Hawaii Delays Tourism Reopening Until September Due To Rising COVID-19 Cases

Visitors may have to wait until September as Hawaii delays its tourism reopening.

The Hawaii state government announced it will not ease restrictions on out-of-state travelers at least until Sept. 1. Government officials reached the decision amid the surging COVID-19 cases both in the Aloha State and the U.S. mainland.

In a news conference Monday, July 13, Gov. David Ige announced the decision to wait another month to set aside the 14-day quarantine requirement for out-of-state tourists who test negative for coronavirus infection. The governor cited the rising number of local cases, the "uncontrolled" outbreaks in many U.S. mainland states and the testing supply shortage as reasons for taking the decision, the Associated Press reported.

Hawaii officials also expect the state's coronavirus cases to surge when its public schools reopen in August, New York Post reported.

Ige said he understands the implications of the decision, particularly on the state's economy. "But as I've always said we will make decisions based on the best available science and facts prioritizing the health and safety of Hawaii residents," the governor said in a statement. He added that he arrived at a consensus with county mayors that the delay is essential to protect the economy.

Ige admitted that a delay in tourism reopening "increases the burden on businesses," particularly small businesses. However, protecting the health and safety of Hawaiian communities is vital amid the ongoing health crisis, he said.

The quarantine requirement practically closed tourism to the Aloha State since late March, according to the Associated Press. The current unemployment rate in the state is 22.6%, the second-highest in the country.

Visitors arriving in Hawaii from other states are exempted from the 14-day quarantine policy only if they test negative for coronavirus infection using a valid nucleic acid amplification test conducted by a CLIA-certified lab. They should undergo the test no more than 72 hours before their scheduled trip or before their arrival.

The visitors must then show proof of their negative test results at the airport. Hawaiian air hubs will no longer conduct any commercial testing, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. If the visitor is unable to produce proof, they must remain in quarantine. The policy covers out-of-state visitors of all ages, including children.