Although all incoming travelers who do not have their COVID-19 negative test results when they board their flight to Hawaii are now required to quarantine for 14 days, that will likely be cut to 10 days sometime next week.

In a Tuesday briefing to State House Representatives, Major General Kenneth Hara–head of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and coordinator of the State’s COVID-19 response–said Governor David Ige does plan to sign an Emergency Proclamation shortening the quarantine time.  Attorney General Clare Connors confirmed that the Governor has the declaration on his desk.

Lt. Gov. and physician Dr. Josh Green, on the same briefing, said he’s also proposed lengthening the time for the pre-testing from 72 hours to 96 hours.  Right now, the demand on the mainland for testing, with the surge in COVID-19 cases, many providers just cannot get the results back to travelers within the 72 hours.  Green also said he proposes having the travelers take a rapid test upon arrival, and as people begin to get vaccinated, develop an exemption to the quarantine based on travelers being able to present proof of having been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Green and local health officials, including Dr. Mark Mugiishi of HMSA and Ray Vara, CEO of Hawaii Pacific Health, said the pre-travel test program is working.  They noted the state’s positivity rate now is actually lower than it was on Oct. 14, just before pre-travel testing went into effect.

Green also emphasized that no matter what, mask use is critical.

Gen. Hara said the most recent travel advisories may be found at   hawaiicovid19.com

The web site also has information about how to gather safely, mask-wearing, the state’s COVID-19 plan, and more.