The state of Hawaii will no longer impose strict pre-entry testing and quarantine requirements for domestic travelers fully vaccinated in the U.S., Governor David Ige's office announced on Thursday. From July 8, U.S. visitors will only need to submit proof of, and carry with them, a CDC vaccination card to visit the islands. Those considered to be fully vaccinated are at least two weeks past their final shot.
“We anticipate that on or about July 8, Hawaii will have achieved a 60% vaccination rate," Ige said in a statement. “Our residents have sacrificed and worked hard to get to this point, but we still have more to do.” The state hopes to reach a 70 percent vaccination rate, at which all COVID-19 restrictions in the state will lift, according to Ige's announcement.
Restrictions still in place include a state-wide indoor mask mandate. Restaurants will move to operate at 75 percent capacity on July 8 with the new change. A mandate requiring COVID-19 testing for inter-island travel in the state was lifted for Hawaii residents on June 15.
The state of Hawaii has required a PCR coronavirus test result, only from certain approved labs, as part of its Safe Travels program since its October 2020 tourism reopening. Anyone without an approved test result in hand upon arrival has been required to enter a 10-day quarantine or return to the mainland.
With only certain labs and tests permitted, many travelers have spoken of being denied entry to Hawai'i and needing to return to the mainland. Travelers have also been arrested for not entering a quarantine facility as required after arriving without an approved test result. Ige said the new test-free entry program for vaccinated people will “make it easier for those who have been vaccinated to travel to Hawai'i.”
Mayor Michael Victorino of Maui County called the move a “step toward normalcy” and said he hopes the move will “serve as an incentive to the unvaccinated to get the shot.” Hawaii's current statewide coronavirus case rate is averaging 43 cases per day.
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