County to end post-arrival testing

Hawaii County will end its trans-Pacific post-arrival testing program indefinitely on Tuesday, June 1.

The change will take effect at both the Hilo International Airport and the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.

The decision comes as an average of more than 75% of arriving trans-Pacific travelers are fully vaccinated, according to a statement from Mayor Mitch Roth’s office. Travelers will still be expected to adhere to the state’s Safe Travels program, which includes a pre-travel test for all trans-Pacific travelers.

Trans-Pacific post-arrival testing was initially slated to end on May 10, but was extended through a partnership with the hospitality industry on Hawaii Island.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity on behalf of our hospitality industry in their effort to extend our post-arrival testing program,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “However, with the amount of fully vaccinated travelers landing on our island, airport testing no longer seems necessary for the health and safety of our island. Instead, we hope to work with our industry partners to make their individual destinations the safest places that they can be in order to keep our communities safe.”