Big Island Thieves

Inter-County Travelers Vaccinated in Hawai’i may Bypass Pre-travel Testing, Quarantine Starting May 11

David Ige, Lt. Gov. Josh Green, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara and county mayors unveiled a Vaccination Travel Protocol Program on Tuesday, that will allow individuals who have been fully vaccinated in the State of Hawai‘i to bypass pre-travel testing and/or quarantine when traveling within the State of Hawai‘i.

Under the program:

“Together, we made the decision to start with an inter-county travel program for those vaccinated in the State of Hawai‘i, because we are able to verify the information. This phased approach will allow us to assess the impacts of the program to our pre-departure document check program and screening procedures. Most importantly, we’ll be able to assess any impact to our virus transmission rates and healthcare facilities. As always, our number one priority is the health and safety of Hawai‘i’s people,” said David Ige.

“Mahalo to the State, fellow counties, local healthcare partners, and most importantly, everyone in our community whose collective efforts have brought us to this point,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “On Kaua‘i, we have administered more than 55,000 vaccines. Because we have built this capacity, our residents who have been fully vaccinated will be able to travel inter-county, visit their friends and loved ones, and support our local economy.”

“Maui County is happy to join the other counties in extending this exception to fully vaccinated inter-county travelers. I know many Maui residents have been eagerly awaiting this program so families who live in different counties can visit one another more easily. It’s a positive step on our road to recovery and another good reason to be vaccinated,” said Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino.

“We are grateful for the collaboration with the state and counties regarding inter-county travel, which is important for the economy and so many business professionals, in addition to local residents being able to see loved ones who live on different islands,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “While O‘ahu hasn’t had an inter-county quarantine for travelers arriving from neighbor islands, we are still supportive of the plan as it will benefit our vaccinated O‘ahu residents who need to travel to other islands in our state.”

“We are islands separated by miles of ocean but yet closely connected by friends, family, and a shared sense of community. This is why we are so excited to work alongside 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 normal, and we are prepared to continue supporting the State as we combat the virus and begin reopening – together,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth.”

Vaccinated individuals traveling inter-county will need to:

At this time, the State of Hawai‘i is accepting only the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or a printout from the Vaccination Administration Management System (VAMS). Vaccinated individuals who did not receive the CDC card or VAMS printout, must return to the provider that administered their vaccination, for a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. State or territory Department of Health issued cards will not be accepted.

The Vaccination Travel Protocol Program for inter-county travel begins on May 11.

The trans-Pacific (continental U.S.) program is still in development and may begin this summer, and the international program is set to begin later this year.

Gov. Ige will issue an emergency proclamation to allow for the inter-county exception, prior to implementation on May 11.

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