Ige issues advisory
By Patti Pietschmann
As a part time condo owner and Maui regular it's with heavy heart that I read Hawaii Gov. Ige's plea for Visitors to "stay home" and not go to the islands.
But I understand. Partly because (in my opinion) locals are refusing vaccinations, and some denying masks, coronavirus Delta cases are on the rise and hospitals are overwhelmed.
Some are blaming the surge in cases on tourists. However anyone heading to Hawaii must have proof of a negative Covid test or be fully vaccinated. Islanders are very friendly folk and like to mingle closely, so this could be another possibility for the spread. Not pointing the finger at anybody just stating things as they are.
Ige's asking people to delay or postpone visits until the end of October. He says cases are burdening the state’s health care facilities and resources. “We do believe that would be best for our community right at this point in time. We know that that will have an impact on economic recovery, but the health condition of our community requires us to take action,” Gov Ige told the media yesterday afternoon.
Struggling economy
Tourism makes up a lot of Hawaii's income be it hotels, activities, restaurants etc. And lack thereof depletes the bank account and the labor force. The last year and a half was hard on the locals who lost wages. However many of them enjoyed the having the islands to themselves even though they rely on visitors for revenues.
