2020-11-28 Transpacific Travelers to Hawaii Island must provide negative COVID-19 test on arrival or face quarantine -- press release

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Roy Takemoto Managing Director Harry Kim Mayor Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director County of Hawai‘i Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603  Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720  (808) 961-8211  Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C  Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 (808) 323-4444  Fax (808) 323-4440 November 28, 2020 NEWS RELEASE Hawai‘i County Requires Transpacific Travelers to Provide Proof of Negative Test on Arrival, or Be Quarantined Mayor Harry Kim announced his COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 13, which stipulates that transpacific travelers must provide proof of a negative test upon arrival, or be subject to a 14-day quarantine. Under the previous rule, travelers awaiting test results from the Mainland would only be required to quarantine until a negative test result arrived. Rule 13, approved by Governor David Ige on Friday, also allows County arrival testing for 25%-100% of persons participating in the State’s negative test exception program. These randomly-selected travelers must take a second COVID-19 test upon arrival on Hawai‘i Island at a County-designated facility near the airport. The County will bear the cost of the testing under federal CARES Act funds. Regarding interisland travel, there is no change. The system enables interisland travelers to either test for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before traveling to Hawai‘i Island, or be tested after arrival. A negative post-arrival test would allow the traveler to be released from quarantine. The Rule also incorporates the statewide face covering mandate, under which all persons must wear face coverings over their face and mouth while in public settings. Rule 13 is effective through December 31, 2020. County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.