Hawaii to Reopen Tourism August 1 with Coronavirus Testing Program

Honolulu from the air

The Hawaiian government announced it would reopen the state to visitors starting August 1.

Travelers who test negative immediately prior to arrival will be exempt from the current 14-day quarantine.

The news was announced by Governor David Ige on Wednesday.

Hawaii will use a model similar to what the State of Alaska uses. In a policy announced earlier in the month, travelers arriving in Alaska with proof of a negative coronavirus test will bypass that state’s 14-day quarantine requirement. While Alaska is also providing testing for passengers upon arrival, Hawaii is not going that route.

Earlier in June, the government announced that Hawaiian residents would no longer be required to self-quarantine for inter-island travel as of June 16, although thermal screening will be required.

Officials announced on Wednesday that the state has budgeted $90 million for health and safety improvements to the state’s airports, which will include the purchase and installation of thermal screening.

The move comes as the governor’s quarantine order faces legal challenges.  The U.S. Department of Justice said that the mandate was “likely” unconstitutional in a court filing on Tuesday, saying it discriminated against non-residents.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)