in time, but does not represent total or future capacity if facilities are expanded. The focus of prevention should be nursing homes, not young healthy people. Thanks for your forum.
Hi Rob.
Thanks for pointing out there was an omission. The 45 beds we stated is correct, which is the total number ICU beds available for this crisis (reference to that has been added).
Aloha.
We had a trip scheduled to Kauai starting July 4 and have cancelled. I think anyone wanting to go to Hawaii this summer should cancel. Nothing will be open and the residents would appreciate it if you didn’t use all the food that they have in the grocery store as the food supply will take a while to replenish. I think if you are going this summer, you are very selfish.
In response to Nancy’s comments and she was not concerned about the residents living here in Hawaii. Don’t be so selfish and entitled. Now’s the time to be thoughtful of others and not be thoughtless of only yourself. Learn to be patient through this difficult time. Keep safe by staying home for now. Hawaii will always be here. Thank you.
I cannot wait for our planned trip to Oahu and Kauai at the end of September. Thank you so much for keeping us informed of the health of the Hawaiian people. Prayers that everyone there stays safe.
Hi Heather.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Strange that anyone would want to travel during this trying time. No one should expose others. Stay at home until this is over. I would love to see my grandchildren right now on the mainland, but we will not travel until this is well over. We have not left our property for five weeks and if everyone would do the same, this would end sooner.
It isnt that I’m not concerned about the residents concerns. I am. Truly I am. Some of their posts were so harsh and they made it clear that they didnt want visitors. It stung really bad and what I said in return was just a bad reaction. I want nothing but safety for everyone and it hurt me when someone posted such rude remarks about visitors. I took it personally. I was shocked at the rudeness because I had never came across anyone rude in any of our trips to Maui. I am very sorry if I offended anyone. I would welcome anyone to our state as I hope to be welcomed to yours when we are able to fly again. Peace and love for everyone.
Does anyone really want tourist everyone hates tourist everywhere…..but we are forced to deal with it…..them…..then what’s worse they decide to move here….and then they think they are a local
Hapuna Beach is the best beach. I completely understand the isolation of Hawaii and the lack of resources to treat their own residents no less tourists. I was on the Big Island in February and I met someone who’s sister in law was having an issue late in her pregnancy and had to be flown to Oahu to a hospital there that could accommodate her needs. I hope to be able to return in February 2021.
45 ICU beds in the whole state? Sounds like the state Hawaii govt needs to invest its strategic reserves big time for the “next time”. Pan demics are not “if” but “when” we are told. All the more crucial given the special conditions that you speak of that exist on the islands. No guarantee that the next pan demic doesn’t arrive at the islands first from abroad and spread from there to the mainland.
BOH, your replies / comments are so skewed toward the “local” and frankly uneducated and uninformed viewpoints that it’s hard to read them without cringing.
For example, you wrote, “Sadly, Nancy doesn’t understand the limitations of being as isolated as we are, with extremely limited resources, located 2,500 miles from the rest of the country. Or the lessons from historic issues of disease in Hawaii. Prior outbreaks of measles, smallpox and other diseases decimated Hawaii.” Really? How do you know what Nancy does and does not understand? Maybe she understands perfectly–and simply does not agree with your point of view. I found her comments to be 100% spot on. This is 2020, not 1720… or 1820… or even 1920. Hawaii has a capable and thoroughly modern health care system. Hawaii is less than 6 hrs by plane from virtually anywhere on the west coast of the mainland. Giant passenger and cargo planes make that flight dozens of times a day–supplying the islands with virtually anything they needed in very short order. That hardly seems “isolated”. And by what measure are you claiming that Hawaii is “with extremely limited resources”? You must be joking, right? These same tourists that the “locals” are trying to keep of the islands brings over 16 BILLION DOLLARS to state and local economies every year. BILLION. That hardly seems like “extremely limited resources”. Nancy’s points, on the other hand, were perfectly logical: (1) If Hawaiians don’t want visitors to come to Hawaii, Hawaiians should also stay home and not leave the islands, and (2) If Hawaii implements a 14 day quarantine for everyone arriving on the islands then Hawaiians should be required to endure the same mandatory quarantine if they leave the islands. What’s good for the goose….
And your comment, “Yes we look forward to welcoming visitors back with Aloha.” is so disingenuous. First of all, Aloha is a joke–a myth–that certain doesn’t exist today–if it ever did. I have traveled to many countries and most states and Hawaiians are actually some of the least friendly people I’ve ever met as a whole. And this whole anti-tourist, knee-jerk reaction is proof positive of that lack of “Aloha”. Your actions (as a population) speak much louder than your words.
Aloha.
JL
Jared,
Hawaii appears to be weathering this well because they in fact did begin the self isolation process early ( only 4 new cases today!)
What we are doing is in fact working but obviously we can’t let our guard down. We were in fact able to pull this off because we are an isolated
state and not as vulnerable to the “you can’t tell me what to do jerks” that are currently starting to protest in some mainland states. The whole point was to reduce as many cases as possible, period. There will be plenty of time to rebuild, just not yet.
If you are having a problem with this site reflecting the local perspective that’s a reflection of you, just like the perspective that Hawaii lacks Aloha. It’s here in spades but the people that can’t see it aren’t capable of receiving it.
As a person who grew up in Hawaii in the 50s through 90s I feel secure in stating that it was never the Hawaiians who chose tourism, pineapple, or sugar cane as a method to sustain themselves. They had a very sophisticated method of self sufficiency that needed no outside “assistance.” It was forced upon them. To expect continuous Aloha spirit from a people decimated, overrun and denigrated is narcissistic and demeaning. They function exceptionally well under the tremendous deficits they have endured. Please remember they were here long before tourism and especially religious ideals of other races. As a haole growing up here I felt the wealth of Aloha and the scary threats but always, always knew why and have such respect for their continued pride and accomplishments they exhibit despite the hardships..
“Nancy” has not got a clue what we face here if people start flying in and asymptomatically bringing the vi rus. Unemployment is at 37%. Does she think we like this? Of course not. As to flying somewhere else? I skipped a trip to a place where I had venue-paid accommodations associated with a presentation I was doing. Why? Because I have NO desire to travel during this. Quar antine away. I wish everyplace would.
Aloha, I’ve been feeling unwelcome since before the quar antine with all the negative comments ive been reading from those who oppose the TMT and are in favor the sovereignty movement, seems to me that alot of native hawaiians would rather have the islands all to themselves, if thats the attitude I’d rather spend my money some place that appreciates me, and I’m a former local with a mother who was born in Hawaii. Aloha guys and stay safe.
I hope all the bars all open so I can party with my barmaids
Visitors: Please stay home. This is not the time to come here. Respect our residents. Thank you.
I read the same comment that the people of Hawaii wanted the tourists to stay home. I visit Hawaii at least once or twice a year and it is a beautiful welcoming place. I did not take it that they did not want us to come. They just want to be safe and keep the Coronavirus off their islands. Everyone wants this to end and for all of us to feel safe to be able to travel to the islands again
It’s good that some people are aware of the isolation of Hawaii. These are small islands (and in some ways still a nation) and can’t be compared to the continent. In the opinion of many tourism has already reached a tipping point. Just too many. Hawaii has planned poorly,depending too much on the tourism industry and failing to diversify the economy.
This is a special place and should be respected. It seems that some appreciate that and that’s appreciated.
We booked a condo in Maui for end of July but we aren’t sure about purchasing air tickets. Do you feel things will be back for tourism by that time? Thanks
Hi Bob.
We should know much more within a couple of weeks. Please check back.
Aloha.
This is a crazy time for everyone. That will hopefully pass soon. I completely understand no tourism for Hawaii right now. They aren’t equipped to handle a mass out break. I had reservations for Maui in May and cancelled them. I rebooked for mid August. Hopefully I will be sitting on one of Maui’s beautiful beaches and sipping a cocktail. After being confined in my house for two months and counting a vacation to Maui will be heaven. Aloha
We escape Colorado and come to Kauai every year in February, always at Kiahuna, and have already booked for 2021. It is sad to get on the Sheraton website and see maybe only two or three locals in the water. That being said, we can understand the precautions, and wholeheartedly agree with them. The islands will open up again, but probably with a lot of restrictions until a vaccine is available, which most likely won’t be until next year. In the meantime, our hearts go out to the locals, since so many of them are dependent on the tourists. We wonder about the restaurant employees- Keoki’s, Bubba’s Burgers, Puka Dogs, Merriman’s, Kiawe Roots, our favorite first morning breakfast place, the Little Fish Coffee, and a slew of others. And the excursion companies like Capt Andy’s. We hope they are managing, and waiting to welcome the vacationers back with open arms.
Without having to read through all this, do the people of Maui and Oahu like our two families to visit starting June 1st (there are eight of us, two sets of parents and teens) or stay away due to capacity concerns ? It is getting very close to travel day and if it is better we not go, we need to start looking into hotel, car and air tix refunds (if that is even possible).
Thankx
And hope we kick this wicked vi rus to the ground ASAP
Hi JWI.
We’ll cut to the chase too. The answer is unknown right now. We expect to know more by early May.
Aloha.
Aloha, also. We are praying for the ability to travel to the islands.
I live in Las Vegas, the premier tourist and business convention city in the country. We shut down our tourism by shutting down the casinos, hotels (except for essential work), restaurants, etc. We didn’t need to restrict flying to the city, we just made it dang hard if they did. No fourteen day quar antine. Your quar antine affects me, I’ve been self-isolating with my wife since early February. We follow all the guidelines if we have to go out (groceries, medical). I’ve had two flights on Hawaiian Air cancelled. We are trying to move to the islands and are in limbo waiting to sell our home and because we can’t fly to Hawaii, we can’t find the land we want and finalize any construction to build a new home. We are patiently waiting though and just want certainty when we do arrange our flights again.
Nancy, with any issue it is best to read and critically think about why the restrictions are in place and how they came to be. The very first cases on Kauai came from an Indiana couple who knew they had been exposed before they got here and chose to come anyway. All of our 21 cases have been travel related except one that the medical people cannot trace where it came from and is being treated as community spread. We have aprox 12 ICU on Kauai. Some of the travelers who came did not know they had the vi rus but developed it by the time they got here. Let’s turn this around. Would you want to be exposed even unknowingly by serving someone in a restaurant or helping them with their luggage or going out to visit with them if they then came down with the vi rus and you did, too? And then you went to the hospital and were told they couldn’t take you because there were no beds? This is critically thinking about the issue before making a proclamation that “HI thinks it’s better than another state”. Being better or not is an irrelevant issue. The practicalities of limited medical facilities and being on an island with limited ability to leave are the scientific and realistic reasons why these rules were put in place. Please think before you make an emotional accusation and only make an accusation based on fact and after assessing the situation. The two visitors from Indiana either didn’t think about what they were doing or were too selfish to care. Either reason caused harm to many people and this is why Hawaii does not welcome visitors now. We all must do our part to avoid spreading the disease and keep from dying ourselves.
Aloha,
Tourists stay home for now. Let the people of the beautiful state of Hawaii be safe. They don’t need a bunch of tourists coming right now adding more stress to an already stressful situation we all are in. Sucks big time!
This will pass, and hopefully soon, and we all can get back to our lives.
I look back before this, and at times it seemed life was so mundane. I’ll gladly and gratefully take it back.
Sky’s are clearer, and nature is healing itself.
Rest people, stay safe, and take care of yourself, and others when needed. Be grateful, and loving.
Much love, and Peace 🌈
Ron
Phx, Az
We were so very disappointed with our cancelled May trip to Kauai but we called the two different rental agencies and asked to have the same places and the same dates in 2021. Our request was met with great mahalo from everyone concerned. Now we have a return to Kauai to look forward to again!
Please let everyone you know the good news that was just released.
If you Google, USC and Stanford antibody test results you will find incredible good news. The antibody tests demonstrate that about 50 times more people have had Coronavirus than previously thought.
This lowers the death rate to about 0.1% which according to the New York times is about the seasonal flu death rate. About 1 person in a 1000
who get infected. Thanks for looking at the studies, everyone needs to be informed.