HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-08MayorKawakamisendsGovernorproposedRule19creatingatiersystemtoallowpretestingtravelprogramtomoveforwardwithsafeguardsinplace
THE COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: October 8, 2020
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
SARAH K. BLANE, CHIEF OF STAFF
Tel (808) 241-4900
Fax (808) 241-6877
Mayor Kawakami sends Governor proposed Rule 19, creating a tier system to
allow pre-testing travel program to move forward with safeguards in place
LĪHU‘E – Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami today sent proposed Mayor’s Emergency Rule 19
to Gov. David Ige, which would create a tier system similar to the one already approved for
O‘ahu. Proposed Rule 19 includes safeguards to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the event
of an increase in cases on Kaua‘i.
If approved, this rule allows Kaua‘i to move forward with the state’s pre-travel testing
program on October 15. Further, it identifies the point at which Kaua‘i would opt out of the
state’s pre-travel test plan and continue the 14-day mandatory quarantine for incoming arrivals.
“Many have requested my response to the Governor’s offer for counties to ‘opt out’ of
the state’s pre-travel testing program,” said Mayor Kawakami. “It has never been our intention to
opt out of the state’s program, but rather to supplement the program in a way that meets our
county’s unique needs. We maintain that a pre- and post-arrival testing program is the safest
option for our residents and visitors, and we will continue to work with the state to achieve that
goal.
“In light of Kaua‘i’s post-arrival testing program (Rule 18) being denied by the Governor
earlier this week, we have continued to work with our health officials and other partners to take
a phased, responsible approach to reopening our economy while keeping our island safe.”
Mayor Kawakami’s proposed 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 automatically trigger Kaua‘i 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.
“By opting in to the state’s pre-travel test plan, the county is also opting in to Lt. Gov.
Green’s recently-announced surveillance program, which will offer an additional layer of testing
here on island,” said Mayor Kawakami. “We look forward to learning more about this program.
“Kaua‘i continues to work with our private industry partners to help promote a voluntary
post-arrival testing program here on Kaua‘i. We will announce more on that campaign in the
coming days.
“In all tiers, we must continue to wear masks, practice physical distancing, and avoid
large gatherings. We know these to be the most effective way for us to protect ourselves and
those around us from spreading COVID-19.
“We understand that October 15 is quickly approaching, and we will announce more
details on the status of proposed Mayor’s Emergency Rule 19 as updates become available.”
Upon approval by the Governor, Mayor’s Emergency Rule 19 will be posted to the
County of Kaua‘i’s COVID-19 website at www.kauai.gov/COVID-19. For more information on the
state’s pre-travel test program, please visit hawaiicovid19.com.
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