Mayor Harry Kim has a new rule, 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 a “Trusted Testing Partner” on the mainland would only be required to quarantine until a negative test result arrived.
The State implemented a new procedure for transpacific travelers last Tuesday, Nov. 24, requiring travelers coming in from out of state to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a “Trusted Testing Partner” before boarding the plane to Hawaii. If they do not, the State is now requiring them to quarantine for 14 days, even if they get their negative test results after arriving. This new County rule appears consistent with the State procedure.
Rule 13, approved by Governor David Ige on Friday, also allows Hawaii County to require some of the people participating in the State’s negative test exception program to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival. Travelers would be randomly selected and take the test when they arrive at a Hawaii County Airport, at County expense. Funding is coming from Federal CARES Act funds. Those funds expire at the end of December.
Regarding interisland travel, travelers may 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 nose and mouth while in public settings.
Rule 13 is effective through December 31, 2020.
Rule 13: