Kahului Airport: May 29, 2021. Photo by JD Pells
Hawaii is expected to reach a full vaccination rate of 60% by July 8th, which will ease the rules for travel and social gatherings.
From July 8th:
- Hawaii accepts vaccination cards from other states and US territories to bypass quarantine / travel tests.
- The number of social gatherings will increase from the current 10 to 25 indoors and from the current 25 to 75 outdoors across the country.
- Restaurants can seat up to 75% of their capacity (with a maximum group size of 25 indoors and 75 outdoors).
* This change does not directly affect weddings, which are governed by county proclamations.
Image: Office of Governor David Ige.
This was announced by Governor David Ige at a press conference this afternoon. “Immunization rates have increased and we have worked closely to implement policy changes that will protect public health, revitalize our economies and support our communities,” he said.
Starting July 8, individuals traveling in the U.S. and traveling domestically will be able to bypass quarantine and pre-travel testing requirements when traveling to Hawaii if they are fully vaccinated. Travelers must upload their vaccination records to the state’s Safe Travels Program and bring a copy of their vaccination records with them on their trip to Hawaii.
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“I know this change has been widely expected and will make it easier for residents to return home and enjoy our islands for visitors,” said Governor Ige. “However, I would like to emphasize that those who travel before July 8th are subject to the pre-travel testing and quarantine program.”
70% vaccination milestone could take two months
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“This milestone is really something to celebrate. I think we all worked hard. I appreciate that everyone is making vacation a priority, ”said Governor Ige. “While incentives are nice, the most important thing is the more our people are vaccinated, the better health outcomes we see and the faster we get back to normal. When we reach the full 70% vaccination rate nationwide, we will lift all COVID-19-related emergency restrictions, the Safe Travels program will end, and we will invite everyone to travel to our islands. “
Governor Ige said it was difficult to set a specific date for reaching the 70% milestone vaccination rate, but said, “It would definitely be a few more months – probably two months.”
He said the state continues to work to ensure that everyone gets vaccinated. “We look at the vaccination dates and when we see communities that are below the national average, we organize targeted vaccination opportunities in those communities. We strive to make vaccination as easy as possible for the people in our community, ”said Governor Ige.
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“All of this is monitored by the Ministry of Health. We are still looking for variants. We continue to work to ensure the health and safety of our community and will take appropriate action if necessary, ”said Governor Ige.
Governor David Ige. PC: (6.24.21) courtesy of the office of Gov. Ige.
District Mayor on board with the July 8th timeline
Maui Mayor Michael Victorino repeated similar feelings and said, “I’m excited. Maui County, like all other counties, stands ready to make a contribution and be a big part of that change. “
When asked about the current pace of the reopening, Mayor Victorino said, “As you know, Maui has grown rapidly with the recovery as our visitor industry is no exception to Oahu. It has taxed part of our infrastructure and other areas – so it’s worrying. It also takes up a lot of our resources – the path to Hāna … Yes, it was a mixture of good and not so good. But we work through it all, but I’m happy with our pace. Maybe they’re a little too fast for Maui, I’ll say; However, we will make it and emerge from this Maui Nui Strong. Overall, I am very satisfied. “
Kaua’i Mayor Derek Kawakami agreed to the schedule, saying he appreciated the flexibility given to the counties. “We are ready to board on July 8th – that comes from the sheep who left the herd early … We were so very in sync in terms of communication. Our plan is to get to Level 5, which is also consistent with the state and other counties. “
The delta variant will continue to spread in autumn, there is a backup plan to reach 70%. I think they are separate but related questions. We are committed to the 70 percent threshold. The risk of Covid spreading would be significantly reduced, which would allow us to lift the restrictions. When we look at certain virus activity and the Delta variant, that is worrying. easier to transmit and spread faster through communities. it seems while science is still working to determine the disease rate or the death rate … should there be an outbreak and should we see a high number of diseases over a long period of time we would look for restrictions that could be put in place to effectively control this outbreak. to encourage or demand the wearing of masks or other mitigation strategies. We would look at other types of restrictions to control a future outbreak of the virus.
