Hawaii to eliminate pre-travel testing, quarantine requirements for domestic transpacific flights

(FILE) The Waikiki skyline and beaches as seen from the promenade of Sans Souci State Recreational Park. (Photo by Des Acenas)

 

HONOLULU (Eagle News) – Beginning July 8, Hawaii will no longer require travelers from the US Mainland to conduct pre-travel testing or undergo quarantine upon arrival if they have already been fully vaccinated within the United States.

However, travelers to Hawaii must continue to upload their CDC issued vaccination record card to the state’s Safe Travels Program website and have that card in their person upon arrival.

“We anticipate that, on or about July 8, Hawaii will have achieved a 60% vaccination rate, said Governor David Ige. “Our residents have sacrificed and worked hard to get to this point, but we still have more to do. Please get vaccinated to protect yourselves and your loved ones.”

Governor Ige added that the Aloha State is close to achieving a 70% vaccination rate, at which point all restrictions will end and residents can return to their lives before the pandemic.

County mayors shared their thoughts on the governor’s latest decision.

“On Kauai, we will follow suit and move to Tier 5 of our Kauai Tier Chart on July 8, which will allow businesses, such as restaurants, to operate at 75% capacity with social gathering limits increased to 25 indoors and 75 outdoors,” Mayor Derek Kawakami explained. “With news of the Delta variant spreading in our state, it is clear that the threat of COVID is not over, but we now have the tools we need to protect ourselves and others.”

“The commitment of our residents to protect themselves and others will get us to 60%, a huge step ahead for Oahu’s economic recovery and the health of our communities,” Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi explained. “Our next goal is 70%; it’s achievable and it will mean little to no restrictions on operations in the City and County of Honolulu.”

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino stated, “We hope this serves as an incentive to the unvaccinated to get the shot to protect themselves, their loved ones and the rest of our community.”

“By setting clear dates, we will be able to allow our overseas ʻohana to better plan their trips while allowing our businesses, families, and sports leagues to better prepare for the road to recovery that lies ahead,” said Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth.

Governor Ige further clarified that statewide vaccination goals will not affect the policies of individual counties regarding structured events like weddings and funerals. The said goals will apply only to travel, social gatherings, and restaurants.

Once Hawaii achieves a 70% vaccination rate, all restrictions will terminate. Social gatherings will no longer be restricted, and restaurants will continue to be regulated in the normal course by the State Department of Health, which may establish new, permanent rules in light of the pandemic.

(Eagle News Service)