Hawaii County is now requiring trans-Pacific travelers to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival to Hawaii Island, or face a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Mayor Harry Kim announced the rule Saturday, following Gov. David Ige’s approval on Friday. It’s set to remain in effect through Dec. 31.
Prior to Kim’s 13th rule, trans-Pacific travelers awaiting test results were only required to quarantine until providing proof of a negative test result. Now, without the result in hand, a 14-day quarantine will be required.
Kim’s new rule also allows the county to conduct COVID-19 testing on 25% to 100% of travelers who previously had negative test exceptions.
The randomly selected travelers must take a second coronavirus test upon arrival on Hawaii Island at a facility near the airport designated by the county. The testing is funded by via the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The new rule has no impact on interisland travel. Travelers coming to Hawaii Island must be tested for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before travel or after arrival. A negative post-arrival test would allow the traveler to be released from a mandatory 14-day quarantine. 3
Ige on Friday also approved Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami’s request to temporarily allow the island to opt out of the state testing program.
Travelers to Kauai must spend 14 days in quarantine regardless of whether they obtain a negative COVID-19 test. The policy is expected to take effect Dec. 2.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.