What visitors need to know now about Hawaii travel.
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What visitors need to know now about Hawaii travel.
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Hubby and I just cancelled our 3-month trip to Kauai which was initially scheduled to begin on August 1st, then pushed back to September 1st. However, with so many unknowns and obstacles, and the confusion and lack of decisions, we decided we should get our money back while we still can before it’s too late to cancel. We visit Kauai annually and are sad that we’ll miss the opportunity this year. We’ve been researching and waiting and hoping since March, and we finally decided it’s just not worth the stress that it’s causing us. Like many people have reported, there is no place to get tested with results in 72 hours. Most places, including CVS, won’t even test unless you have symptoms. We fully understand and support the need to keep the residents safe, but we’re sorry for all the people whose jobs are at risk because of the lack of leadership when it comes to tourism. Mahalo and blessings to all.
Hi Pam.
Thanks for all of your comments.
Aloha.
Typical Hawaii
SNAFU
Situation
Normal
All
F’d
Up
We live in a small town in Oregon. Tests are taking 6 days to get results. The only way to get the 10-minute test is if you are showing symptoms. Furthermore there are only a certain number of 10- minute tests available per day to the hospital. This information is from a reliable source “in the know”. Not only that, the tests are only about 80% accurate for the long test and the short test is even less accurate … 50% in some cases! Careful reading on the subject will also inform you that the latest testing methods also show the common cold will be reported as positive for c0vid. Please do deeper research than just watching the media.
This is absolutely the biggest joke of the century on the American people.
Mahalo
It appears politics are in total control. Good news was reported today on the UK versus Sweden approach. The trajectory of declining deaths per million was exactly the same. The UK locked down and Sweden did not.
In my area too results are taking longer. How do we get to fly to Hawaii if we too have to meet this 72 hour test. Im scheduled for next month to be in Hawaii and yet these rules and not having quick testing are going to rule me out. So sad and wrong.
Sadly, I believe the difficulty of testing in addition to the somewhat unwelcoming atmosphere are going to have devastating effects on Hawaii’s economy. Further, I believe large numbers of mainlanders have found enjoyment in exploring and experiencing parts of the mainland often ignored because of the breathtaking beauty and comfort of Hawaii. Maybe that is a good thing? I don’t know. But I fear the impact of C0vid-19 will be felt more profoundly in the state of Hawaii than any other state.
Good I hope all of you with that attitude stay on the main land. This is EXACTLY why many locals do not like US. SO please do explore the mainland.
I believe they changed the verbage to NAAT to encompass the quicker molecular methods as well as PCR. If the test is not PCR , then you may have people entering that were told they were negative and are indeed positive . The quicker tests are meant for screening symptomatic patients and then follow up with PCR . Masks and distancing are the only way to go
How about this? Check travelers temps when they get on a flight to Hawaii and if they have fever, send them home. Then, anyone living in Hawaii who is elderly or has pre-existing health conditions should protect themselves from potential infection. Everyone else try to social distance or wear a mask when that’s not possible. It’s pretty simple really, that is what the rest of the country is doing after all. Why shut down the economy of Hawaii and cause travellers to (again) change their plans when this “pan demic” is totally manageable?
20 MILLION tourists come to Hawaii each year. It has to be way more than TOTALLY MANAGEABLE
What about the asymptatic people who don’t show any symptoms at all? How do you stop them from getting on a plane or spreading the virus?? Sadly, I don’t think it’s simple at all…
Michaelle M
That’s why we all have to wear masks on the plane and social distance otherwise. Fortunately, most people remain asymptomatic and never know they’re infected. Again, those who are more susceptible should take extra precautions.
Wonder how you find out which type testing is being done where? I googled both of those test types and it didn’t tell me anything, I’m certainly no scientist. Both are C0vid tests and that’s all I took away from my Google experience. Geesh. How confusing can it be!
NAAT testing? That has an even worse turnaround time. I hope that was a typo on the tourism website and not a new wrinkle.
Thank you so much for all the good information your website provides, it is very helpful.
Mahalo,
Niki
Hi Niki.
Thanks.
Aloha.
What really concerns me is that if the person sitting next to you, on a 5 hr flight, hasn’t had a test, and then tests positive after arriving in Hawaii, this would put you in probable jeopardy. And that is a risk that I would not be willing to take. There has to be a better plan in place before I would even make a reservation.
I had the swan test done June 27 at Lifeway Hanapepe. I still don’t have results.
Kathy
I’m so sad that I have a trip to Hawaii on August 18th rescheduled from May and I don’t even want to go to Hawaii anymore. I have to find out how to get a refund on my airline tickets from Hawaiian which I’m concerned about. Do you have any tips for trying to get a refund on tickets?
The US Virgin Islands is also requiring testing like this starting 7/13 (they just announced this) for visitors from Texas and Florida. With such short notice, it will be crazy I think. I’m not sure if they will last at Airport. I’m still hopeful for my September trip, but reality is sinking in. Thanks for all the updates.
Hi Jo.
Thank you for your comments.
Aloha.
If I have C0VID now, will I need to be tested before I travel or can I show that I was positive weeks before I traveled? Or can I bring anti-body test results with me?
It would sure be awesome if the Hawaiian government was a little more sophisticated. I love Hawaii and the Hawaiian people and don’t want to do anything to harm them. I’m even willing to wait to visit but I would take a whole lot more comfort if I had any confidence in the Governor or the people around him.
I just read the Alaska tourism email and based on feedback from travelers having issues getting a test before departure, they suggested a company that will overnight test-at-home kits with results usually within 24 hours or less of their receipt of the sample. Not clear if insurance covers, but they have info on their website. May be another option.
Hello! Great website. What’s the diff bt NAAT and PCR test?
Hi John.
Thank you. We aren’t experts on that although Googling shows a distinct difference. The biggest thing we found was that no one appears to be offering the Naat test.
Aloha.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nucleic_acid_test
According to wikipedia, it looks like NAAT is an umbrella which includes PCR
Thank you for the latest on pre entry training. However, as yet there is no answers to International travellers who wish to visit. I was due to travel from the UK in September but it is impossible to be tested here unless you have symptoms. This would mean we all have to quar antine for 14 days upon arrival. Therefore, with great sadness, I have had to cancel our four week holiday. Hopefully, we can return next May. MAHALO.
Hi John.
Sorry to hear that. Thank you.
Aloha.
Were scheduled to go to Hawaii to see family Aug. 5th. Covid testing within 72 hours is absolutely impossible. Should we reschedule?
Hi Monika!
I’d cancel or rebook ASAP.
After speaking with several people on island, it’s not the time to go to Hawai’i.
Aloha
Aloha Guys!
I really find it Odd that most people are searching for outside sources to take tests from, rather than just going to their personal Doctor and discussing testing procedures and potential ways to get faster test results.
There are many people suggesting that Tests are not available at all, or to most people, which does not match the results I am finding. Although, I do understand that there are areas that have limited ability to test, or that they are providing specific tests to only people with symptoms (or only those sick), if people actually do some research, or contact their Doctor, it’s likely they may find there are potentially other options.
My wife and I actually have different insurance plans, and we both are able to be tested through our Doctor, with no issues, and get results within 24-48 hours. I know several people across the country who have also been to there Doctor and had no issue being tested, most of whom received results within a 3 day window, although some took longer.
I would love to hear more results of people doing it this way, and seeing how fast they get their results…
Mahalo Guys!
Hi Jim.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I tried to get my Dr. in Maine to order a test for me after I had traveled back to Maine from another state. Because I did not have any symptoms they would not order a test for me. I had potentially been exposed on the plane and it the state I was in but they still would not order a test. I had a test before I left the state I visited on Saturday and I went to a Quick Care facility in Maine on Monday night.
I received both negative test results on Thursday,; 6 and 4 days after testing. I stayed in Quar antine until I had results as that is the rule in Maine till you can attest that you have a negative test. (there is no way this is being enforced, honor system)
This would be half of my vacation time in Kauai,(sept. 2020) I don’t want to spend half my vacation in isolation.
Also, coming from the East Coast on SW I will have to have an overnight in California.
Thanks for this forum very helpful to keep up on the ever changing rules.
Hi Erin.
Thanks.
Aloha.
This just in from gov offices in Calif:
According to a recent survey by the Association for Molecular Pathology, more than 70% of U.S. clinical laboratories have suffered significant delays to C0VID-19 testing programs as a result of ongoing supply chain disruptions. The organization said that the expansion of COVD-19 testing capacity at laboratories around the country has put pressure on supply chains that handle reagents and other materials used to learn whether a patient is infected.
California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly acknowledged the state is facing a testing supply shortage.
COST?
FYI We have used Kaiser to schedule a C0VID PCR test here in San Jose, Ca. An appt requested by our doctor was necessary. We did the tests yesterday, Tuesday, for travel to Alaska within 72 hrs of departure on Friday, as required to enter that state. Because we have no symptoms or known contacts, we’ve been told that travel is the lowest priority for turnaround, normally around 72-96 hours, so to expect it to be 96 hrs. Cases are going up here, so who knows if that will hold this week. And not certain they send results over the weekend. We have arranged to self quar antine in our hotel suite with food delivered in until our charter sail on Tuesday, just in case. All other available testing in our county is for those with symptoms/known contacts, or free for anyone with long lines, but they all have turnaround times up to a week. Testing upon arrival in Juneau is now taking up to 5 days. On arrival, we will also receive a free voucher for a repeat test to be done in 7-14 days to make sure we’re still negative.
Hey Jim
Your right about going to your doctor. I’m old school and trust my doctor over online and mailing.
I contacted my doctors office and they do not advertise doing tests for travel but they do them on request. The issue I have it takes 4 days for results, so if it goes to 5 days I’ll be making appointments but it has to be very soon.
Aloha.
Be careful when you say ‘tested’. I too have asked my doctor and I too have found I can be ‘tested’. Only antibody testing is offered. ‘Active’ testing is only offered to those showing symptoms, so – no help getting ‘tested’ for travel.
Mahalo
Hi Skip.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Its time to make the call to just stop until this thing gets figured out. Too many people have too much invested including US in our vacations to not have a clear answer. This is not a complaint just reality.
Agreed. It’s so odd that people who want to take a vacation keep hoping for some sort of miracle workaround instead of accepting reality and moving on. Hawai’i will still be there next year, and the year after that…
right? I mean this is my FIRST trip to Hawaii and its a big bucket list item but I am not willing to sacrifice my lady my friends or myself if its not safe. I would prefer to just wait till things can safely open up and not sweat my vacation. Dont get me wrong I so want that ma-halo spirit to over take me but I can wait I am patient.
You are making a wise choice. It makes no sense to have those “What if” questions lingering before you travel and right after you arrive, and during travel for that matter. What Governor Ige is doing is frankly pretty bizarre. The next two-three months will be quite interesting. We have our annual trip to Kauai scheduled for February and if there is no vaccine by then, we may cancel. We just don’t want to deal with the uncertainty. By the way, you may be thinking of the Ohana spirit rather than Mahalo, which means “Thanks”. But in certain cases Mahalo works too.
For BOH, in a previous BOH post you said you have seen more rental cars on the Kaumualii Highway. Any idea how these tourists arrived- Tested? Quarantined? Possibly residents from other states? Maholo.
Hi Bob.
No, we do not know anything more about all of the rental cars that we’ve seen recently.
Thanks for all of your comments.
Aloha
Dave, Well said. I totally agree. Right now Hawaii is experiencing a great increase in numbers in community spread. That is without the influx of tourists. People are putting themselves & their loved ones at great risk traveling in confined space to get there and then vacationing in a spot where there is such an uptick. Also knowing how the cases are blowing up here on the mainland, it is irresponsible to be a possible carrier and risk transporting it to residents of Hawaii. Please do the right thing, stay home and visit the islands in the future when this has become controlled.
How about those of us wanting to return to our homes in Hawaii but not willing to be forcibly confined for 14 days? Should we just move on as well?
What an incredible mess. My plan for a mid-August return is not looking good.
Thanks to Beat of Hawaii for the great updates. Most reliable information and quicker than any other source I’ve found.
Hi Mike.
Thanks for that and for all of your comments.
Aloha.
Seems to me if you have a home there quarantining should be pretty easy? If you dont want to go I would be happy to and take care of your home and quar antine! 🙂
To say that this situation is getting out of hand is a profound understatement. The fallacies of 3 or 5 day pre arrival testing should be obvious EVEN to politicians considering the “possible” days until someone is even symptomatic or even have a detectable response to ANY test. And the probabilities of coming in contact with someone that has the ‘rona while in transit is out there so how exactly is that pre test relevant let alone one 5 days out!?
From AP News, 7/8:
“Americans confronted with an alarming resurgence of the scourge are facing long lines at testing sites in the summer heat or are getting turned away, while others are going a week or more without receiving a diagnosis.
“Some sites are running out of kits, while labs are reporting shortages of materials and workers to process the swabs.”
Clearly, advance testing is not a viable option at this time.
(Our personal experience in San Diego: We had long cancelled our planned trip to Hawai’i. Then we both got C19 symptoms. We were not allowed to be tested because we weren’t “sick enough” and they were saving the test kits for people who were really in dire straits. Weeks later, we still don’t know if we had it/have it or not.)
yep agreed we are told here in oregon that we need to be sick. There is no easy place to just GO and take a test. I want to anyway even if I wasnt planning to come to hawaii but they will not let me because I have no symptoms
My in-laws went last Saturday without an appointment to a testing site in Beaverton, OR and had results within 20 minutes. Not sure how many of those types of places are out there and if the test will meet Hawaii’s requirements but they are places out there to go without a Dr prescribing.
could you please find out for me where they went to get their test? I am in Aloha LOL Oregon .
I just donated blood. They test the blood for the antibody but that won’t help with a negative. Sorry just thinking as I type. Not a bad idea to donate during this time.
Aloha a d ditto from A. While CVS is offering drive thru testing by appointment (with an average turnaround of 3-7 days), it is the PCR test not NAAT as is being talked about for HI admission. Couldn’t find anywhere offering NAAT test. On top of that answering the CVS re-test questionnaire for PCR just to schedule an appointment, it said we were not eligible since we have no symptoms. Gov Ing (and others) needs to make up his/their minds. If they are patterning after Alaska, the state us only requiring PCR and nothing else.
unfortunately, they do pre screening and if you want the test, but you do NOT feel sick or have lots of the symptoms, you would HAVE to check a few of the symptoms boxes, or you would be rejected for registering for the free test! that is the reality. I had few body aches and sore throat, and I have allergies/asthma, pre diabetic, so I marked asthma, diabetes, aches sore throat and it let me get approved for and tested for free. I did not have covid per the results. Still it took 6 days to get back my results.
Ok…so my husband and I are booked to fly December 26th to Oahu. Is Hawaii saying that we need to show proof of a negative C0VID test that tested us 3-5 days before we land? Or that we have to take a test on the 21st?
I sure hope that makes sense…
Aloha Angel,
Honestly, I wouldn’t even worry about it right now, if I were you. These procedures will long be hashed out before then, and likely have time to improve any procedures/protocols.
Expanding the window from 3 to 5 day’s would certainly help. I called CVS to try to plan a trip to Maui in 8/1 and was told their results are back in 48-96 hours. I said I only have 72 hours and they had no answer.🤷♂️
Aloha Trevor,
You really should see your personal Doctor, to discuss your options. I was able to schedule a test, and was told I would get results in 24-48 hours via a blood test, which is apparently faster.
Finding a site to test offering 72 hr results is impossible. Even on Alaska travel web site it shows CVS pharmacy, when you call they say to high volume tests results come back in 5 to 7 days. Others sites only test persons over 18 yr, what do families with underage children do ? We need not only instructions but contact information for sites that will comply with Hawaii demand.
Not coming to Hawaii anytime soon with all this strict limitations. Y’all are shooting yourselves in both feet.
I plan on coming to Hawaii the beginning of August with test results in hand on departure. I’m betting on test results taking 48-72 hours as promised. Keeping my fingers crossed!!
My question is…if we get tested 5 days prior to our arrival. Then travel from maui to kauai 10 days later and 7 days later back to honolulu. Do we have to be tested multiple times or just once,?
Hi Sharon.
As it is currently planned, just once.
Aloha.
Hi Sharon,
I was recently told by Hawaiian Airlines that Interisland flights will no longer require a 14 day quar antine.
Aloha!
We own 3 weeks in Princeville, Kauai. We have postponed our visit twice already this year. I believe it is unconstitutional to lock people in a hotel just because the powers that be want to exercise overly cautious measures, thereby making people miserable after they arrive. I talked to one person who was caught up in mid move to the island, and had to quar antine with no way to cook. They were forced to eat cold sandwiches everyday for 14 days. This is not a healthy practice. Have we forgotten that this is a free country? While taking measures to stay safe, and not unnecessarily exposing oneself is fine, this has gone far beyond being cautious. The state collects my tax dollars from my ownership, and businesses there benefit off my business while we spend time and money there. We are good citizens, and are exercising safety measures, we don’t litter, or go to any forbidden places. We respect the citizens of the island that we dearly love. But this has gone too far, one more step to try to keep us away may be the last, as we may not ever try to return. We would be the big losers because I am sure we can’t get anything for our timeshare, and we can’t rent it out if no one can travel there. We cannot live in a bubble, people get sick everyday, while no one wants that, it remains a fact of life.
“We own three weeks (of a time share) so we can put the entire population at risk”. Is that really what you are thinking? You must be familiar with the history of Native Hawaiians losing an estimated 900,000 people to western disease. But you own three weeks. Just wow.
Thank you.
Hi Dan.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Are there not any grocery stores that deliver? Or any restaurants that deliver. Hard to imagine sandwiches for 2 weeks
We were very excited a year ago to get the timeshare trade we requested for Kauai in June. Well, we were able to bump that to mid August (additional cost of course!), but we only have until mid-July to cancel and not lose our week. With the group on Kauai thinking of additional restrictions (in addition to a test prior to departure), we really need the governor and those in power to make their decision soon! All I’ve read is that they’ll have more guidance over the next few weeks. Any idea if they’ll come up with their decisions by mid-July? It’s rapidly approaching!
Thanks for the information. I know that with the current 72-hour test period it is impossible in many locations to get the results back within the window. I had a test recently (late June) and didn’t get the result back until 4 and 1/2 days later. I’d be unable to get on a plane to Hawaii. However, I can show my reservation showing the time/date scheduled for the test. How about imposing a “self-isolation” for 24-48 hours with the proviso that when proof arrives via email notification, I can get immediate approval to go “normal” at that point. another alternative, enable expedited testing with results within 48 hours upon arrival. I propose self-isolation in either case. I am coming, finally,to the Big Island in August to finalize a purchase of land and my general contractor to build my new permanent residence on the big island. My wife and I have been in limbo since March having had two flights cancelled as c0vid-19 ramped up and the islands went into quarantine mode, more than 4-months already. Being a fixed-income retiree, not rich, 14-day quar antines are not within my budget as I need to make a number of trips over the build phase of my new home.
Hi Wayne.
We are hearing that for those who don’t have test results at the point of arrival, some accommodation will be made. We’ll have to wait to hear what the state finally decides of course.
Aloha.
There are places that can test you by mail and they claim they can get it to you in 72 hours. Anybody tried that? They have the right certifications.
I have a family of four booked in mid-August and still hopeful I can make it work. If one of my children tested positive for C0VID (or just had a high temperature) I believe that means they would not be allowed to fly. But if one child can’t fly, then I can assure you the whole family will not fly. What does that mean for our airfare, hotel reservations, etc.? Sounds like a pretty big gamble right now.
If we get a false test result and ultimately lose money from non-refundable reservations, is there any litigation risk for the test provider?
Aloha,
We are planning a trip in December and my question is, we are planning a week in Maui and a week on Kauai.
How will testing go if we are on Maui for the first week. Are you going to require additional testing To go to Kauai? I know this is early but we need to plan our trip,
So any updates on the requirements will be greatly appreciated.
Mahalo
Hi Dave.
There will be no testing requirements to travel interisland. You should be good.
Aloha.
Test results can take a very long time. I was tested the afternoon of June 23rd at a local CVS (was told results would be in 2-4 days), any I never received my negative results until July 2nd. It was very frustrating to say the least.
Aloha Rob and Jeff,
I love your newsletter and look forward to it in my email every day and miss it, when you might take a well deserved day off.
I read so many of the comments, they are so interesting. Most people put so much thought into what they have to say. Some drive me insane. The people on Maui have been amazing during this time, I don’t know how they do it. It must be awful not to know when your economy will recover.
So many of us are so fortunate to have money to own property or travel to Hawaii. I hope you’ve thought of donating to local charities to help out in these awful times. Maui Food Bank is one we have selected for ourselves. Think of all the people out of work, It is really quite depressing. They want you back, believe me. Until then, please help them out if you can.
Mahalo
Lanell
Hi Lanell.
Thanks so much!
Aloha.
THANKS FOR YOUR GREAT WORK!
Hi Nancy.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Mahalo and thank you for taking questions.
My question is this, often times on the mainland, it is impossible to get a test unless you have been in direct contact with a person who has tested positive. After you’re exposed, you have to be tested and then self-quar antine even if you are not tested positive. How does a person get a test just to travel? Does it have to be a referred thing by a doctor? Are they going to allow that, in light of the limited amount of tests available for those who actually have symptoms and/or have been exposed? I would hate to think I used a test of someone who may actually be sick for travel purposes. I am not sure the solution, I just know I love your beautiful state and am planning a trip in October. Hoping to help some of the entertainment/tourism industry get their feet back on the ground and spend some time with your beautiful ohana!
Hi Sheryl.
We understand and concur about your concern. We’ll await news from the state on how they see this working. At least you aren’t coming until October, which allows a couple of months to iron things out.
Aloha.
Hi Sheryl,
There are a few different test types, and your Doctor can order a test, if they choose. I would contact your Doctor, about a month out from your departure to discuss and plan accordingly. By then, things will likely change, and who knows, you might not even need a test, or results may come faster? There are still so many unanswered, but you should have a better idea, to make a plan with, for your time-frame.
Personally, I talked with my Doctor, since I am leaving in early August (as I have property that needs tending, in Hawaii), and I was told a blood test was the best and fastest way, if needed in a 72 hour window, and it does not use any swab test kits. It’s a quick in and out procedure, and they guaranteed test results in 24-48 hours at most.
Aloha!
I live in Sonoma County California. I purchased property in Maui in April during the start of the pan demic. I need to get there for several important reasons. Oh, and I have not even been physically into the condo I purchased because of all of this. My real estate agent rocks!! So, I am on it to get there in August. I’m considering swimming, hahaha. Here is what I have found after several days of phone calls. My doctor will not see me for a C0vid test because I am not sick. I have very good health insurance that I pay ridiculous amount of money for every month, but that clearly does not matter. County says, yes sign up which took me 3 hours to get my family of 4 officially in the system. BUT, they say at least 5 days to get results back minimum. I called several private places in San Francisco, also CVS in SF, I need to be resident of SF. I called CVS listed for Sonoma County testing. It was actually in Napa. They said forget it. Results take at least a week. No pharmacies in Sonoma County are listed for rapid C0vid testing. I am thinking I will have to fly and hope to stay in quar antine until I prove a negative test. Then, out of quar antine? I am at veterinarian, I know medical field in general. Solution: private of public facility to provide rapid test for travel. This is available now!! Come on people, we can do this. It’s not rocket science!! Test me prior and when I get there. I will gladly foot the bill. Just get organized and get it right! #smartc0vid
Since you quoted me in the last post, I feel the need to update you on my families situation.
Hawaiian airlines has CANCELLED our flights to Honolulu and Kauai, today!
The first email I sent was to our Condo owners (which is a group that owns many). I asked for full credit of funds to be used at a future date. Plus, asked for a letter guaranteeing transfer of those fund if the condo unit is sold. I have NO IDEA what the response will be, but it’s worth over $3000… Not chump change with todays environment
I’ve been given an option (IF I qualify) for a refund from Hawaiian Air. My original trip was scheduled for May 4th and the rescheduled for August 1st. They cancelled, not me, so I think a refund shouldn’t be questioned after playing along all these months… Same for the condo!
I’m sure others are in the same situation.. I’m sure this group would love to here YOUR story. My family of 4 is disappointed and relived at the same time.
Mike, according to the Department of Transportation, any time an airline cancels your fight they are required to give you a refund. Do you mind sharing where you’re departing from? Thanks Jeff W
Sorry Jeff…. Just read this…
I await an answer for Hawaiian Air. I figure maybe next week.
We were flying out of Portland, OR.
I’m going to email you direct Jeff. I assume you are Jeff that runs this web site?
Hi Mike.
That is not us. Just clarifying.
Aloha.
My family and I are scheduled to be in Maui on October 8th. Do you think this testing will be not required. There is no way you can’t get the test back in 72 hours. When would we know when that test won’t be required for October?
It still baffles me that however liquid Hawaii’s plans are just now for testing/screening, most readers are mostly concerned about inconvenience fees, waiting, questions around who will be testing or footing the bill. The big question really is: how to get UNIFORM AND STANDARDIZED testing/tracing done BOTH before and after the 5-8- many hour flight(s) to and from Hawaii. People from different states, connecting airlines and an as-of-yet unclear plan by airlines and airports on effective, reliable testing and testing standards are far from determined. Planes will be full of half tested passengers and fully tested passengers all sitting there sharing air and droplets knowingly or unknowingly infecting one another. .. It’s about public safety, not whether that annual $10k family vacation to Maui happens or not.
I agree that our vacation should not take priority over people’s health and safety. I tried to reschedule our trip that we have planned for mid August and the condo owner told me since the quar antine is lifted we have to travel or forfeit ALOT of money. I am really hoping they work something out keeps Hawaiian’s safe. We love your islands and we love you.
There are currently 17 vaccines undergoing human trials. I saw estimates today that a vaccine may be available within the next 4 to 7 months, with 300+ million doses available in the US in early 2021. Given all the uncertainty- pre-travel testing, post-arrival testing, false positives, cost, quar antines, etc, many prospective travelers will decide it’s just not worth it to visit the islands until the vaccine is available. Not all will cancel their travel plans until then, but many will. It may be a little outside of BOH’s area of discussion, but do you have a feel for how the pandemic is affecting the small businesses on the islands, especially those that depend on tourists?
Hi Bob.
Thanks for your many comments. The impact on small businesses here is devastating. More than any unemployment numbers can possibly capture.
Aloha.
C0vid-19 is for real, and a real shame that people have to get sick or even worse die from it. However, What were facing now is a lot of Alarmist media hype and in some cases government power trips. Tell me how a 21 year old female who works in a nursing home who test positive is told by her employer in Massachusetts that it is okay to return to work two days later without any quar antine what soever. In my opinion the test means little. So we either get on with our lives and accept the risk or just stay home. I would never travel anywhere especially in the United states of America,Where our rights to be free are infringed upon.