Arriving military subject to separate restrictions
HONOLULU — Members of the U.S. military arriving in Hawaii are not subjected to the state’s quarantine rule resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, but service members will follow a separate order restricting their movements.
The Department of Homeland Security exempted military members from the state’s quarantine guidelines for arriving travelers.
But the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, which oversees operations in the state, said its own “restriction of movement” guidelines prohibit service members from going out for 14 days except for travel to places considered essential such as grocery stores, doctors or pharmacies.
Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, incident commander for the state’s coronavirus response, said military members coming to Hawaii on official business were already considered to be on “essential travel for critical infrastructure.”
The Homeland Security Department asked the state to extend a quarantine exemption to military family members moving to Hawaii, officials said.
The military order is less restrictive than the requirements for arriving civilian residents and tourists, who are required to stay in a dwelling for 14 days without traveling into the community.
“I strongly believe that if residents of the state of Hawaii have rules imposed on them, then everybody should abide by the same rules,” said Honolulu City Council member Kym Pine.
The state’s COVID-19 Joint Information Center declined comment on the policy.
Tourism chief to retire as virus fallout continues
HONOLULU — The director of Hawaii’s tourism agency announced he plans to retire as the industry continues to experience the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
Hawaii Tourism Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Tatum informed staff and the organization’s board Wednesday that he plans to retire Aug. 31.
Tatum has worked in the hospitality industry for 40 years. He took over the authority in December 2018 after a 37-year career with Marriott International Inc.
“I’m happy with what we’ve accomplished,” Tatum said. “I’m very proud of the HTA team and our refocused plans to develop a balance strategy for tourism. Now, I’d like to get us through the quarantine and help with the recovery piece and long road back.”
Tatum’s replacement has not been announced.
Tatum plans to spend the summer working with the authority’s board on the transition and supporting tourism recovery efforts before relocating to Colorado with his wife.