by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:42 AM ET, Wed October 20, 2021
Hawaiian officials announced the state would reopen to fully vaccinated domestic tourists for non-essential travel, starting on November 1.
According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Hawaii Governor David Ige made the announcement at the opening ceremony for a Federal Inspection Services facility at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.
Governor Ige previously advised against travel to Hawaii through October as confirmed cases of coronavirus surged during the summer. State officials said COVID-19 numbers have declined, while vaccination rates have climbed.
"I think we are all encouraged by what we've seen over the last several weeks with the continuing trend of lower case counts," Governor Ige said. "Our hospitals are doing better, and we have fewer COVID patients in them."
"Most importantly, our health care system has responded, and we have the ability to move forward with economic recovery," Governor Ige continued. "Because of this, it is now safe for fully vaccinated residents and visitors to resume non-essential travel to and within the State of Hawaii."
Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association CEO Mufi Hannemann said officials from tourism, restaurants, retail, ground and air transportation, labor unions and chambers of commerce all worked together to advocate for and develop a reopening plan.
Hannemann also credited the efforts of Hawaii island Mayor Mitch Roth for making it clear the state wants "healthy, vaccinated travelers to return to Hawaii as soon as possible."
"We look forward to working with Gov. Ige and his administration to shape a clear message to prospective travelers that Hawaii is open for business and travel can once again be booked with confidence," Hannemann said.
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