During a briefing this morning, Hawaii’s governor said he will now extend the 14-day mandatory isolation through at least August 31, putting the kibosh on Hawaii travel. That comes as the pre-travel testing program that Hawaii had planned has collapsed, and will not be occurring anytime soon. Reopening was originally slated starting August 1 with no 14-day isolation required for those testing within 72 hours before travel. There’s a lot more to this, so please read on.
Wait times for test results have dramatically increased.
Our Beat of Hawaii commentors called this before, and now it is in the national news. CVS is reportedly taking multiple times longer than originally promised for test results. Ironically, if they take any longer than they are now, it may exceed the 14-day isolation period, so that these test results could become entirely meaningless. California’s governor said, “Because of backlogs with Quest and others we’re experiencing multiday delays.”
We have heard that some locations have purchased rapid test machines that do not rely on the same supplies that are in short order or have secured additional lab supplies. It isn’t clear what Hawaii has done in such regards.
Hawaii’s CVS testing partnership failed before it even started.
As recently as a week ago, Hawaii’s health director Bruce Anderson touted the relationship with CVS as the white night that would result in timely travel tests via their 1,400+ locations. That was unquestionably the most critical aspect of Hawaii’s reopening plans. Since then, however, CVS is reporting multi-day to multi-week delays in returning results.
CVS’s spokesperson Charlie Rice-Minoso said there is currently a wait of five to seven days for test results. “As demand for tests has increased, we’ve seen test result turnaround times vary due to temporary processing capacity limitations in our lab partners, which they are working to address.” Others are telling us that five to seven days is on the optimistic side at this time, however. Giant testing lab partner Quest Diagnostics said, “Quest is doing everything it can to add testing capacity to reduce turnaround times.”
US Assistant Secretary for Health Brett Giroir, who is responsible for the US testing system said, “The nation’s testing system is nearing limits and commercial labs are taking longer to complete non-emergency C0VID tests… I’m not saying it’s at a max now, but we’re certainly pushing the frontiers.”
Did Hawaii see this coming?
It looks like the state did not. In Alaska’s example, there are multiple options as seen in the image below to accomplish travel testing. Even then, however, these are not guaranteed and we suspect they are having significant problems. For example, they are suggesting you do a test at home 72 hours before travel, and yet Alaska’s test provider says there is a 4-6 day delay in obtaining results. Oops.
Will waiting help Hawaii’s situation?
We’re just not sure that changing the date will make any difference. The reason is that there is no guarantee or even likelihood that there will be adequate testing available in California and elsewhere in the near future. That given the rapid increase in cases and the need for more testing. It is painfully obvious that travel testing will be taking a back seat here to those of medical necessity.
If the situation isn’t confusing enough, the State via its tourism site as of today still says that to avoid the 14-day isolation period, visitors will need to obtain results from an FDA-approved test from a CLIA-certified laboratory. That is the third time their stated requirements have changed in the past week. First, it said PCR test, and then it was changed to the NAAT test. There have never been any follow-up details offered, such as: from what age will children be tested, how long the pre-arrival testing requirement and quarantine process will be in effect, whether this only applies to travel from the mainland United States or does it also apply to travel from other countries, and how this affects residents returning to Hawaii.
Other problems with pre-travel testing are getting worse by the day.
1. How will pre-travel testing work for travelers who have stops en route from places that require connections and even stopovers?
That remains unclear.
2. When visitors unexpectedly don’t have the required test results on arrival, or if their test comes back positive, what will happen to them?
Will they be returned to the mainland, and if so at whose expense? Visitors who normally stay about a week aren’t going to be going into 14-day isolation, but perhaps a brief period (hours not days) until test results are returned might be possible.
3. Will any refunds be available should things go awry?
The major airline trade organization announced that its members will “refund tickets for any passenger who is found to have an elevated temperature—as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines—during a screening process conducted by federal authorities prior to travel.” That having been said, however, there is no provision for what happens when someone tests positive on either pre-departure or arrival testing. We are hearing that trip insurance could help, although that should be verified before purchasing coverage.
4. What are the costs associated with tests, and who will pay for it?
The governor has said that tests will be paid for by travelers and might be as high as $160 per person, which we believe is excessive and creates yet another roadblock to tourism. Could some of the costs be subsidized?
On-arrival testing being offered in Alaska, London, Frankfurt, and Iceland.
London’s Heathrow Airport will offer an example of new on-arrival, saliva-based testing. This means passengers can be checked for C0VID after landing at Heathrow and will know within 24 hours their test results. Passengers will go to their place of isolation until results are obtained. The estimated cost is $187.
Germany also announced on-arrival testing at extremely busy Frankfurt Airport via private-sector partner Centogene. For a fee of 59€ to 139€, tests results are returned within two to eight hours. Currently, 380 tests per hour can be processed at FRA. The airport also accepts pre-departure testing which will lessen the burden on arrival testing.
Iceland allows for on-arrival testing at airports. The cost is $65, which is being subsidized, and children under fifteen do not require testing. Test results are said to take no more than five hours.
Alaska provides an on-arrival test option too. The timely availability of results, however, is of great concern. The majority of travelers are testing one way or the other, before departure on arrival. About one-third of Alaska arrivals have already tested before departure and provide results at the airport, while more than one-third more obtain free tests on arrival.
Options for on-arrival Hawaii tests.
Hawaii’s’ governor said recently that those who do not have their results on arrival will be in isolation until they obtain negative test results. In that comment, the door was opened to the need for more Hawaii testing options. Yet, the state continues to say that there will be no on-arrival testing. So just what does that mean? To us, it means that arrival testing will be provided not by the state, but perhaps by private-sector testing partners.
On-arrival testing has its own set of issues, since visitors will need to enter isolation until they obtain results. How that will be supervised here in Hawaii is anyone’s guess.
Private testing partners.
As the government moves out of testing and private vendors move in, Hawaii first partnered with CVS and will undoubtedly try to add others in their traveler testing program. There is the possibility that the federal or state government may provide some reimbursement for test costs, but we have heard nothing about that.
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Revised 7/13/20.
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Hawaii needs to open up more testing options for pre travel. Many hosptals a d clinics do reliable testing. CVS etc are overwhelmed and impossible to deal with. Bought costco kit to self test, when recieved timing was 72 hous after test recieved in georgia, no return. Out $270. Need more test taking choices. Also why only limited resorts? Seemslike money buddies getting rich.mahalo
My anticipation to continue visiting Hawaii has waned, because of its strange attitude about the corona virus. It’s like not wanting to kiss a beautiful woman who started smoking cigarettes and has tobacco mouth. I am sad, having visited 8 times since 2001 and always had looked forward to the next visit. But things change and I’m too old to settle on Hawaii’s unpleasant atmosphere, when there are so many alternatives.
has anyone used vault? we are flying this week. Also, how long does it take to confirm once we upload?
Vault is a “mail order” provider. You order the kit, log into a portal for live instructions, take the test. Take to UPS by 5pm pickup (or you’re delayed a day), write on the outside “Hawaii STAT” then they are supposed to process within 24 hours of receipt from UPS and email you your results. Those results MUST BE uploaded to the Safe Travels website before you land. You then receive a return email with QR code. Upon landing the QR code is scanned and you’re on your way. If you don’t have a QR code you wait in a longer line for processing.
We have Walgreen’s in select Arizona cities that do testing and results in less than 24 hours. Their website will direct you to testing sites that provide the ralid test.
Keep in mind Kauai is closed REGARDLESS of a negative test and 14 day quarantine is mandatory as of 12/2 unless you’re an essential worker.
We just returned so we went thru the hula hoops but had our chickens in order.
Good luck.
Which Walgreens did u use in az im stopping over in phx 4 days going to tombstone.then Honolulu. Is The test at home approved for Hawaii ?
We used Vault for the 5 of us November 20th. 2 received results at about 24 hours. 2 received results at about 40 hours. 1 received results at about 60 hours so we made it in time. Took minutes once uploading the PDF to the site for the QR code. Was a very easy process for us. I think the key for you all will be whether Vault can continue to meet the 72 hour timeline with the added demand lately. Good luck!
I find it odd that on a travel site we have exchanges that are purely political in nature, depending on whether you are on the right or left. As one who attempts to straddle in these crazy times, I dip my toe into the infested waters to try and point out why Hawaii still requires quarantine for visitors.
Are we the only state requiring quarantine? No
Is death the only metric of concern to justify opening? No. Hospital capacity, the stress of front line medical are critical.
Are elderly and underlying conditions the only metric of susceptibility? No. In the last two weeks of July there were 97K infections of children, and this is before the return to school.
Are there complications from CV19 that could affect individuals testing positive? We don’t know yet, but heart, gut, Reduced lung capacity, and clots rising from inflammation and citokyne storms have been reported in those with mild cases.
There are other unstated reasons not mentioned in theses mostly political exchanges, but one question for those not living in Hawaii: Is a vacation of such importance that we should test your theories when just today the daily positive rate doubled and the spread rate is the highest since March without a massive influx of visitors?
Please consider all the ramifications of a conservative approach to pandemic management, including the issues of the economy and income, but please also consider what happens when Hawaii joins FL, TX, AZ, and ~35 other states that chose the “open” approach. A new shutdown is not out of the question. With proper management (testing with 48 hour results); contact tracing before the numbers are out of control; and quarantines of those exposed are proven strategic approaches that can tamp down spread until we have a proven vaccine and enough inoculations.
As i mentioned before, Hawaii is basically closed. There is no where to go. Beaches have barricades, benches have police tape on them, no one in Kapiolani park, a lot of locals are stressed out, schools are closed and may be open in November. Cops patrol, 350 new cases yesterday….don’t come here right now for a 14 day quarantine. Iam here visiting family. Been to the beach once, circled the island and visited friends in their back yard. Shopped at Safeway. Not going anywhere until I head for the airport Sunday. Aloha!
Well just yesterday I was informed my kaiser will no longer test …because all testing is recorded as false positives. This is getting very bizarre! AMERICA middle class will not survive this. 70% of restaurants in my city has closed permanently as of this week.
Which Kaiser group? In Hawaii or California?
We have Kaiser and have been hearing some strange things as well about their testing in Northern California..
Mahalo
Bill
The political posts are on this website because this is a political issue. Governor Ige has pissed us all off because he wont make a decision and stick with it. And the Governor is killing Hawaii’s economic future by closing down the state. He could have done so many things to save Hawaii – limit the number of tourists during this time, require negative test results before travel, check temps before boarding flights. These are the things that most states are doing. Why? Because there would be much more suffering and probably deaths if we just shut down like Hawaii has. We’ll get over it if we can’t travel to Hawaii – it’s just a vacation. But after the damage is done, I don’t know if Hawaii will ever recover. And I hate that for the good people of Hawaii.
There is a difference between Hawaii and mainland states. You would do well to understand that. IF Covid hits the islands it could absolutely devastate the entire islands and people and what good is tourism at that point? ZERO you cannot spend money when you are dead
Thanks for your comments Paul c. What we have in USA is a lot of people who take the approach “my mind is made up so don’t confuse me with facts “. When I travel meet people from outside the country traveling here in USA or on cruises , I tell them if you need help Americans are very friendly , so just ask for assistance , but we are not the smartest people. They usually smile because they know that last part .
Tim, don’t let anyone tell you you are not “smart” going on one of your cruises or when you travel. Also ( and especially ) never let a foreigner tell you Americans are not smart. After all, without American ingenuity where would the world be?
Oh… never mind you think Americans are not smart. So you are either not American ( self hating Americans are rare ) or unpatriotic. Telling foreigners “Americans are not smart people” is insulting. Maybe you and your family has cognitive issues, but in our family we are all educated… and to be honest 99% of our friends are too. USA #1 Tim, deal with it.
I didn’t give anybody the green light to do anything. I just feel that we grownups should be responsible for ourselves. Those of us who are not susceptible to the effects of covid (which by the way is about 99% of the population) should be able to live our lives the way we choose in our own homes. At Walmart, yes I wear a mask.
Since my daughter’s trip to Hawaii has been delayed twice and will probably be delayed again in November, she and her now husband decided to have a small wedding at home at a park. Afterward, we invited everyone to the house for cake, drinks, etc. I told everyone that since we are in a pandemic that it was every individual’s responsibility to protect themselves – wear a mask if you like, social distance if you can, stay in the yard if you feel safer, or don’t come if you feel it’s not safe. A couple of elderly folks stayed home, and one person who is diabetic also stayed home. To me, that’s how it should be handled worldwide. Why must we shut the world down? If you are susceptible to the bad effects of covid – stay home. The rest of us have stuff to do.
Gee Barry its because all over the nation gatherings like the one you had turns into super spreaders but by all means do NOT feel guilty if someone gets sick. I mean its not like you invited them and gave them the green light not to social distance. The ignorance and flat out malfeasance and laziness of people to do something as simple as wear a mask is mind boggling to say the least.
Barry you are exactly right. Great post! Those who have underlying health conditions should self quarantine, not the rest of society. Some are afraid of their own shadows, I choose freedom as you and your family does.
Aloha!
Bob do you realize a full on 50% of american citizens have underlying conditions? So they are just supposed to stay home so that you dont have to wear a mask or socially distance? Come on
Paul, the number is 37.6% who could be affected by CV19.
And only .008% of those die from the disease. In the last ten years 500,000 people have died from the flu.
600,000 people a year in the US die from cancer.
Tens of thousands die in car accidents, crime, suicide, alcoholism. Heck some die from loading dishwashers!
My point is Paul, none of us are 100% safe. If a person is very frightened, they can isolate in their house and never go outside until there is a vaccine.
People all over the country are looting stores and vandalizing Federal Buildings by the thousands and no one says a word, but walking with your family on the beach in open air is considered risky. That is just dumb. We had a huge BLM rally in Los Angeles with zero social distancing, CNN says not a word, but put two hundred people at a church and all of a sudden it’s a problem.
I can’t infect anyone if they isolate in their home and DONT come out. Stay in your house Paul. Order your food and supplies. Wear gloves, face mask, face shield and use gallons of disinfectant. Wait for a vaccine ( best scenario according to Fauci is 75% effective ). So you still won’t be safe. Ever.
I agree with Bob 💯 stay home then
Barry the problem is about adults is about 90% have ZERO idea nor care about taking responsibility. If they did we would be out of this by now but we are seeing huge parties concerts gatherings no social distancing hence more spread. And 99% not being affected is not even close to a true number and you know it
I’m no mathematician, Paul, but last time I checked 1% of 350 million US citizens computes to 350,000. So I guess the number is more like 99.66% of the population isn’t going to die from covid. It ain’t brain surgery just simple math. Try it sometime.
Barry, 1% or 350,000,000 is 3,500,000. What people seem to forget/ignore is that one does not simply “recover” from Covid. There are long-term issues that leave some survivors debilitated. The cost in lives is significantly greater than just dead bodies.
Good job, Hal! Your math is correct! I’m embarrassed to say that I got it wrong. But it further illustrates the minuscule amount of mortality from covid. Maybe we should permanently close all beaches and swimming pools because a significant percentage of people will get skin cancer and die. Or, those fair skinned sun bathers can protect themselves with sunscreen and we can all continue to enjoy our lives.
By the way, what are these “long-term issues” from covid? How do you know about “long-term” issues? We’ve only heard of covid-19 for 6 months?
diminished lung capacity for one but hey you think its just a cold right?
Bob A
Again Paul, take a deep breath. The chances of a healthy person dying from CV19 is minuscule. Secondly “Paul” you are most likely White and what I said makes perfect sense.
If Hawaiian natives go broke many will die. Much more than from CV19. They will die from poverty and the direct result thereof. Alcoholism, poor diet, suicides, disease from lack of healthcare. You Paul did say we should just give Hawaii back to native Hawaiians. Here in California we hear the same thing about Mexico, that is never going to happen.
BOB ironic you say TAKE A DEEP BREATH considering how this disease kills you. I am most likely white? WTH does that have to do with ANYTHING? Yep lets open up and kill more people. Hawaii gets 20 MILLION visitors a YEAR
so a comment of mine was censored but you allow all below to just run rampant? Was it because of the HISTORY link I provided the guy who thinks that Hawaiians just one day decided to vote and do away with their history?
Aloha, not seeing it in many if the posts. Help keep this civil per the guidelines.
Comment policy:
* If you would like a reply, a “please” or “thanks” is required.
* No profanity, rudeness, attacks, bullying, or off-topic.
Mahalo from all who agree
HI Gary.
Thanks!
Aloha.
Mahalo gary b for your redundant comments. Maybe there useful for govt or those that are at high risk for covid.
Continue hiding from the virus i guess? Dont stir the pot to upset hawaiians, and aloha.
FYI. Should you want to post an opine on another poster’s motivations, it could help your credibility if you understood the difference between “there” and “they’re”. And, yes, I am the grammar police, but that usage is beyond the pale and/or autocorrect.
it seems pretty obvious to me Gary that this site (I realize they rely on business money) is leaning to the right and to the side of open up no matter the consequences. Of Course they do not say that openly but by allowing all the yahoos who scream the virus is fake or that somehow democrats are intentionally shutting down to Hurt Trump is just beyond ridiculous. Yet they for some reason allow it. All comments are moderated so they “could” stop it if they wanted to
Today……They have Honolulu and Oahu back where they were before with no beach, quite a few places closed and schools closed and in home school now until sometime in Oct. Numbers are rising. If tourists are coming here now and bring the virus then we don’t have enough medical facilities. I think with numbers rising on the mainland, Hawaii will be shut down for months. All the comments about Hawaii being lame for not getting the economy started, etc doesn’t matter to the gov and officials. The islands cannot handle a runaway virus.
I don’t understand how tourists can be blamed when they are quarantined upon arrival. What more could the government do to ward off this virus?
We are moving to the Island on November 10th on a flight from LAX. I’m really hoping by then we will not have to be quarantined so perhaps instead, they take our temperature or something.
I think the point the person was trying to make is if Hawaii swings its doors wide open and tourists bring the virus with them.
When in Hawaii, hope for the best, but do nothing. Propose solutions and talk about it to appease the population, then forget about it tomorrow. Hope for the best. Hope that airline customers will get their money back, but give them a useless voucher like with section 8 housing, complete with a laundry list of conditions even superman can’t fulfill.
On the governor, do dictator-esque Speaches to tourists that police and other repurposed agencies will monitor your every move. Hope for the best that tourists will come back. Because the virus 🦠 isnt enough of an inconvenience in itself. A governor too afraid to have any blood on his hands to save hawaii and preserve any semblance of paradise.
Lie, procrastinate, kick the can down the road some more and no one will notice a thing. Hope for the best and blame the usa and tourists and slander them at every opportunity. Ignore any bad behavior of hawaii citizens.
Sounds to me like hawaii Needs a reset buttonand mainland govt to come in and take over so people can get back to life and reality here in usa. 🇺🇸 Try not throwing kindness to all people and common sense and courtesy out the window. No more hiding behind aloha and mahalo etc. just fix the problem or suffer the consequences basically.
Stop digging yourselves into a bigger hole with 10x the death chaos and consequences.
It is unbelievable that Hawaii is our last state of 50 to join the Union, but now the first state to leave the United States. Locking down citizens and ruining their economy while hoping that the federal government will bail Hawaii out is disgraceful. Trump or Biden… I would let Hawaii get out of this themselves (especially since they act as though they are not part of the US).
Aloha! History lesson…On January 16, 1893, United States troops invaded the Hawaiian Kingdom without just cause, which led to a conditional surrender by the Hawaiian Kingdom’s executive monarch, Her Majesty Queen Lili’uokalani, the following day. Annexation was basically forced on the natives. Just sayin
I “understand” the history of Hawaii, but like the native Americans here on the mainland they lost the battle and war. If Hawaii wants to exist statehood and is willing to fight a war over it, then I suggest you and others unhappy with the current statehood become Generals and take up arms. (I am not sure that will work out very well for you).
Currently, and you may change it, Hawaii is our 50th state. Either act like it and open up safely NOW or become a welfare state for the next few decades. I love Hawaii, her native people (not the social justice warrior Whites) and respect the island. BUT, Hawaii is a US state, not a club-med with special privileges.
Don’t know where you live, Bob, but last I checked 35 of the mainland states had rising numbers of infections, hospitalizations and deaths. Indeed, Hawaii is a state, but just like Canada, Mexico, the EU and many other countries in the world, they recognize that the U.S. mainland is a virus cess pool and have kindly asked folks like you to stay home until you can understand that we are at the beginning of an increasing pandemic. Is a vacation really that important to you?
I don’t know where you live either James, but I live in America. We have been locked down for six months and it’s time for those who are overly frightened to realize they can lock their doors and stay inside, maybe hide in their closets until a vaccine is ready. The rest of us in America should be able to travel freely. Secondly, Hawaii isn’t immune to becoming a welfare state, nor are they immune to another virus being unleashed on us from China next year or the year after. Lastly, I an others can find another beautiful spot to vacation, but “know” Hawaii will be begging for a bailout when business is destroyed and tourists do not return for years, maybe decades. Many Hawaiian’s depend on tourist dollars. #NoBailoutforHawaii
Bob A great comments! I do believe what you say is true. It is extremely naive and stupid to sabotage tourism, even for a virus twice as deadly as covid. There is overcrowding on the islands and more than enough people that will make it through this pandemic. And its America its time to continue that little thing called normal life.
I am so tired of hawaiians calling the mainland a cesspool. Arrogant delusional fools. You will not be bailed out and will not be liked by anyone in your own country. If you dont like usa go to travel bubble nations and see if they will accept you as refugees from colonizer America?
Bob. You can save your crying for another thread. If we accept your “six months is long enough” rationale, I fear that folks with that attitude would have gladly surrendered to Hitler rather than facing reality just so they could be “free”. BTW, the virus that you mentioned may have started in China, but epidemiologists point to Europe (Italy and France) as the primary sources of the initial east coast outbreak. Good luck with finding your “beautiful spot”. Yes, you can visit perhaps a national park to get over your depressing perspective, but the Caribbean and most of the rest of the world would please ask you to languish in your viral pool until the mainland comes to its senses. Lastly, since you feel Hawaii is a special case with your “hashtag”, you no doubt feel the same way when those states who foolishly followed DJT’s advice and opened their doors to the virus only to now be in the forefront of the pandemic come crawling back after they face the certainty of another set of restrictions…unless of course they care about as much as DJT about their own citizens.
Yes we have been locked down however states have been opening up all over the country and covid is blowing up. WHY are you commenting here anyway? Find another place to go. Oh you cannot because basically the world due to Trumps very slow reaction thinking this was all a hoax created to try and ruin him put us WAY behind the rest of the world. I sincerely hope you never ever go to Hawaii again
No bail out for Hawaii I agree
Exactly James. We were scheduled May 4-14 then September 4-14 and we decided it just wasnt safe even if we could have come. The morons on here who are screaming open everything up and attachking Hawaiians are totally uncalled for and I cannot believe that this site is allowing some of the hatefilled comments.
Hawaii was stolen by the USA. Maybe its time we give her back and allow them atonomy.
Wow Privileged much? So Hawaii lost the war (what war was that exactly? You mean their islands were basically stolen by the USA. I bet you live in a red welfare state dont you? So what they should open the hell up just because YOU say so? Who the hell do you think you are? Do you read? Pay any attention to the news? Almost every single state that swung the doors wide open like Florida, Arizona, Texas are ALL Blowing up with COVID19..
Social justice warrior Whites? What are you even talking about? Moderator please ban this person from commenting!
Hi Paul.
Please review our recently updated comment policy. https://beatofhawaii.com/comment-policy/
Aloha.
I did see this but you all dont seem to be following your own guidelines? Please consider banning a few of these conspiracy theorists and those who keep dumping on the natives.
Thumbs up and Mahalo. You are doing a great job on this site during these difficult times.
Hi Bob.
Thank you.
Aloha.
I am frankly tired of all of the comments. Just report when the state opens up already and stop the politics!!!!
Yay….. I appreciate your comment.
Gary – You omitted the fact that Hawaiians overwhelmingly voted for annexation into the United States.
When exactly did this vote take place?
Presidential Investigation of the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Government. On January 16, 1893, United States troops invaded the Hawaiian Kingdom without just cause, which led to a conditional surrender by the Hawaiian Kingdom’s executive monarch, Her Majesty Queen Lili’uokalani, the following day.
On January 17, in the year 1893, the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi was illegally overthrown. … 12, 1898, Hawaiʻi became a Territory of the United States by annexation, at a formal noontime ceremony held in front of ʻIolani Palace.
You just made that up
Dear John,
The way I read history there was not a consensus of the native population who voted for annexation as more than half signed a petition opposing it. After annexation was defeated by Congress the US overthrew the native government a short time later.
Aloha
I agree with you 💯 %
I agree with bob a
I am having a problem following this discussion and they won’t post my comments 🤬
Hawaii is probably locking down today….wait for it.
WHEn will election for governor take place?
This is a very well written and informative article. My son had an RT-PCR test 18 days ago, due to an outbreak at his place of employment. He still hasn’t received his results. This is ridiculous!
Hawaii and other islands, like French Polynesia, need testing requirements. The airlines that service these areas need to be involved, since nobody will be on their planes without obtaining proper testing results. This needs to be a joint effort to make it happen. As a traveler, I’m willing to pay for the test, but need assurance that results are timely.
Also, many doctors, clinics and the general public are under the mistaken opinion that all Covid-19 tests are equal. I had a doctor who got my results back in 2 days, only to find out the lab they used did a non FDA approved test. They didn’t understand what an RT-PCR is. They believe that if they do a proper nasal test, you are getting what you need. I have no idea what an NAAT test is and can find very little information on it. Many facilities are passing off antigen tests as official tests. Yes, you can get rapid results if you can find some place to get them, but they aren’t acceptable for travel. This entire situation is a nightmare and the travel industry will not recover until this is addressed.
Hi Barbara.
Thanks.
Aloha.
“No politics, profanity, rudeness, attacks, or off-topic.”
Poster who identifies as “cf” continually violates your use policy. His disgusting diatribes turn your information into everything but sensible and decent comments. Witness his most recent racist, profanity and politically laden post. Are you planning on any action for continued, clear violations of your policy?
Please respond to my question BOH>
Hi Jim.
Thanks for your comment. We find ourselves in an increasingly challenging and passionate environment here in Hawaii. One that we would have never anticipated frankly.
We don’t agree with all of the comments but don’t want to slant approval of comments to those that share our view either. There is considerable value in hosting comments which express different points of view, and we hear that from readers on a daily basis.
We have removed “no politics” from our comment guidelines because the current environment has a significant political component.
Concurrently we have added no bullying, no upper case, and no links to other websites. We remain committed to not publishing profanity and personal attacks.
Comments that not comply will hereafter be deleted.
Thanks for your understanding and help, and the encouragement that resulted in our updating our comment policy.
This site will be destroyed if you allow these idiots who think that Covid19 is just the flu and screaming white racism against the local Hawaiians. As you know I have been on here since February and have seen this site dive down deep into the BS with some of these posters. Surely you can stop those from commenting who are simply spewing conspiracy theories? And attacking of others? Sad to see this place go to hell in a hand basket.
Maybe its TIME we give Hawaii BACK to the natives. Like everything else the USA does we come in steal the natural resources then scream when all is left is tourism. ANYONE screaming racism at the Hawaiian natives should be summarily banned by this site.
Take a deep breath Paul C, no one would be giving any land back to anyone. Whether that is Hawaiians or Native Americans. The South tried this and we (lead by Lincoln) stopped states that wanted to secede from the United States.
What has people at odds is that we cannot close down states for any longer without huge financial losses. Maybe you are independently wealthy, part of the 1% but Hawaiian’s need to earn money.
Quarantine the elderly and compromised, but not those with strong immune systems. Common sense. Aloha.
Bob that doesn’t make sense and I will tell you why. I have two personal friends in their mid thirties who were healthy no pre-existing or underlying conditions caught it and died from it. My daughter has friends and entire house hold three of which contracted it and died two are permanently compromised with diminished lung capacity.
Comparing what Lincoln did in the south to the USA basically stealing by force the Hawaiian islands is a deep stretch and you know it. Yes they are a state and hardly the only one limiting who can enter wo quarantine.
YES it sucks to be shut down, but money does you ZERO good if you are dead! And how do you or anyone know that they have a strong immune system?
NO I am not independently wealthy or part of the 1%
What you said makes ZERO common sense. We have to be safe we have to knock this thing in the dirt.
Again Paul, take a deep breath. The chances of a healthy person dying from CV19 is minuscule. Secondly “Paul” you are most likely White and what I said makes perfect sense.
If Hawaiian natives go broke many will die. Much more than from CV19. They will die from poverty and the direct result thereof. Alcoholism, poor diet, suicides, disease from lack of healthcare. You Paul did say we should just give Hawaii back to native Hawaiians. Here in California we hear the same thing about Mexico, that is never going to happen.
Open Hawaii up safely. It’s our 50th state. A “United State.”
Hawaii today: most unamerican state, one of the largest welfare states, openly racist towards white black and other races, those from the mainland.
they think thier own crap doesn’t stink. Never wants tourists to come back, blames all island problems on the tourist. Delays reopening continuously at whim of the incompetent governor.
Has lots of ongoing lawsuits resulting from hawaii state government negligence. Less mainlanders in key positions in Hawaii state government. Non Hawaiians harassed on a more frequent and continuous basis. Very few attractions and businesses open. Locals damaging beaches and more homeless defecating in parks, beaches and in town.
Hawaii yesterday: openly and positively promoted tourism but still disliked tourists. Mostly harmonious interactions between locals transplants and tourists. Governor Abercrombie mostly competent and treated people fairly and equally for the mostpart. Beaches and island kept pretty clean and restaurants and jobs aplenty with lots of exciting things to do. Growing homeless population but most pollution issues cleaned up using tourism $$. Mainlanders in key positions to keep government going.
Just keep doing nothing. That’s the Hawaiian way. Put it off until tomorrow. Kick the can down the road. Take no risks. Do no extra work. Just wait and see. Maybe it will just magically all go away on its own… like Trump’s been saying all along.
It’s funny but you really don’t realize just how dysfunctional this state is until you live here a while… and the dazzle of the ocean and the weather and the natural beauty has kind of worn off. And you start noticing what a cluster virtually every state department and agency and policy and law is–compared to the places you’ve lived on the mainland.
Take auto registration. Every single year–for my entire adult life–I’ve received a renewal notice in the mail–for every vehicle I have ever owned–in every state I have ever lived in. But not Hawaii. So I went online and it SAYS that I will be mailed a renewal notice. But I wasn’t. So I tried to renew online–but that wasn’t working either. So I called the local registration office… no answer–but an answering machine–that said “Leave a message and we’ll call you back within 24 hrs.” I did that. Eight straight days in a row. Never received a call back. So, finally I just DROVE down the the registration office–and they allowed me to register the vehicle and person. But no one could explain or justify why I was never mailed a notice, why the website did not work, why no one answered the phone, or why no one ever returned any of the messages I left for them. They just look at you with a dumb, blank stare….
Oh, and it cost $250 to register a 14 yr old vehicle–worth maybe $800 to $1000–that I maybe drive 1000 miles a year here. $250. The registration on my newer, nicer, more expensive vehicle back on the mainland is $73/hr.
So, yeah, is anyone REALLY surprised at the incompetence, dysfuncton, fear, endless stalling and inaction of the Hawaiian government? Because I’m not.
🙂
For sure
Bill
Hawaii will continue to be lax with government and treating tourists like cash cows after covid has come and gone anyway. Turn on and off the tourism at will.
Continue blatent discrimination towards Americans and especially white people. Saying that all Americans are not law abiding etc. great strategy hawaii!
Life there is impossible for young people. working regular jobs to buy a home in hawaii is just about impossible on oahu. Homelessness is already highest in the nation in hawaii and will continue to grow there
You want to promote Hawaii but you allow comments which say this is the same as the flu? That the statistics are because it’s an election year? That promotes death, not Hawaii. Pathetic. Your disclaimer at the bottom should also say right wing crap is spread.
Paul c cry me a river. And thats silly to whine to the author about how special your opinion is and others should not be allowed?
And yes America has politics and political opinions that can and will be shared here. You dont have to like it and people dont have to vacation In hawaii after it opens up. I think its funny you think im right wing and not a liberal!
Mahalo for your arrogant opinion and aloha!
Kevin c not paul c
Is there a real reason for your constantly negative observations? Why are you hanging around a board where by your posts you have no intent on visiting our islands? The constant negativity only cements the opinions of those who recognize that the pandemic is not a flu, and folks who continually bash Hawaii are exactly the kinds of visitors who would likely not follow protocols, ohana, kuleana, or pono.
So the CVS test is listed as a PCR test. Does this qualify as the NAAT test?
Also this 72-hour window…is that for the time of the test, or the results? If I know that it will take a week for the results from my local lab, I can time it so I receive the results and then fly to HNL, but it sounds like this isn’t good enough as my test would’ve been 5 days old, instead of the 3 days listed. Trying to plan a honeymoon in Hawaii as covid ruined our plans for Fiji and this is one of the hurdles I’m trying to overcome.
From what I understand its 72 hours from when you land…so if you land Sunday you cant test any earlier than Thursday. We are having the same issue 🙁
I hate my son!
To cfs mom: not my mom 😀 Thanks for the recognition!
Search where you can even get a NAAT test on the mainland. 🎵🎼 “Wishin and hopin and prayin 🎼🎵
I love these articles. I just dont see hawaii coming out of all this crap for atleast a decade.
Continuing on the path of destroying the economy and ruining tourism during the pandemic is clearly not the way to go. Trying to force people to wear masks and quarantine is also not the way to go. This virus will most likely infect most people before a vaccine is even available. And even then most dont want the vaccine, according to new polls taken
Making travel bubbles is a very short term stupid and illegal move to make also. No one wants to put up with this non patriotic crap. Why is hawaii being so wimpy and passive aggressive?
If you’re going to make your opinion heard, it would be helpful to have facts on your side. In Hawaii, people wear masks out of respect for others. There is a mandatory order, but I’ve lived here for twenty years, and the words “ohana” (extended family), “kuleana” (responsibility) and “pono” (doing what’s right) have a real, deep reality, much like the kind of household I grew up in the 50’s. Most Hawaiians care about each other, especially the kupuna (elders). THAT’s why mask wearing is almost 100%.
If you mean that we will reach the elusive herd immunity before a vaccine, we have a ways to go. Even with the highest infection rate in the world, 5 million is a drop in the bucket, and herd immunity is tentatively reached at 70% infected. And that depends on how long lived are the antibodies.
The vax deniers are estimated to amount to ~20% of the adult population, far from “most people”.
Travel bubbles do in fact make sense. Please turn around your last sentence and it makes more sense. Instead of asking “why is Hawaii being so wimpy and passive aggressive”, please ask why are there so many mainlanders who won’t even listen to health professionals or their own common sense. Masks in public, especially enclosed places, social distancing, and yes travel bubbles stem the spread of the virus rather than what happened in the recent holiday periods, mass parties and complete disregard for one’s neighbor.
As for patriotism and illegalaties, isn’t it more patriotic to join forces in wartime and cooperate to win that war? And the courts just ruled on a lawsuit alleging that the 14-day quarantine is fully within the purview of the Governor.
Finally, there is a reason that most countries are now closing their doors on Americans who wish to travel. Please ask yourself, why. Hawaii will be just fine after we emerge with some sense of normality. I wish and hope that the rest of the states survive…literally.
I doubt that any of these responses to your post will have any effect on your opinion, but at least those contributing to this thread can weigh my thoughts against your opinion and decide which seems more rational.
Aloha,
Darn those tourists ot masking up forcing the closure of Polihale indefinitely.
“Specific illegal activities listed include numerous complaints about large gatherings and a lack of social distancing, despite emergency orders, widespread defecation within the fragile dune system, and trucks racing on the beach and driving through the dunes.
DLNR also pointed out a recent weekend during which more than 1,000 people were camped in the state park, with only 80 legally permitted.”
LOL hardly the ONLY state and people who are doing this. Florida police had to break up a 700 to 1000 person party complete with music etc. It took them five hours to clear the party. So STOP crapping on Hawaiians as though they are the only ones doing this.
They seem to be the only ones that think their pupus dont stink.
Just saw this today July 29 on CNBC website about testing delays, looks like good news,” With the new FDA authorization, Quest said it expects “to achieve average turnaround times of 1 day for “Priority 1″ patients and 2-3 days for all other patients in coming weeks.”
Just got here yesterday (Honolulu) 14 day stay in but that’s ok. At sons place. Plane half full, mostly locals. I have a feeling the 14 day quarantine will still be in effect in Sept and on. They are pretty strict about this here and cases are rising all over the mainland as well as here. I could be wrong but prob not.
I’m planning on coming to Hawaii September 5-15, when should I try to get my test?? September 1st, so I’ll have the results by September 5? Frustrated as we all are..if I don’t have the results do I have to sit at the airport until I get them?
I’m just holding on in hope they get something solidified. All now is conjecture. Doubt that any test taken will come back with results within they projected time frame. Just won’t happen.
Just got here yesterday (Honolulu) 14 day stay in but that’s ok. At sons place. Plane half full, mostly locals. I have a feeling the 14 day quarantine will still be in effect in Sept and on. They are pretty strict about this here and cases are rising all over the mainland as well as here. I could be wrong but prob not.
This still seems to be a TRAVEL Nightmare for those of US who preplanned our Trips LONG in Advance!.Does not appear to have Clear Answers as to Actually WHERE you can get a TEST that you can get the RESULTS in 72 hours before you FLY. For example if you are Tested on a Thursday and are due to FLY the Following Sunday, Its seems unlikely you can get the Test RESULTS in afformentioned allowed time?
We have the same issue. We are scheduled for November…We land Sunday afternoon which means we can’t get tested any earlier than Thursday morning. Do they give test results on the weekend? If not am I able to still get my rental car and go to my condo until Monday when I would hope they would be available?
The distinctive about “being played” is that you are not aware of it when it occurs. Do your homework and look at what else is being learned about this virus around the world instead of only watching main stream media.
IF this medical and media frenzy continues until November 3rd, it will be over the day after.
Hawaii is “being played”.
Tell that to my two friends families who have had their kids die of covid you jerk. This HAS NOTHING to do with an election or anything else. Everything is NOT a conspiracy to take out your dear leader good grief.
Paul,
Good grief is right! Goodness not everything is a conspiracy theory. Facts are facts, and people are dying because of Covid, and ignorant people don’t want to look at it until they or a loved one get it.
Hawaii is right about being cautious.
I am beyond Good grief at this point. The eastern part of oregon right now is blowing up with Covid cases because the morons refuse to wear masks. Some had big covid parties trying intentionally to get it! ARGH
Unless you have an underlying health condition. There is a 99.08% chance you will not feel sick from CV-19.
Those terrified of CV-19 and those in power closing down states and cities are actually causing more death and destruction than CV-19 ever could.
The experts are saying in America alone there will be hundreds of thousands of suicides attributed to CV-19.
There will be millions of cases of domestic abuse and alcoholism attributed to CV-19 and there will be millions more losing their homes and businesses.
Time to put on the big boy pants and think like adults. Back to work, back to school. Back to the American way of life.
Just stop already this is not a conspiracy set out to take Trump down; for god sakes it’s worldwide man. 150,000 US citizens have now died. 80,000 in the hospital now with it. The american way of life? Oh yeah selfish you worried ONLY about yourself no oneelse. I have had TWO personal friends in their 30s die from this and three more in the hospital currently 1 recovered but his lung capacity is severely incapacitated and will NEVER get that back so STOP already sheesh.
I couldn’t agree with you more. Some how we need to take back our freedoms and rights and move on!!
Since this is an information site, I try to refrain from overtly political musings, as if anyone knows the real results, long term, of contracting CV-19. But this post exposes gross negligence in trying to explain something using right wing talking points. I’ll simply point to what is actually happening on the U.S. mainland:
Texas, Florida, Arizona, Georgia, California and a host of other mostly southern and midwestern states did in fact “put on their big boy pants” around the Memorial and July 4th holidays. Largely because of the content of this post and other “facts”, people adopted your what, me worry? attitude. Now FL, TX, AZ, and CA are dealing with a new surge that is putting once again on medical personnel and hospital capacity. In Houston three hospitals are sending the sickest patients home to die so that they can make room for the treatable patients.
There is a reason that U.S. citizens cannot travel to any European country and now most of the Caribbean. Some countries have managed the spread by people following safety guidelines and admittedly extreme government actions (total lock downs). We had the chance to follow their lead and chose to party instead.
In the state of California (40 MILLION) we have had ZERO kids die of Covid 19. That is ZERO Paul so take a breath. Now if you say “kids” like in their “30-90’s” with underlying health conditions I understand.
Hawaii is taking a huge financial risk of losing tourists forever. It seems for decades Hawaii was part of the United States of America and US Citizens could travel freely, but now it seems Hawaii does not care about tourists and their own financial future.
Still blaming Hawaii. They are taking a HUGE risk the islands residents become overcome with the virus. Do you care about anyone but yourself? PS I have 2 dead friends ZERO underlying conditions from covid. Three more currently in the hospital only ONE with underlying conditions and one who has recovered but his lung capacity is 50% of what it used to be and doctors tell him that he will live with this for the rest of his life.
Yes…we all are being played. There are medications for complete recovery. This is completely devastating to economics and suicide mortality rate is 4 times higher than covid deaths!
YIKES! It seems that once again I am put in the unenviable position of fact checking. Please understand that there are NO “cures” (complete recovery)for this unique coronavirus. It has killed at least 150K of your citizen neighbors. The daily death rate indicates that the final death tally could be hundreds of thousands (Fauci, Johns Hopkins, and Washington state sources to name a few).
Roughly 146,000 people have died from COVID or COVID-related causes in the U.S., according to CDC data.
The most recent publicized federal data records 48,000 deaths from suicide and at least 1.4 million attempts in 2018.
Please don’t parrot right wing talking points when trying to make your points.
stop with your conspiracy [edited].
I try to visit Kauai every winter from Indiana. Last winter I stayed at a great VRBO up on the north side. I don’t understand why the quarantine has to be in a hotel room. Why couldn’t I go to that VRBO, have food delivered and just go to the beach? I live near the Lake Michigan beach and it has saved my sanity to get outside here at the beach. Outside, especially with a breeze, there is almost zero chance of spreading the virus. Serious question. I hope someone has an answer. Being in a hotel room would be like being in prison.
You can’t go to the beach…you can’t leave the property. The police and national guard make periodic checks and you can be arrested if you leave your place of quarantine. Some people have stated that they have even been told quarantined individuals they can not be on their front lanai outside. But get this…if you are staying with someone who isn’t quarantining they don’t have to quarantine and can go about the community. Total hypocrisy. Being outside is healthier for everyone, but they are saying you have to be confined for 14 days?! I understand protecting the community but this is way too much government control. Get the testing plan figured out and protect the vulnerable – don’t quarantine the healthy.
My adult children just went through the quarantine period so I need to correct two of your statements. First, look at the Governor’s directives and they clearly state that the lanai is considered part of the house. As for quarantining with someone who is already in Hawaii, the distinction is that you must quarantine in a separate part of the house and have no contact with the housemates until the 14 days end. That was true for my daughter on Maui who offered her lower level to a friend for quarantine. Same house, different levels with separate entrances. That’s the difference.
Im just hoping that all this mishandling of the hawaii virus situation backfires on the hawaii goverment. I hope some people with no symptoms slip through and locals will then feel positive towards usa visitors when lots of people get sick again on the island in the fall. Everything will need to reopen eventually
WOW YOU HOPE some slip by WOW.
This is the clearest explanation I have seen, thank you for the help understanding this. My question I haven’t found the answer to is this – if we were planning to stay 4 to 6 weeks, are there rentals available since I know short term rentals were shut down for a while. I know we would be isolated for 14 days. Are grocery stores and restaurants making deliveries? I realize that our trip probably isn’t feasible and I am clutching at straws right now, but hope springs eternal. I appreciate any knowledge or understanding you can pass along. If there is just no way right now, a simple answer of “No, you crazy woman, stay home” would work and would sav3 you time! Mahalo.
Hi Cheryl.
From other comments, there may be deliveries available on all the islands, but let us know where you’re headed and we’ll try to help more. As far as we know, you need to have the quarantine period take place in a hotel, but again, check that too. It might work if you can just get through the first two weeks locked indoors.
Aloha.
Aloha Cheryl,
I have a friend who just flew in and is staying at a rented condo for an extended stay. She is quarantined 14 days and can go as far as the lanai. No pool. No beach. Fortunately her daughter lives close and can shop for her but deliveries are available just as on the mainland.
Cvs is now telling people the results will be done in 5 to 7 days but the minute clinic website says 6 to 10 days for results , it appears testing capabilities In USA are not adequate for quick results . Obviously this won’t be a solution for Hawaii travelers as the state would require us to quar antine until results arrive .i hope there is a way to allow Hawaii to open but it will take government help and not sure if the Feds are up to it .
I believe that you just pegged the chink in the armor. If everyone would ask the logical question: how can it be that the richest, most powerful nation on the planet can’t achieve the same results as a host of other nations who have so far successfully squashed viral spread? Then ask how other countries’ populations have little problem with simple protective actions (masks, distance, limited trips for only essentials), but our country seems to base everything on political persuasion.
If you answered honestly, then the vitriol expressed by some towards Hawaii, its people and the Governor and Mayors might be better directed towards that lack of any national plan to contain the virus and tamp down the spread.
You hit the nail on the head , yes we have made a difficult situation worse by having no effective national coordinated response to fighting covid. It’s quite a sad situation in that covid has become a political debate and I know if I had cancer I would listen to doctors and not politicians for my care .
A couple months ago the Swedish epidemiologist Johan Giesecke said things that now look brilliantly prescient:
“You’ve painted yourself into a corner. I’m watching with interest how are you and 100 other countries will climb out of the lockdown, because I don’t think any government that I know gave a minute’s thought about how they would get out of their different lockdowns.” and “A lockdown might delay severe cases for a while, but once restrictions are eased, cases will reappear. … Measures to flatten the curve might have an effect, but a lockdown only pushes the severe cases into the future — it will not prevent them.”
Yes kevin k my thoughts exactly. These countries that have done lockdowns have not helped anyone but themselves. They take care of thier own Jobs while subjecting the population to lack of sevices and medical housing and food. And take aeay thier jobs snd income and forcing them on welfare. People are dying in large numbers and greatly inconvenienced and the workd evonomy could easily collapse and kill billions over time. C0vid could kill only one rgird of one percent of 8 billion