[Closed - new thread started] Will Hawaii Open by [OCTOBER???] [Please use this thread for all Hawaii Coronavirus discussions]

[bnoble]

Mandatory quarantine was extended through June yesterday - so Hawaii will not re-open in June.

I think only Kauai has extended...at least so far.

 

[csodjd]

Mandatory quarantine was extended through June yesterday - so Hawaii will not re-open in June.

Hawaii’s economy is reopening, but tourism remains on lockdown | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Hawaii’s low COVID-19 infection and mortality rates have increased calls to start reopening the state’s economy — but support to restart tourism is still mixed.

www.staradvertiser.com

The article, BTW, says only Kauai was extended to end of June. The State has not done that yet. Seems likely they will though.

 

[Ken555]

On wearing masks, it's less or not necessary where you are six feet from anyone. The six-foot distance and the masks are to achieve the same purpose -- keep virus from leaving you and reaching someone else. (Masks also keep you from leaving virus on tables, etc.).

Do you have links to support this belief?

For reference:

“As far as face masks versus social distancing by at least 6 feet, the face masks do not replace social distancing,” said Peter Gulick, an infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at Michigan State University.

No, Face Masks Do Not Replace Social Distancing. Here's Why.

Follow this expert advice when it comes to protection measures during the coronavirus pandemic.

www.huffpost.com

 

[slip]

Yes, the article only mentioned Kauai extending see below. We may find out today for the rest of the state.

Kauai Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami signed an emergency rule Wednesday to extend the mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for incoming passengers to Kauai through June. Ige hasn’t indicated if he’ll extend the state’s quarantine past May 31, but did approve Kawakami’s request.

 

[TXTortoise]

Hawai‘i Tourism Now: Lt. Gov. Josh Green Answers Questions About the Future of Hawai‘i’s Tourism Industry | Maui Now

Hawai’i Lieutenant Governor Josh Green sits down with Pacific Media Group COO and MauiNow director, Jack Dugan to answer questions regarding tourism’s role in Hawai’i’s economy, future and the laid-off residents of the state. Hawai’i has the lowest mortality rates in the nation and has flattened...

mauinow.com

Based on the above linked video between Hawaii Tourism Now and the Lt. Governor, I'd make plans based on the belief that mainland travel will require a negative test within X days of departure or be subject to quarantine on the islands. It sounds like they would focus on getting non-tourist activities up and running, then address mainland travel with pre-test.

Reading in a lot between the lines, but with the fall/winter being their big concern at this point, I'd not be optimistic about vacation travel before October...unless a pre-test process is successfully tested by Aug/Sep. And requirements could easily vary by island, with Kauai being the most at risk with minimal medical infrastructure.

 

[csodjd]

Do you have links to support this belief?

For reference:

No, Face Masks Do Not Replace Social Distancing. Here's Why.

Follow this expert advice when it comes to protection measures during the coronavirus pandemic.

www.huffpost.com

That is correct. I misspoke in the sense that in terms of you infecting someone else, both serve that purpose. But a face mask will not adequately protect you from being infected by another person that coughs or sneezes and you're nearby. If you read the article you posted, what it basically says is that the 6ft distance is what you need. The mask is nice, but it is the 6ft distance that is the key to prevent you from getting infected. The inference is that if you maintain the 6ft distance, the mask isn't essential or necessary, but the converse is not true.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

I would gladly get tested prior to travel. I have already done the antibody test, but that is not the test they will be looking for. I think the main challenge to requiring a clear test result prior to travel is testing capacity. From what i hear on the news, there is still a shortage of test for people that think they are sick. I have to think people wanting to go on vacation or travel for business will have pretty low priority for testing.

That ultimately means Hawaii will have to wait for the other states to get things in order before they can open back up.

 

[csodjd]

I would gladly get tested prior to travel. I have already done the antibody test, but that is not the test they will be looking for. I think the main challenge to requiring a clear test result prior to travel is testing capacity. From what i hear on the news, there is still a shortage of test for people that think they are sick. I have to think people wanting to go on vacation or travel for business will have pretty low priority for testing.

That ultimately means Hawaii will have to wait for the other states to get things in order before they can open back up.

Not only would I gladly get tested, I'd be thrilled if everyone on the plane HAD to get tested before they got on. I'll bet the flight attendants would like that even more.

Yes, there do appear to be shortages. But that's evolving and changing. Los Angeles is now offering free tests for anyone that wants one. Just go online and sign up. And saying people going on vacation is low priority may be missing some important points. People going on vacation puts bodies on airplanes, generates tax revenue and helps Hawaii recover. It's not trivial.

 

[lprstn]

Just announced yesterday extended until JUNE 30, 2020...

 

[Luanne]

Just announced yesterday extended until JUNE 30, 2020...

The announcement yesterday was just for Kauai. There was an announcement today that extended it for the entire state.

 

[slip]

It’s official now for the whole state.

 

[Tamaradarann]

Just announced yesterday extended until JUNE 30, 2020...

That means that the Hospitality Industry will need to hold up on implementing any plans to prepare to reopen (Bringing back staff, training staff, cleaning all facilities) Representives of that industry said they would need upto 60 days to do that. Therefore, that basically kills the prime summer travel season for Hawaii. For a number of months I have been thinking that while the virus has hurt Hawaii tourist sector at least May and June are not prime months like July and August when schools are closed.

 

[csodjd]

That means that the Hospitality Industry will need to hold up on implementing any plans to prepare to reopen (Bringing back staff, training staff, cleaning all facilities) Representives of that industry said they would need upto 60 days to do that. Therefore, that basically kills the prime summer travel season for Hawaii. For a number of months I have been thinking that while the virus has hurt Hawaii tourist sector at least May and June are not prime months like July and August when schools are closed.

It may take "up to 60 days" across the board, but I suspect some facilities, especially those like the Hilton's and Marriott's of the world, can get operational much quicker. I'm expecting a timeline that starts opening to tourism from the US in perhaps August, September at the latest. Aug 1 still allows another 2 1/2 months to eliminate any virus on the islands, train contact tracers, gets businesses open (with the "new normal" implemented), and, most importantly, get pre-flight testing requirements and protocols in place.

Putting some perspective on that timeline of 2 1/2 months, remember that this entire "event" is about 2 1/2 months old. It seems like forever, but it's really happened very, very, fast. On Feb 29 it was Hawaii as usual. June 30 sounds like they've extended the orders forever. That's six weeks. Our sense of time has gotten distorted.

 

[bnoble]

most importantly, get pre-flight testing requirements and protocols in place.

I agree that this is the most important part. It's also the part over which Hawaii has the least control...so maybe not easy?

 

[Tamaradarann]

It may take "up to 60 days" across the board, but I suspect some facilities, especially those like the Hilton's and Marriott's of the world, can get operational much quicker. I'm expecting a timeline that starts opening to tourism from the US in perhaps August, September at the latest. Aug 1 still allows another 2 1/2 months to eliminate any virus on the islands, train contact tracers, gets businesses open (with the "new normal" implemented), and, most importantly, get pre-flight testing requirements and protocols in place.

Putting some perspective on that timeline of 2 1/2 months, remember that this entire "event" is about 2 1/2 months old. It seems like forever, but it's really happened very, very, fast. On Feb 29 it was Hawaii as usual. June 30 sounds like they've extended the orders forever. That's six weeks. Our sense of time has gotten distorted.

I agree with you except on one point. Governor Ige didn't say give a thumbs up to eliminating the 14 day quarantine on July 1 or August 1 or September 1 so the timeline for resorts and hotels to sell and book nights and tourists to reserve nights and book airline tickets can't start in earnest. In addition there is the concern over when things do open up what will happen so far as the spread. Will my family consider it safe enough to go.

I am a Professional Operations Manager give me a deadline or a commencement date so I can plan and work toward that date. Without that I am lost on how to optimize the use of my resources to accomplish the goal.

From a personal perspective I am having a difficult time booking the timeshare nights I want since I am dealing with 3 perspective start dates Mid September, Mid November and early January. Which is it??? Please tell me know so I can cancel the ones I don't need and use the points for the one that is it. If I am having these problems for just one small family one can only imagine what the managers of resorts, conventions, and tours are going through where it involves perhaps thousand of people and a great deal of money.

 

[csodjd]

I agree that this is the most important part. It's also the part over which Hawaii has the least control...so maybe not easy?

Well, if the reporting is correct, they have already asked the FAA for permission. The control rests with their authority over the planes and passengers. If they say nobody can get off the plane if they have not been tested, and they work with the airlines to enable the testing to demonstrated as part of boarding, they can make it happen. It is in everyone's best interest. There's really no opposition side. Those airlines WANT badly to have airplanes full of people flying to Hawaii. If they have to check for tests to make it happen, they'll check for tests.

 

[csodjd]

I agree with you except on one point. Governor Ige didn't say give a thumbs up to eliminating the 14 day quarantine on July 1 or August 1 or September 1 so the timeline for resorts and hotels to sell and book nights and tourists to reserve nights and book airline tickets can't start in earnest. In addition there is the concern over when things do open up what will happen so far as the spread. Will my family consider it safe enough to go.

They can have their plans in place, just waiting for when the Governor does give the thumbs up. Of course, I didn't say he DID give any thumbs up for any date. I just think, myself, that August is possible and by September likely. It is certainly not in the best interests of Hawaii to delay tourism solely for the sake of delay. I believe if they CAN be ready, they WILL be ready. Hawaii has one case reported today, none yesterday (for the 2nd time in the week). I believe the Big Island and Kauai have no known cases. It's not gone, but it may well be gone by the end of May. Now allow TWO more months for time to prep, get testing rules in place, get tracers trained, etc., and be prepared for the START of tourism (limited start) come August. It's just a hopeful prediction.

 

[Tamaradarann]

They can have their plans in place, just waiting for when the Governor does give the thumbs up. Of course, I didn't say he DID give any thumbs up for any date. I just think, myself, that August is possible and by September likely. It is certainly not in the best interests of Hawaii to delay tourism solely for the sake of delay. I believe if they CAN be ready, they WILL be ready. Hawaii has one case reported today, none yesterday (for the 2nd time in the week). I believe the Big Island and Kauai have no known cases. It's not gone, but it may well be gone by the end of May. Now allow TWO more months for time to prep, get testing rules in place, get tracers trained, etc., and be prepared for the START of tourism (limited start) come August. It's just a hopeful prediction.

Since these Hotel/Timeshare operations are not mine I can't comment on the details and who needs to be involved with the planning. I am most familiar with the Hilton Hawaiian Village as a guest so I will speak from my knowledge of their operation. The plan needs to involve many people and services some of whom are in budgets, accounting, ordering, payroll, receiving, housekeeping, maintenance, grounds keeping, engineering, security, dining/food services, entertainment, pool maintenance, activities, concierge, information technology, front desk, resort managers, bellmen, doormen, valets, business office/post office, unions. There may be others that I can't think of but to fill a sufficient number of rooms in the future perhaps tours need to start booking since they work months/seasons/years ahead.

Also, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Sales/Promotions is perhaps one of the most important elements of their operation and it funds the concierge services.

While some of these may be later in the planning process than others they all need to have a seat at the table to voice their thoughts and assure that everyone is involved in the plan to make the operation open up to standards. While some discussion can be done between top management staff, if top management doesn't have reports, fine details of how things work, and what is needed in each area to move forward they can't function. There are so many people needed to be involved to provide those details to top management that they would need to practically open with a skeleton crew on a trial basis without guests. Are they going to pay for that to happen without some type of commited start date? HGVC is a private corporation now, top management has to answer to a Board and ultimately to Stock Holders. Prudent informed decisions need to be made not "wild ass guesses"

 

[csodjd]

Since these Hotel/Timeshare operations are not mine I can't comment on the details and who needs to be involved with the planning. I am most familiar with the Hilton Hawaiian Village as a guest so I will speak from my knowledge of their operation. The plan needs to involve many people and services some of whom are in budgets, accounting, ordering, payroll, receiving, housekeeping, maintenance, grounds keeping, engineering, security, dining/food services, entertainment, pool maintenance, activities, concierge, information technology, front desk, resort managers, bellmen, doormen, valets, business office/post office, unions. There may be others that I can't think of but to fill a sufficient number of rooms in the future perhaps tours need to start booking since they work months/seasons/years ahead.

Also, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Sales/Promotions is perhaps one of the most important elements of their operation and it funds the concierge services.

While some of these may be later in the planning process than others they all need to have a seat at the table to voice their thoughts and assure that everyone is involved in the plan to make the operation open up to standards. While some discussion can be done between top management staff, if top management doesn't have reports, fine details of how things work, and what is needed in each area to move forward they can't function. There are so many people needed to be involved to provide those details to top management that they would need to practically open with a skeleton crew on a trial basis without guests. Are they going to pay for that to happen without some type of commited start date? HGVC is a private corporation now, top management has to answer to a Board and ultimately to Stock Holders. Prudent informed decisions need to be made not "wild ass guesses"

No doubt about it. But, every day that passes that they COULD be open and are not, it is costing them a lot of money. So it is their JOB to work with those that make the calls and to know when they need to be ready to open. It is their job to alert their department managers to have their opening plans and procedures ready when they get word that they'll be opening. Making excuses is not an effective strategy.

My guess it that by the time HHV is ready to open, HGV will have opened a dozen, or dozens, of their timeshare facilities around the world. They aren't rookies. I don't know the number, but I have to believe they can be ready to go on 30 days notice, and I have no doubt the Governor of Hawaii will give them at least that much time, probably quite a bit more.

 

[Tamaradarann]

No doubt about it. But, every day that passes that they COULD be open and are not, it is costing them a lot of money. So it is their JOB to work with those that make the calls and to know when they need to be ready to open. It is their job to alert their department managers to have their opening plans and procedures ready when they get word that they'll be opening. Making excuses is not an effective strategy.

My guess it that by the time HHV is ready to open, HGV will have opened a dozen, or dozens, of their timeshare facilities around the world. They aren't rookies. I don't know the number, but I have to believe they can be ready to go on 30 days notice, and I have no doubt the Governor of Hawaii will give them at least that much time, probably quite a bit more.

We know alot of the HHV management and personel from the Grand Vacation Club General Manager on down to many of the first line workers. I know they are not rookies and I know they will do the best the can with the time available. I am sure they have had some plans in place since they closed. However, they need to start getting deliveries and some additional items that they haven't had to stock or stock in large quatities before. In Hawaii deliveries are always a concern since all bulk items come by barge. Starting up again after months of not operating is a challenge. A challenge made more difficult by the Governor not yet giving a starting date for tourists to come without enduring a quarantine. After this exercise going back and forth with you about this subject I am now of the belief that they should give themselves a start date of sometime in June or July 1. As I mentioned previously they need to have a trial opening with a skeleton crew. Perhaps they should open one timeshare building and one hotel building with the appropriate amount of trained staff. If only locals book and those tourists that arrive who are willing to deal with the 24 day quarantine so be it. They are at least open and can scale up from there.

 

[slip]

We know alot of the HHV management and personel from the Grand Vacation Club General Manager on down to many of the first line workers. I know they are not rookies and I know they will do the best the can with the time available. I am sure they have had some plans in place since they closed. However, they need to start getting deliveries and some additional items that they haven't had to stock or stock in large quatities before. In Hawaii deliveries are always a concern since all bulk items come by barge. Starting up again after months of not operating is a challenge. A challenge made more difficult by the Governor not yet giving a starting date for tourists to come without enduring a quarantine. After this exercise going back and forth with you about this subject I am now of the belief that they should give themselves a start date of sometime in June or July 1. As I mentioned previously they need to have a trial opening with a skeleton crew. Perhaps they should open one timeshare building and one hotel building with the appropriate amount of trained staff. If only locals book and those tourists that arrive who are willing to deal with the 24 day quarantine so be it. They are at least open and can scale up from there.

I think that will happen. If they open inter-island flights first that will give them a slow opening. I’m sure they have plans for re-opening in place.

I see the Governor allowed sunbathing and sitting on the beach starting this Saturday. I may take a walk down to Waikiki Beach on Saturday or Sunday to see how many people get out there. Masks and Social distancing is mandatory.

 

[cman]

I may take a walk down to Waikiki Beach on Saturday or Sunday to see how many people get out there.

If you do make it down there, please take a few pics and share with us. Stay safe.

 

[slip]

If you do make it down there, please take a few pics and share with us. Stay safe.

Will do.

 

[DEROS]

Just learn today that Mayor Caldwell (Honolulu) and Mayor Kawakami (Kauai) has extended the stay at home order until end of June. This includes the 14 day visitor quarantine extending to end of June. Governor Ige is thinking of following suit and making it a State wide directive. The good news for locals is that more services will open up this weekend, so there will be more people exempted from the stay at home order. I hope this doesn't stop the large firework shows, like the one on Magic Island.

 

[Tamaradarann]

I think that will happen. If they open inter-island flights first that will give them a slow opening. I’m sure they have plans for re-opening in place.

I see the Governor allowed sunbathing and sitting on the beach starting this Saturday. I may take a walk down to Waikiki Beach on Saturday or Sunday to see how many people get out there. Masks and Social distancing is mandatory.

I just looked at the HGVC website for the Hilton Hawaiian Village and owners have the ability to reserve nights at all the resorts starting June 18th. There is lots of availability including Lagoon Tower which usually sells out first. So perhaps they are starting the slow opening like I suggested June 18th. It looks like they would be opening all the timeshare buildings which seems like alot of investment with the 14 day quarantine still in place. Perhaps they know something we don't know.