The pre-travel testing program has long been viewed as a path to reopening the question was how to implement it.Īlthough some testing procedures still vary by island – travelers to Maui and Kauai, for instance, will have the option of taking a second test a few days after arrival – in broad terms the mandatory test procedures are consistent. ![]() The issue has been especially touchy on neighbor islands, where case counts have been lower than on densely populated Oahu. The issue for policymakers has been how to reopen the economy safely, so that a surge in cases does not cause another shutdown, and in a way that’s politically acceptable to a leery public that has at times been willing to sacrifice the economy for safety. That revenue has largely evaporated, much of it wages once paid to workers. One of Hawaii’s largest employment segments, accounting for about one in six jobs statewide, the tourism industry brought more than $1.5 billion in revenue into the state monthly at its peak before the shutdowns caused by the coronavirus. In broad terms, the program “will be implemented in all counties,” Ige said on Tuesday, bringing a sense of order to what had become an increasingly confusing situation.īringing tourists back to Hawaii is viewed as vital to restoring the state’s foundering economy, which has shed almost 100,000 jobs since the pandemic took hold in March, including tens of thousands in the hospitality and tourism-related retail sectors. Statewide, after taking a test administered by one of more than a dozen “trusted partners,” travelers are required to register with the state’s “Safe Travels” program, and upload their test results and answer a health questionnaire. Libby Char, and Hawaii Tourism Authority Chief Executive John DeFries. Josh Green, Department of Health Director Dr. Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020įor Tuesday’s announcement, Ige was joined by Lt. David Ige on Tuesday said all of Hawaii’s counties are now on board with the state’s Safe Travels program to reopen tourism. The Big Island is making it a requirement upon landing while Maui and Kauai hope people will volunteer to get another test. Now, however, neighbor islands will be able to include a second test - free of charge to the traveler. The general terms of the plan remain the same as they have for weeks: people traveling to Hawaii from out of state – including tourists and returning residents – can sidestep the state’s 14-day quarantine by testing negative within 72 hours of departing for Hawaii. ![]() After a flurry of confusion set off by various county officials voicing concerns that travelers would bring COVID-19 cases to their communities, the main elements of Hawaii’s plan to reopen to out-of-state travel appeared to solidify on Tuesday, two days before the Oct.
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