Kauai Still Fighting Reopening Tourism on October 15
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami has his own ideas about how to get travel up and running again specifically in regard to mainland-Hawaii travel. Mayor Kawakami had proposed a post-arrival test program, but this was shot down by Governor Ige.
Now the Kauai Mayor has proposed Rule 19 to the Governor.
When contacted by hawaiinews.online about this proposed rule, Mayor Kawakami’s office responded with the following statement:
As you know, the Governor’s new pre-travel test program for Mainland travelers goes into effect Thursday, October 15. In light of our post-arrival test proposal being denied, we submitted proposed Rule 19 last week Thursday.
While we still maintain that our proposal for a mandatory second post-arrival test is the safest option for us, Rule 19 would combine a voluntary testing program with a tiered system for responding to outbreaks. We continue to await the Governor’s approval of our proposed Rule 19 and will update the public as we’re updated.
We have enjoyed many months of low to no case numbers, and it is inevitable that we will see a rise in cases in the coming weeks and months. Our Incident Management Team will do everything possible to help protect our community and keep our case numbers to a manageable level so that we can avoid future shutdowns or tighter restrictions.
But, as we’ve said many times, we all have control over managing this virus. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to protect ourselves and those around us. We can do this by following very simple steps when we leave our home. Wear your mask anytime you’re with people you don’t live with – this includes close friends and family. Keep your physical distance. Avoid large gatherings, but if you MUST gather, stay outside.
These are the best tools we have in our toolbox.
For more information on the Governor’s quarantine rules or the state’s pre-travel testing program, please visit the state’s website at hawaiicovid19.com
