OLD/Closed General Discussion Thread: C-19/Hawaii. Will Hawaii re-open Oct. 15th? (+ NEW POLL)

[MULTIZ321]

Hawaii Shuts Down Kauai's Plan To Quarantine And Double Test Travelers.

Hawaii Shuts Down Kauai's Plan To Quarantine And Double Test Travelers

Hawaii's Governor has officially shot down Kauai's request to add secondary testing and quarantine for arrivals onto the island. Visitors will still need...

www.godsavethepoints.com

Richard

 

[1Kflyerguy]

My next trip to Hawaii that is actually booked is for the Big Island, but that's not until May. Hopefully things will have settled down by then,.

Actually my best hope right now, is that the Oct 15 launch sticks, and that there is not an alarming rise in cases on the Islands that do participate as as a result of increasing tourism.

 

[ljmiii]

Meanwhile....there's still a lot of money floating around O'ahu. I wonder how much of this pricing surge is driven by O'ahuians and how much is from mainlanders deciding now is the time to move to Hawaii. I did find an article from Jan 8, 2020 which reports Hawaii's chief economist told lawmakers that 24% of Hawaiian homes are purchased by buyers from outside the state...but found nothing from the past two months with that data.

Oahu home prices surge to second consecutive monthly record | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Reduced inventory and exceptional demand for bigger homes in September helped set a new price record in Oahu’s housing market that shattered a prior record from a month earlier.

www.staradvertiser.com

 

[csodjd]

Meanwhile....there's still a lot of money floating around O'ahu. I wonder how much of this pricing surge is driven by O'ahuians and how much is from mainlanders deciding now is the time to move to Hawaii. I did find an article from Jan 8, 2020 which reports Hawaii's chief economist told lawmakers that 24% of Hawaiian homes are purchased by buyers from outside the state...but found nothing from the past two months with that data.

Oahu home prices surge to second consecutive monthly record | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Reduced inventory and exceptional demand for bigger homes in September helped set a new price record in Oahu’s housing market that shattered a prior record from a month earlier.

www.staradvertiser.com

I think people are hoping that Washington will forget Hawaii is part of the US, or even that it exists, and they can move there and just hide.

 

[fernow]

Big Island opts out of pre-travel testing program | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Hawaii island Mayor Harry Kim said he is opting out of the state’s pre-travel testing program starting on Oct. 15, which means mainland visitors going to the Big Island still will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

www.staradvertiser.com

Anyone know if that plan is for sure? Have a trip in early Dec and definitely will not go under those restrictions. Leaves us with very little time to cancel and plan something else. Why in the world didn't the mayor opt out when the plan was first put in place for Aug 1/Sept1/Oct1/Oct15 ??? I understand Kauai is taking a similar stance. True?

 

[flindberg]

Hawaii Shuts Down Kauai's Plan To Quarantine And Double Test Travelers.

Thank you! Article was a helpful overview. We're just begining to pay attention. Our trip is not until early February (Kona to visit family & friends) then Kauai (to chill for 2 weeks)... AND - It could all change again - at any time. Also appreciate the link from controller1 https://www.gohawaii.com/travel-requirements

 

[lynne]

Post-Arrival Surveillance Testing of Tourists Won’t Carry Quarantine Penalties | Big Island Now

Lt. Governor Josh Green announced a plan to create a post-arrival surveillance testing program that will attempt to test 10% of visitors each day to paint at a clear picture of how effective the pre-travel tests are at weeding out positive COVID cases.

bigislandnow.com

As of now, Big Island will opt out of the program and still require a 14 day quarantine. The mayor is hoping to develop a two test program which will require approval by the governor.

 

[Tamaradarann]

Post-Arrival Surveillance Testing of Tourists Won’t Carry Quarantine Penalties | Big Island Now

Lt. Governor Josh Green announced a plan to create a post-arrival surveillance testing program that will attempt to test 10% of visitors each day to paint at a clear picture of how effective the pre-travel tests are at weeding out positive COVID cases.

bigislandnow.com

As of now, Big Island will opt out of the program and still require a 14 day quarantine. The mayor is hoping to develop a two test program which will require approval by the governor.

Meanwhile....there's still a lot of money floating around O'ahu. I wonder how much of this pricing surge is driven by O'ahuians and how much is from mainlanders deciding now is the time to move to Hawaii. I did find an article from Jan 8, 2020 which reports Hawaii's chief economist told lawmakers that 24% of Hawaiian homes are purchased by buyers from outside the state...but found nothing from the past two months with that data.

Oahu home prices surge to second consecutive monthly record | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Reduced inventory and exceptional demand for bigger homes in September helped set a new price record in Oahu’s housing market that shattered a prior record from a month earlier.

www.staradvertiser.com

Since the increase in pricing has been with high end properties I would think that it is from investors, could be off on island or off, that are taking advantage of the lower prices for properties and buying up stuff. I wonder what percentage of the homes over a million dollars are purchased by buyers from outside of the state? With the Hawaii econony being so bad the lower and middle income people are certainly not buying up high end properties. Hawaii doesn't have many good paying jobs. But real estate investing and renting is a big business. So if you can buy say a million dollar piece of property for $800,000 or 20% off, (property taxes in Hawaii are so low that on this property they would be about $2000/year) wait a couple of years or so and sell it at rebounded prices you have made a nice profit.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Post-Arrival Surveillance Testing of Tourists Won’t Carry Quarantine Penalties | Big Island Now

Lt. Governor Josh Green announced a plan to create a post-arrival surveillance testing program that will attempt to test 10% of visitors each day to paint at a clear picture of how effective the pre-travel tests are at weeding out positive COVID cases.

bigislandnow.com

As of now, Big Island will opt out of the program and still require a 14 day quarantine. The mayor is hoping to develop a two test program which will require approval by the governor.

Personally i would most likely be willing to participate in a second test as long as the location was too far out of the way, and was not forced into quarantine while i was waiting for the results. That is just too big of a penalty to impose on a vacation for something that might happen..

The plan announced by the Lt Gov seems reasonable to me, at least as i understand it.

 

[samara64]

Got this today from Wyndham

Hawaii is officially reopening for personal travel. And we can’t wait to welcome you to paradise soon. As you prepare for your upcoming trip, please be aware that the government of Hawaii has announced new requirements for travelers. Please review the requirements below before you depart for your upcoming vacation at Club Wyndham at Waikiki Beach Walk.

All travelers arriving by air must have written confirmation of a negative molecular COVID-19 test that has been administered no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Hawaii. Rapid test and antibody test results will not be accepted. Travelers will not be able to check-in at the resort without the required confirmation of negative test results. Travelers who are unable to provide confirmation of a negative molecular COVID-19 test that has been administered no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival to Hawaii will be required to quarantine up to 14 days at a state approved facility. If required to quarantine, travelers will not be able to check in to the property per state requirement and will be responsible for any related expenses that may be incurred.

If you are not able to meet the negative molecular COVID-19 test result requirements, you can cancel your reservation online with no penalty. Club Wyndham is committed to the heath and comfort of its owners, guests, and associates, and will follow all guidelines according to the Government of Hawaii Executive Order. As the government continues to evolve policies governing personal travel to and between the Hawaii islands, please ensure you stay up-to-date on the latest at https://health.hawaii.gov We look forward to welcoming you soon. Club Wyndham at Waikiki Beach Walk

 

[TXTortoise]

• Travelers will not be able to check-in at the resort without the required confirmation of negative test results.

Is Club Wyndham a timeshare? This implies owners cannot quarantine in their owned unit, as has been done by a few folks at two Marriott resorts over the past months.

 

[PearlCity]

• Travelers will not be able to check-in at the resort without the required confirmation of negative test results.

Is Club Wyndham a timeshare? This implies owners cannot quarantine in their owned unit, as has been done by a few folks at two Marriott resorts over the past months.

It might be that Wyndham just doesn't want to deal with enforcement of quarantine. I imagine this may end up being the policy at many Hawaii hotels and resorts soon.

Previously it was easy to track. 14 days from arrival and you're done. Now its 14 days if you didnt test or until results come in. I imagine thats a tracking nightmare.

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk

 

[amy241]

• Travelers will not be able to check-in at the resort without the required confirmation of negative test results.

Is Club Wyndham a timeshare? This implies owners cannot quarantine in their owned unit, as has been done by a few folks at two Marriott resorts over the past months.

And how can they deny you access to property you own?

 

[MULTIZ321]

If You Want to Visit Hawaii and Skip Quarantine, There Are New Rules You Need to Know

If You Want to Visit Hawaii and Skip Quarantine, There Are New Rules You Need to Know

Starting Oct. 15, all travelers heading to Hawaii who choose not to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. This week Hawaii Gov. David Ige announced that only tests from "trusted partners" including airlines and...

www.travelandleisure.com

Richard

 

[HGVC Lover]

Big Island will have a 2 test program:

Kim reaches agreement with Ige on COVID testing for travelers

<p>Mayor Harry Kim said this afternoon he’s reached agreement with Gov. David Ige on a deal that would allow the county to administer a rapid-response COVID-19 antigen test to arriving out-of-state passengers at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole starting Thursday.</p>

www.hawaiitribune-herald.com

The logistics just seem staggering for the arriving passengers at KOA starting October 15, 2020.

First, you have to show proof of your 72 hour prior negative test, then get your luggage (I guess), then somehow go to the 2nd testing center for the second test (will they be transporting all of these passengers in the little shuttles with their luggage), and then get transportation or a rental car before even leaving the airport.

The UA SFO and UA LAX flights usually arrive within 45 minutes of each other so it is just hard to see how this is just not going to be an overwhelming frustrating and long experience for the visitor. They say it will take 15 to 45 mixtures so I would say at least triple that time.

Glad we are not going until end of December and hopefully the potential arrival mess will be worked out by then. I know i am being optimistic having lived there and knowing how it does not take much to back things up at KOA for passengers.

 

[amy241]

The logistics just seem staggering for the arriving passengers at KOA starting October 15, 2020.

First, you have to show proof of your 72 hour prior negative test, then get your luggage (I guess), then somehow go to the 2nd testing center for the second test (will they be transporting all of these passengers in the little shuttles with their luggage), and then get transportation or a rental car before even leaving the airport.

The UA SFO and UA LAX flights usually arrive within 45 minutes of each other so it is just hard to see how this is just not going to be an overwhelming frustrating and long experience for the visitor. They say it will take 15 to 45 mixtures so I would say at least triple that time.

Glad we are not going until end of December and hopefully the potential arrival mess will be worked out by then. I know i am being optimistic having lived there and knowing how it does not take much to back things up at KOA for passengers.

I thought the same thing - it is getting ridiculous. That’s just what I want to do is be transported from the KOA airport across the street to stand inline with all my luggage to wait for a second test at the “testing facility.”

 

[csodjd]

So the big Island will require a 2nd test, a rapid Antigen test, upon arrival. Assuming you have your NAAT/PCR test 2-3 days before departure, they are saying that they want two tests a couple days apart to make false negatives far less likely, as it will.

I think it is unnecessary IF they are going to continue to require appropriate use of a face mask, social distancing, and other ordinary precautions (bars closed, no big gatherings, esp indoors), and engage in contact tracing. The basic pre-departure NAAT test will catch and remove most asymptomatic carriers. Not all. Some will be infected but not yet show positive. But, the risk of those individuals leading to community spread is addressed by the precautions required and expected after arrival. Spread occurs from failure to use a mask, failure to respect social distancing, etc. Spikes occur from failure to contact trace. Masks and social distancing are necessary because we don't know if someone is contagious. If we do know, then they are not necessary.

So, if they are going to go to the 2nd test requirement, then those that have passed two tests 3 or so days apart should not be required to wear a mask if they choose not to and should be allowed to dine indoors and gather in groups, again, if they choose to.

It is IMO overkill to require two tests AND the full range of precautions. You should not be subject to citations, fines, arrest for not wearing a mask or not socially distancing if you have proven you are not infected via multiple tests days apart.

 

[PearlCity]

Except that locals are the one that are spreading it now on both the big island and Oahu. So even if tourists are negative then it doesn't stop asymptomatic locals who arent being tested from spreading it-and as such the lt governor is pushing for a state wide mask requirement subject to fine.

What i also dont understand fully is what happens to tourists with 2nd test that tests positive?



Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk

 

[HGVC Lover]

I thought the same thing - it is getting ridiculous. That’s just what I want to do is be transported from the KOA airport across the street to stand inline with all my luggage to wait for a second test at the “testing facility.”

I was just figuring it out and the article said a test could be done in 15 minutes (that's not Hawaiian time) and if they had 10 people being tested every 15 minutes (assuming they have 10 machines in use at once) that would be 40 people an hour and if the passenger load on a UA flight was 160 passenger that would take a minimum of 4 hours to process that one plane load alone.....would love to know how they really plan on doing this effectively for the visitors......i doubt that has been thought through yet.....

 

[klpca]

I was just figuring it out and the article said a test could be done in 15 minutes (that's not Hawaiian time) and if they had 10 people being tested every 15 minutes (assuming they have 10 machines in use at once) that would be 40 people an hour and if the passenger load on a UA flight was 160 passenger that would take a minimum of 4 hours to process that one plane load alone.....would love to know how they really plan on doing this effectively for the visitors......i doubt that has been thought through yet.....

Maybe that's the point. Make it so uncomfortable for the tourists that they opt themselves out of the process and go somewhere else. The end result is the same - fewer people coming to the island.

 

[lynne]

The logistics just seem staggering for the arriving passengers at KOA starting October 15, 2020.

First, you have to show proof of your 72 hour prior negative test, then get your luggage (I guess), then somehow go to the 2nd testing center for the second test (will they be transporting all of these passengers in the little shuttles with their luggage), and then get transportation or a rental car before even leaving the airport.

The UA SFO and UA LAX flights usually arrive within 45 minutes of each other so it is just hard to see how this is just not going to be an overwhelming frustrating and long experience for the visitor. They say it will take 15 to 45 mixtures so I would say at least triple that time.

Glad we are not going until end of December and hopefully the potential arrival mess will be worked out by then. I know i am being optimistic having lived there and knowing how it does not take much to back things up at KOA for passengers.

The testing would be directly across from the terminal at the site of the original car rental pick up. Before the rental car pick up was moved up the road requiring a shuttle, the rental cars were picked up within the commuter parking lot. The small rental buildings still exist so my guess is that this is where the testing would take place. I would guess that you can get tested and then go back across the street to pick up your luggage since the luggage takes awhile to get to the carousel.

 

[amy241]

The testing would be directly across from the terminal at the site of the original car rental pick up. Before the rental car pick up was moved up the road requiring a shuttle, the rental cars were picked up within the commuter parking lot. The small rental buildings still exist so my guess is that this is where the testing would take place. I would guess that you can get tested and then go back across the street to pick up your luggage since the luggage takes awhile to get to the carousel.

I would not want to leave my luggage unattended that long. I had a group of early 20 year olds attempt to steal my bag at the OGG rental car facility last year. I couldn’t believe it. I went into the car rental desk to get in line because I was the driver doing the leasing. The shuttle driver was still unloading bags. I assumed my mother or husband would grab it for me. When I came back outside, my bag was no where to be found. I stopped the shuttle who was just departing and he said he had unloaded all bags. As I scanned the crowd I discovered the group who had attempted to hide my bag by placing all their bags around it. They were trying to conceal it. I hollered “That’s my bag!” and grabbed it and pulled it out of their pile.I was shocked that someone had attempted to actually steal my bag.

 

[b2bailey]

Noticed a change to the Safe Travels website when I did my check-in this morning -- a new category called "Travel documents" It says to enter photo, test results, itinerary. It was encouraging to see they aren't waiting until the last minute for implementation.

 

[lynne]

I would not want to leave my luggage unattended that long. I had a group of early 20 year olds attempt to steal my bag at the OGG rental car facility last year. I couldn’t believe it. I went into the car rental desk to get in line because I was the driver doing the leasing. The shuttle driver was still unloading bags. I assumed my mother or husband would grab it for me. When I came back outside, my bag was no where to be found. I stopped the shuttle who was just departing and he said he had unloaded all bags. As I scanned the crowd I discovered the group who had attempted to hide my bag by placing all their bags around it. They were trying to conceal it. I hollered “That’s my bag!” and grabbed it and pulled it out of their pile.I was shocked that someone had attempted to actually steal my bag.

That is a very unfortunate story about luggage thieves. I certainly understand your position with no kuleana from some fellow passengers.

 

[ljmiii]

It is IMO overkill to require two tests AND the full range of precautions. You should not be subject to citations, fines, arrest for not wearing a mask or not socially distancing if you have proven you are not infected via multiple tests days apart.

Why? You can be infected on the flight, at HNL, at KOA or ITO, or afterward on the Big Island. Masks are going to be with us in public settings until we have widespread distribution and administration of an effective COVID vaccine.