Japanese travelers could serve as a lifeline for struggling tourism businesses abroad after the state of Hawaii announced last week it would loosen entry restrictions for visitors from Japan.
Beginning Oct. 15, travelers from the continental United States and passengers flying from Honolulu, Kauai and Maui counties can bypass Hawaii’s 14-day quarantine if they pass a body temperature test upon landing and submit a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of arrival.
But the plan for Japanese travelers has stalled as Hawaii waits on Japan’s central government to put forward a list of designated facilities where they can take the test and submit results. It’s not yet clear when that announcement will be made.