David Y Ige | OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR PRESS RELEASE: HAWAII VACCINATED INTER-COUNTY TRAVELERS CAN BYPASS PRE-TRAVEL TESTING, QUARANTINE STARTING MAY 11

Video of Facebook Live News Conference: https://www.facebook.com/GovernorDavidIge/videos/468524524356119

Photos – Flickr Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/govhawaii/albums/72157718985601991

HONOLULU — Gov. David Ige, Lt. gov. Josh Green, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara and the county mayor Tuesday unveiled a vaccination travel protocol program that will allow individuals who have been fully vaccinated in the state of Hawaii to bypass travel testing and/or quarantine when traveling within the state of Hawaii.

Under the program:

• Beginning May 11, individuals who are fully vaccinated in the state of Hawaii may be vaccinated as of May 15^th day after completing their vaccination.
• Travelers arriving in the counties of Kauaʻi, Maui, and Hawaii before being fully vaccinated or In front the 15^th Mandatory quarantine for the full 10 days the day after vaccination is complete, unless they meet the criteria for other exemptions (pre-travel testing and CISA). The City and County of Honolulu does not have a quarantine order for inter-island travel.

“Together we have made the decision to begin an intercounty travel program for those vaccinated in the state of Hawaii because of our ability to verify the information. This step-by-step approach will allow us to assess the impact of the program on our pre-departure document review program and screening procedures. Most importantly, we can assess any impact on our virus transmission rates and healthcare facilities. As always, our top priority is the health and safety of the people of Hawaii,” Governor Ige said.

“Mahalo to the state, other counties, local health partners and most importantly everyone in our community whose combined efforts have brought us to this point,” said Mayor Derek SK Kawakami. “We have administered more than 55,000 vaccines on Kaua’i. Because we have built this capacity, our residents who are fully vaccinated can travel between counties, visit their friends and loved ones, and support our local economies.”

“Maui County is excited to join other counties in extending this exemption to fully vaccinated intercounty travelers. I know that many Maui residents have been eagerly awaiting this program to make it easier for families living in different counties to visit one another. It’s a positive step on our road to recovery and another good reason to get vaccinated,” said Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino.

“We are grateful for working with the state and counties on intercounty travel, which is important to the economy and so many business people, in addition to allowing local residents to see loved ones who live on different islands,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Although O’ahu did not have an intercounty quarantine for travelers arriving from neighboring islands, we still support the plan as it benefits our vaccinated O’ahu residents who need to travel to other islands in our state.”

“We are islands, separated by miles of ocean, yet closely bound by friends, family and a shared sense of community. That’s why we’re thrilled to be working with the governor and other mayors to begin safely reconnecting our families from Hilo to Hanalei and everywhere in between. For us, this is a step toward normality, and we stand ready to continue to support the state as we fight the virus and begin reopening — together,” said Hawai’i County Mayor Mitch Roth.

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Vaccinated persons traveling between countries must:

• Provide a CDC COVID-19 vaccination card with name, date of birth, type of vaccine, date(s) of vaccine administration, and batch number(s) for each vaccine dose.
• Create an online account and register with the State of Hawaii Safe Travels Hawaii web program.
• Confirm they are fully vaccinated and that the uploaded CDC COVID-19 vaccination card is accurate and authentic.
• Upload a PDF file or digital image of a properly completed CDC vaccination card to the Safe Travels Hawaii web program.
• Bring a digital photo and the original CDC vaccination card if asked to provide it.

Currently, the state of Hawaii only accepts the CDC COVID-19 immunization card or a printout of the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). Vaccinated individuals who have not received the CDC card or VAMS printout must contact the provider who administered their vaccination to obtain a CDC COVID-19 immunization record card. Cards issued by the state or territory Department of Health will not be accepted.

• Travelers under the age of 5 can bypass quarantine requirements provided they are traveling on the same itinerary as a parent/legal guardian who has met proof of vaccination requirements.
• Travelers 5 years and older who are not yet eligible for immunizations may participate in the pre-travel testing program and meet county testing requirements if they request an exemption from mandatory quarantine requirements.
• Travelers aged 16 and 17 who are fully vaccinated should follow adult immunization requirements.
• Travelers must continue to be alert for symptoms and follow local county regulations — wearing a mask, physical distancing and hygiene practices.

The vaccination travel protocol program for intercounty travel begins May 11.

The transpacific (continental US) program is still in development and could begin this summer, and the international program is scheduled to begin later this year.

Gov. Ige will issue a declaration of emergency ahead of implementation on May 11 to allow for the intercounty exception.

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