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

[HGVC Lover]

A traveler's dream.

We should start getting reports today on the arrival process at KOA. They have 7 direct flights from mainland arriving today. Stay tuned.....

 

[amy241]

This article mentions there may be protests on Kauai over visitor arrivals.. It also mentions some are getting T-shirts printed on Oahu that state: “Aloha. Go Home. You’re killing us.”

I think the hostility toward mainlanders has always been present but was not as obvious as it is today. I think the pandemic has really ratcheted it up. It sort of smacks of reverse discrimination. I was unaware it was as bad as it is but since the pandemic began I have been reading public comments to articles in Hawaii online newspapers and was shocked and dismayed to read what they say about tourists.

Residents are conflicted about the return of visitors under Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program

The first tourists to travel in Hawaii who don’t have to quarantine start arriving today, but they are coming to a state that’s divided over their return.

www.staradvertiser.com

 

[Tamaradarann]

I was just reading that they are expecting 7,000 today. Not exactly a soft opening!

I read that Mayor Caldwell has annouced that timely pre-boarding testing is difficult to obtain in some locations that in the future there were plans to allow for post arrival testing of passengers from the Continental United States for those that didn't get tested before boarding and didn't want to quarantine. I am totally against the implementation of this type of plan. First of all I wouldn't want to be a passenger on a plane with untested people who could have the virus and passed it on to me. (To prevent that from happening I have mentioned a number of times that my plan would be to escort untested arrivals to a guarded quarantine quarters for the 14 day period so that since no one would want to endure that, everyone would get pre-tested) Second, while passengers that need to be tested must wait at the airport until the results are obtained to clear them, if they did infect anyone on the plane those fellow travelers are now out and about in Hawaii possibly passing the virus to others in the community.

The Hawaii Community already has mixed feelings about opening up Hawaii to pre-tested travellers. Implementing this plan just might put them over the top with respect to tourists coming at all.

 

[controller1]

I am totally against the implementation of this type of plan. First of all I wouldn't want to be a passenger on a plane with untested people who could have the virus and passed it on to me.

Not being on a plane with untested people is only valid for direct flights to Hawaii. Multi-segment flights will not provide that protection as there will be passengers traveling to non-Hawaii destinations on those flights.

 

[chellej]

This article mentions there may be protests on Kauai over visitor arrivals.. It also mentions some are getting T-shirts printed on Oahu that state: “Aloha. Go Home. You’re killing us.”

I think the hostility toward mainlanders has always been present but was not as obvious as it is today. I think the pandemic has really ratcheted it up. It sort of smacks of reverse discrimination. I was unaware it was as bad as it is but since the pandemic began I have been reading public comments to articles in Hawaii online newspapers and was shocked and dismayed to read what they say about tourists.

Residents are conflicted about the return of visitors under Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program

The first tourists to travel in Hawaii who don’t have to quarantine start arriving today, but they are coming to a state that’s divided over their return.

www.staradvertiser.com

I don't feel this is uncommon for many tourist areas, not just Hawaii... we used to live near Jackon Wyoming and the locals didn't like tourists and if you moved there often were treated as an outsider. I'm sure it true of many areas with a high number of tourists.

 

[b2bailey]

This article mentions there may be protests on Kauai over visitor arrivals.. It also mentions some are getting T-shirts printed on Oahu that state: “Aloha. Go Home. You’re killing us.”

I think the hostility toward mainlanders has always been present but was not as obvious as it is today. I think the pandemic has really ratcheted it up. It sort of smacks of reverse discrimination. I was unaware it was as bad as it is but since the pandemic began I have been reading public comments to articles in Hawaii online newspapers and was shocked and dismayed to read what they say about tourists.

Residents are conflicted about the return of visitors under Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program

The first tourists to travel in Hawaii who don’t have to quarantine start arriving today, but they are coming to a state that’s divided over their return.

www.staradvertiser.com

When I arrived at OGG (Maui) on 10/17 my taxi driver was a former manager for Hertz. She mentioned she knows people who do not want tourists to return. Most are employed in non-tourist segments, or have family money.

I think the average Mauian may have enjoyed the break, but realizes tourism is what puts food on the table.

 

[PearlCity]

I dont believe that what you see in the media is the majority- its a vocal minority. And reality of lack of employment is only starting to set in. That being said ive seen nasty on both sides on travel boards that have come out due to the pandemic. People are just stressed and want normal again. A good amount of locals enjoy working with tourists and showing aloha. I dont think that is going to change.

There is a lot of frustration with how the state government has handled things and residents need to concentrate their efforts there. Lack of a plan and how things have been handled has not been good. Up until a week ago- we were welcoming tourists with a testing program but still requirung folks with in Maui County to quarantine for travel between Lanai, Molokai and Maui. Crazy stuff like that.

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[Calyn79]

For those anxious and booking flights/accommodation/cars for Kauai, note what I copy below....this is current as of today - Oct 15/20. Reaching Tier 2 will bring back the 2-wk quarantine and the opt out of pre-travel testing.

copied - "The Mayor’s Emergency Rule 19, or the 4-tier system, dictates when businesses and activities are allowed to operate, and in what capacity, supersedes past rules. With zero active cases, the county starts out on Tier 4, which is marked by a less than 1% positivity rate. The 72-hour, pre-travel test program allowed.

Tier 3, begins to limit indoor and outdoor gatherings when the county sees a one-week average of two to four cases. By Tier 2, which is met at a one-week average of daily COVID-19 cases between five to eight, the county opts out of the pre-travel testing program the two-week quarantine will be required for all travelers. Tier 1 goes into effect when there’s a one-week average of eight or more cases per day reported on the island. No pre-testing quarantine exemptions will be allowed. Here, retail and faith-based services will drop to 25% capacity; restaurants may only operate with outdoor seating and take out; and gyms will be closed, among other restrictions.

For the county to lax the rules, it must be on the current tier for at least four consecutive weeks; meet case count criteria for the next tier for two weeks; and also meet the test positive rate criteria for the next tier for two consecutive weeks, according to the county. For the jump to the next most restrictive tier, the county must exceed one or both criteria in the current tier for two weeks. The county reserves the right to implement additional restrictions not outlined currently in shorter timeframes than two weeks, if the health care system becomes overwhelmed.

Within this rule is also a requirement for wearing face masks, stating that those over 5 years old must wear masks within 6 feet of non-household members. The rule makes “limited exceptions” to those issued exemptions from a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, advanced nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant.

The county’s proposal for a mandatory post-arrival test to bypass the quarantine was denied by Gov. David Ige last week. However, the county was given the green-light for a voluntary second test to be taken three after arrival. With visitor industry partners and the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, the county is working on an incentive program, which a county spokesperson said will hopefully generate the local economy." end of copy.

 

[klpca]

For those anxious and booking flights/accommodation/cars for Kauai, note what I copy below....this is current as of today - Oct 15/20. Reaching Tier 2 will bring back the 2-wk quarantine and the opt out of pre-travel testing.

copied - "The Mayor’s Emergency Rule 19, or the 4-tier system, dictates when businesses and activities are allowed to operate, and in what capacity, supersedes past rules. With zero active cases, the county starts out on Tier 4, which is marked by a less than 1% positivity rate. The 72-hour, pre-travel test program allowed.

Tier 3, begins to limit indoor and outdoor gatherings when the county sees a one-week average of two to four cases. By Tier 2, which is met at a one-week average of daily COVID-19 cases between five to eight, the county opts out of the pre-travel testing program the two-week quarantine will be required for all travelers. Tier 1 goes into effect when there’s a one-week average of eight or more cases per day reported on the island. No pre-testing quarantine exemptions will be allowed. Here, retail and faith-based services will drop to 25% capacity; restaurants may only operate with outdoor seating and take out; and gyms will be closed, among other restrictions.

For the county to lax the rules, it must be on the current tier for at least four consecutive weeks; meet case count criteria for the next tier for two weeks; and also meet the test positive rate criteria for the next tier for two consecutive weeks, according to the county. For the jump to the next most restrictive tier, the county must exceed one or both criteria in the current tier for two weeks. The county reserves the right to implement additional restrictions not outlined currently in shorter timeframes than two weeks, if the health care system becomes overwhelmed.

Within this rule is also a requirement for wearing face masks, stating that those over 5 years old must wear masks within 6 feet of non-household members. The rule makes “limited exceptions” to those issued exemptions from a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, advanced nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant.

The county’s proposal for a mandatory post-arrival test to bypass the quarantine was denied by Gov. David Ige last week. However, the county was given the green-light for a voluntary second test to be taken three after arrival. With visitor industry partners and the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, the county is working on an incentive program, which a county spokesperson said will hopefully generate the local economy." end of copy.

Well at least there's a plan. Better than nothing but as someone who is supposed to travel soon I wonder how much notice will be given when they move to tier three which seems to be the tier that will actually affect travelers.

I dont believe that what you see in the media is the majority- its a vocal minority. And reality of lack of employment is only starting to set in. That being said ive seen nasty on both sides on travel boards that have come out due to the pandemic. People are just stressed and want normal again. A good amount of locals enjoy working with tourists and showing aloha. I dont think that is going to change.

There is a lot of frustration with how the state government has handled things and residents need to concentrate their efforts there. Lack of a plan and how things have been handled has not been good. Up until a week ago- we were welcoming tourists with a testing program but still requirung folks with in Maui County to quarantine for travel between Lanai, Molokai and Maui. Crazy stuff like that.

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Thanks for posting this because I needed to hear it. I just don't have the stomach to handle being the target of protests. We will be quarantining at home for two weeks prior to traveling to make sure that we won't be bringing covid with us and we want to be as safe as possible for everyone. I have read the same comments about visitors not being welcome and I don't know what to think. I'm not even sure if we will hike this time as some of the trailheads have had some unhappy locals in the past. (These are publicly marked trails, not on private property). I can't imagine the climate if folks are extra angry.

 

[controller1]

Well, at least the Hawaii Tourism Authority wants us back! Here is the email I received this evening. Of course it's veiled in "spend more"!

 

[PearlCity]

Well at least there's a plan. Better than nothing but as someone who is supposed to travel soon I wonder how much notice will be given when they move to tier three which seems to be the tier that will actually affect travelers.


Thanks for posting this because I needed to hear it. I just don't have the stomach to handle being the target of protests. We will be quarantining at home for two weeks prior to traveling to make sure that we won't be bringing covid with us and we want to be as safe as possible for everyone. I have read the same comments about visitors not being welcome and I don't know what to think. I'm not even sure if we will hike this time as some of the trailheads have had some unhappy locals in the past. (These are publicly marked trails, not on private property). I can't imagine the climate if folks are extra angry.

So i just watched the 12pm news on Hawaii News Now and i saw nothing on protests. Ill watch the evening news and provide an update. Im not aware of anything major going on with protests. I can say on Kauai- they dont like any outsiders in general. They protested the superferry so us folks on Oahu dont come to their island. And they can tell im not from kauai when i go to visit. I dont know how- but they can tell. If you are really worried, come and visit us on Oahu, i feel like our island has more diversity with the universities and military on island. Its much easier for a tourist to blend in (as long as you put sunscreen on and dont turn red as a lobster). Im sorry you had a bad experience hiking.

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[klpca]

So i just watched the 12pm news on Hawaii News Now and i saw nothing on protests. Ill watch the evening news and provide an update. Im not aware of anything major going on with protests. I can say on Kauai- they dont like any outsiders in general. They protested the superferry so us folks on Oahu dont come to their island. And they can tell im not from kauai when i go to visit. I dont know how- but they can tell. If you are really worried, come and visit us on Oahu, i feel like our island has more diversity with the universities and military on island. Its much easier for a tourist to blend in (as long as you put sunscreen on and dont turn red as a lobster). Im sorry you had a bad experience hiking.

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We'll be on Oahu next. Your Kauai experience is interesting. I guess that people are just people. Thanks for the information.

 

[Tamaradarann]

Not being on a plane with untested people is only valid for direct flights to Hawaii. Multi-segment flights will not provide that protection as there will be passengers traveling to non-Hawaii destinations on those flights.

Granted. We take direct flights from JFK to HNL so that is my perspective. Changing plans and having a layover in an airport during this pandemic is not doable in our minds. We left Honolulu this year on March 23rd instead of staying a few more weeks since the Hilton Hawaiian Village was going to close soon and we caught the second to last direct flight from HNL to JFK before Hawaiian Airlines cut off that route the following day and we would have had to have a stopover in LAX.

 

[PearlCity]

We'll be on Oahu next. Your Kauai experience is interesting. I guess that people are just people. Thanks for the information.

Have a great vacation! Things will be fine. I don't know how getting through the airport will be and a few restaurants have shut down, but Oahu has a lot to offer in terms of activities and places to eat and shop. We all need a break from reality and itll be good for you to get away for sure.

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[MULTIZ321]

Thousands arrive in Hawaii on first day pre-travel testing

Thousands arrive in Hawaii on first day pre-travel testing

About 8,000 people landed in Hawaii on the first day of a pre-travel testing program that allowed travelers to come to the islands without quarantining for two weeks if they could produce a negative coronavirus test.

www.startribune.com

Richard

 

[Tamaradarann]

Thousands arrive in Hawaii on first day pre-travel testing

Thousands arrive in Hawaii on first day pre-travel testing

About 8,000 people landed in Hawaii on the first day of a pre-travel testing program that allowed travelers to come to the islands without quarantining for two weeks if they could produce a negative coronavirus test.

www.startribune.com

Richard

Well that certainly seems like Hawaii Tourism Numbers are off to a new start. The number of cases and deaths in Oahu on Wednesday, the day before the pre-travel testing began, seems like a very high pre-starting number. There must have been some significant virus spreading around Oahu before the Thursday start day. Where did that come from?

I was wondering how many more flight crews that are not being pre-travel tested are arriving in Hawaii. If they see a rise in infections will they be focusing on whether a tourist or possibly an untested flight crew member brought the virus with them?

 

[controller1]

This is not encouraging news. People waited hours in line at the Maui and Big Island airports to get screened. And at Honolulu, they left passengers on the plane to prevent congestion in lines to be screened. All of those people queued up in line looks like risk even with masks on. The article comments that too many flights are arriving too close together in time.

Visitors face long lines, long wait times at airports on first day of pre-travel testing program

For some visitors, their Hawaiian vacation got off to a rocky start, having to wait hours in line before being able to exit the airport quarantine free.

www.khon2.com

Were you expecting better on the first day? I think they'll finally get things ironed out. It appears all they needed were additional personnel to do the scanning of the QR codes.

 

[csodjd]

Well that certainly seems like Hawaii Tourism Numbers are off to a new start. The number of cases and deaths in Oahu on Wednesday, the day before the pre-travel testing began, seems like a very high pre-starting number. There must have been some significant virus spreading around Oahu before the Thursday start day. Where did that come from?

I was wondering how many more flight crews that are not being pre-travel tested are arriving in Hawaii. If they see a rise in infections will they be focusing on whether a tourist or possibly an untested flight crew member brought the virus with them?

91 new cases on Thursday. That's not a particularly high pre-starting number. It is in line with the number they've had daily for weeks. This is the chart to watch. According to the Lt. Gov, it needs to stay below 150 average cases per day.

 

[PearlCity]

Its crazy at the airports yesterday and as predicted not everyone took a test.

First day of traveler testing program sees thousands of arrivals and a few snags

"We’re trying to be extremely safe because we don’t want to have an outbreak," Lt. Gov. Josh Green said.

www.hawaiinewsnow.com

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[HGVC Lover]

Were you expecting better on the first day? I think they'll finally get things ironed out. It appears all they needed were additional personnel to do the scanning of the QR codes.

I would expect nothing else of having lived in Kona for many many years. KOA is small airport and no matter how many screeners they have the lines are going to be long and the waits times long (hours) after arrival. They know how the flights come into each island and should have been prepared for the volume of travelers. It is just the way it is going to be and they can hype all they want that they will figure it out but in Hawaii you usually always wait in lines somewhere no matter what. KOA just does not have the physical space to accommodate the number of passengers it receives on a daily basis especially in the late morning and early afternoon...so glad we moved our time to go there until later in the year....maybe by then (finger crossed) but I doubt it......if you notice in the news report too that especially on the Big Island there was no social distancing of any kind in the line waiting for a second test....

 

[Tamaradarann]

91 new cases on Thursday. That's not a particularly high pre-starting number. It is in line with the number they've had daily for weeks. This is the chart to watch. According to the Lt. Gov, it needs to stay below 150 average cases per day.

View attachment 27584

My thought about it being a pretty high number is in this perspective. Less than 1000 people have been getting off the planes for weeks possibly bringing the virus to Hawaii resulting in almost 100 cases a day. Now with 8000 or so people getting off the planes possibly bringing ?more additional cases/day to Hawaii. The people in Hawaii who are complaining about opening up Hawaii to tourists again are going to be looking at the bottom line number of cases/day and attempt to convince the decision makers to close up Hawaii again. It is imperative that that number be put in perspective of having almost 100 not 1 or 2 cases/day as a starting point.

 

[csodjd]

My thought about it being a pretty high number is in this perspective. Less than 1000 people have been getting off the planes for weeks possibly bringing the virus to Hawaii resulting in almost 100 cases a day. Now with 8000 or so people getting off the planes possibly bringing ?more additional cases/day to Hawaii. The people in Hawaii who are complaining about opening up Hawaii to tourists again are going to be looking at the bottom line number of cases/day and attempt to convince the decision makers to close up Hawaii again. It is imperative that that number be put in perspective of having almost 100 not 1 or 2 cases/day as a starting point.

Doesn't seem that many of the ~100 cases/day are related to the people flying in. But, either way, Hawaii has been pretty stable now for the past month as reflected in the graph, so it should be pretty easy to see if that changes (or how it changes) in the next 20-30 or so days. We'd expect to see it go up, but hopefully plateau below 150.

 

[csodjd]

They are reporting that about 10%, 800 of the 8000 that came over yesterday did not have a test or test results upon arrival and are required to quarantine. That's actually a smaller number than were arriving before yesterday, where about 1000-1300 were arriving daily.

 

[JanT]

WHY would anyone show up there without a test? Did they not know they needed one? How could they not know? Or perhaps they have family there and they will just go quarantine with them? That's just surprising to me. I did read that there were people that showed up without having had the right test done.

They are reporting that about 10%, 800 of the 8000 that came over yesterday did not have a test or test results upon arrival and are required to quarantine. That's actually a smaller number than were arriving before yesterday, where about 1000-1300 were arriving daily.

 

[JanT]

Well....we begin our journey to Oahu tomorrow morning. We had our Covid-19 test on Wednesday at noon and were pleasantly surprised to get the results back at basically midnight last night. I uploaded everything into the Safe Travels website this morning and it looks like we're ready to go. I will report back with how things go at the airport in Honolulu.