Hawaii Introduces Safe Travels Program for All Visitors

On September 1, the state of Hawaii implemented their new Safe Travels program for all visitors to the state.

The main part of the Safe Travels program is an online form all travelers must fill out that will collect health and travel information ahead of a traveler’s arrival, meant to help the State Department of Health monitor and protect public health on the islands. Previously, the process was paper-based, so moving it online makes it much easier to manage, especially when it comes to managing visitors’ 14-days quarantines upon arrival, a policy that is still in effect.

“Compared to paper processing, this digital form will save travelers time at the airport and will speed up distribution of information to state and county officials who need it to keep us all safe,” said Douglas Murdock, chief information officer, Office of Enterprise Technology Services, State of Hawaii.

According to a press release from the state of Hawaii, “travelers are encouraged to enter their information and trip details well in advance of their flight. Once their health information is entered 24 hours before departure, travelers receive a QR code via email. The QR code on their mobile device or printed on paper gets scanned by the airport screener upon arrival.”

There’s also a video to help travelers understand their new experience when visiting Hawaii.

The state has also developed a new testing program tentatively launching October 1, 2020 that allows travelers to be exempt from the 14-day quarantine if they present a negative Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) from a certified Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) lab taken no more than 72 hours in advance of their travel. Even with a negative test, travelers will still be subject to the additional screening measures of a temperature check upon arrival, completion of the State Travel and Health form and a second screening for individuals with symptoms or a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher.