Governor says Hawaii’s digital ‘vaccine pass’ could be ready by Labor Day

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Gov. David Ige said Wednesday he hopes to have a “pass-through” system operational for entry to restaurants, bars, gyms and other venues by Labor Day.

But he added that he had no immediate plans to impose vaccinations to enter companies.

“It would be voluntary at this point,” he said, in an interview with Hawaii News Now.

Several cities, including New York and San Francisco, have instituted vaccination warrants for restaurants and other indoor locations in a bid to stem the spread of COVID-19.

And last week. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green said Hawaii is considering a similar program. The governor said on Wednesday that a warrant could still be imposed, but stressed that there were no immediate plans to do so.

Ige is considering modifying the state’s Safe Travels app to allow people to download their immunization cards and get a unique QR code they can display in businesses.

It’s unclear how many facilities in Hawaii would actually take the step of requiring vaccines without a government warrant. Several who reported having encountered a strong backlash.

The governor’s statements come amid a continuing wave of new COVID infections on the islands that are straining the healthcare system, raising fears that emergencies and intensive care units will soon be overwhelmed.

Earlier this week, Ige discouraged tourists from coming to the islands – pointing out that restaurants are at 50% capacity – but did not put new measures in place to keep them away.

Also this week, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi canceled all large gatherings on Oahu for at least the next 28 days. Gatherings cannot exceed 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors.

Ige said on Wednesday that he believed his message to visitors was being broadcast and that his office had been inundated with calls from tourists for clarification.

“We tell them to delay the trip,” he said. “We are certainly in a health crisis. COVID-19 and the Delta variant are spreading in our community at very high levels. “

Does Ige’s demand for tourists have teeth?

“It was effective. I know we’ve had calls here in the office from people asking for clarification and asking them to delay the trip, ”Ige said.

“I know we averaged 30,000 a day last week or two weeks ago. Yesterday was around 22. So I think that had some impact. The last time I asked visitors not to come to the islands voluntarily, we saw a reduction of around 50% in trips, ”he added.

Hawaii News Now asked if Ige is warning travelers if they can catch COVID-19 in Hawaii.

“Certainly visitors or people who are inclined to travel across the country are getting this message and it’s not coming from me,” Ige said.

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