Mayor’s Emergency Rule 20

Gov. Ige approves Mayor Kawakami’s emergency rules allowing interisland travelers who pass pre-test to be exempt from quarantine, and create tier system with safeguards in case numbers increase

            LĪHU‘E – Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami today sent proposed Mayor’s Emergency Rule 20 to Gov. David Ige, which will include interisland travelers in the state’s Safe Travels program, in addition to transpacific travelers. Gov. Ige announced in a press conference this afternoon that he will be approving this rule, which will allow interisland travelers who take a pre-travel test within 72 hours of traveling to Kaua‘i, and pass with a negative result, to be exempt from the 14-day quarantine.

“Inconsistency leads to confusion,” said Mayor Kawakami. “Right now, there is a lot of confusion on the protocols for transpacific vs. interisland travel, and various testing options. Travelers are also confused on whether they must follow the state or counties’ protocols and at this point, we need consistency and equity.”

            “This new rule brings fairness to local families who travel interisland to visit family, see doctors, and get necessary supplies. We know that interisland travel is not just for leisure, but necessity. Interisland travelers need and deserve options.

“We’ve been assured that the Safe Travels App can accommodate interisland travelers, and we understand the state is working with their trusted testing travel partners to offer testing to local residents.

“Based on that information, we are going to take the state up on their offer to include interisland travelers in the state’s Safe Travels program. That means interisland travelers who take a pre-travel test within 72 hours of traveling to Kaua‘i, and pass with a negative result, would be exempt from the 14-day quarantine.”

Also today, Gov. Ige approved Mayor Kawakami’s Emergency Rule 19, sent on Oct. 8, which sets forth the process at which Kaua‘i would opt out of the state’s pre-travel testing program, based on the current disease outlook.

Emergency Rule 19 provides a four-tiered system to define allowable businesses and activities, based on the current disease outlook on Kaua‘i at that time.  

• Tier 1 is the most restrictive tier. It goes into effect if there is a one-week average of eight or more daily COVID-19 cases. No pre-testing quarantine exemptions will be allowed.
• Tier 2 assumes that the seven-day average of daily COVID-19 cases is between five to eight cases. Moving into this tier would trigger the process to opt out of the state’s pre-travel testing program and continue a 14-day mandatory quarantine for incoming travelers. 
• Tier 3 assumes a weekly average of two to four daily COVID-19 cases. At this level, transpacific travelers will be able to pre-test out of quarantine, per the state’s travel plan. Restrictions such as further limiting the size of gatherings and receptions would be put in place.
• Tier 4 is the least restrictive, and is the current level on Kaua‘i: an average of less than two daily active cases. It allows nearly all businesses and activities to operate with minimal restrictions. It utilizes the state’s 72-hour pre-arrival test program to allow transpacific travelers a quarantine exemption.   

Mayor Kawakami today reminded residents that, with visitors returning to Kaua‘i, it is more important than ever to follow safety guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“To protect our kupuna and loved ones, we must continue to do the right thing: wear masks, practice physical distancing, and avoid large gatherings. These are the most effective ways to reduce the spread COVID-19.”  

For more information on Kaua‘i’s Emergency Rules or to request a modified quarantine for interisland travelers, please visit www.kauai.gov/COVID–19.

For more information on the state’s Safe Travels pre-travel testing program, visit hawaiicovid19.com.

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