Congressman Ed Case,  who represents the First Congressional District on O’ahu–downtown Honolulu, today called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to confirm the State of Hawai‘i’s ability to impose and enforce COVID-19 prevention public health conditions on air travel to the islands.

In his letter to FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, Case asked for the FAA’s cooperation in supporting Hawaii’s ability to impose and enforce conditions on air travel into Hawaii.  That would include testing of all intended passengers, including crew, before boarding the departure flight—testing for fever, and possible on-site COVID-19 testing.

In a Wednesday afternoon press conference, Lt. Gov. Dr. Josh Green said he’s advocating a program called “Travel with Aloha,” which would incorporate mitigations,  possibly as mentioned by Congressman Case, to ensure safety from COVID-19 for passengers and residents.  L.G. Green is advocating that passengers voluntarily get a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their departure for Hawaii.  People who decline to get tested would undergo additional testing and screening upon arrival at State airports.

In his letter, Case acknowledged that the FAA is charged with safety in aviation, and not protecting the health of passengers, and that current policies don’t allow the FAA to require pre-boarding health screenings.  Case asks the FAA to reconsider the issues in light of the public health threats to Hawaii.

Click here for Case’s letter to the FAA.