Governor David Ige said today the State is very close to establishing a travel bubble with Japan.  That would allow travel between the two countries with approved pre-travel testing, similar to what is currently in place for trans-Pacific travel from the mainland.   Ige said he expects to make an announcement in a week to 10 days.

On October 14, Gov. Ige announced approval of pre-travel testing from Japan, 72 hours in advance, from specific institutions.  In that announcement, he said the details and travel partners were still being determined.

Gov. Ige said the state is also working with Canada and South Korea about establishing pre-travel testing to create a Hawaii travel bubble with those countries.