Maui Pre Travel Test Avoids Quarantine

Pre Travel Testing comes to Maui Oct 15

Our new Pre-travel testing program enables travelers to avoid a mandatory 14-day quarantine if they are tested no earlier than 72 hours before their flight arrives with an FDA-approved nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), performed using a nasal swab, and can show proof of negative test results from a CLIA certified laboratory. Tests will NOT be available at Hawaii airports. Tests are the responsibility of the traveler.

Here is a printable program flow chart (no longer available at governor.hawaii.gov - but is displayed above)

Travelers also will have their temperatures checked upon arrival and must fill out a travel and health form via the new NEW SAFE TRAVELS Website (no longer available at travel.hawaii.gov) & App. Upon arrival in Hawai‘i, passengers unable to provide proof of an approved negative test will be required to go into quarantine for 14 days or until they can provide proof of negative test results. 

In a Press Release, Governor Ige announced his new Leadership Team overseeing the state's public health response to COVID-19. "Lt. Gov. Josh Green will spearhead the pre-travel testing program, which includes adding partners to administer the tests and sourcing new testing options and is also responsible for planning the state’s COVID-19 vaccination strategy".

If your pre travel test results are not available prior to arriving in Hawaii, passengers will remain in quarantine until they get their test result back. The test will cost between$120 to $140 and varies in different parts of the country. Travelers will be responsible for the cost of their test. Lt Governor Green hints a different test costing $20-$40 may also be in the pipe line soon. “The technology of testing is rapidly evolving,” Green said. “So as cheaper, quicker tests become available … we’ll work with DOH, DOT, airports, health care, people everywhere to use those tests also. So this will continuously improve and get easier and easier.”

Focus on Guests Safety in our Maui Homes.

Keeping our team and guests safe is a primary concern for us all at Maui Owner Condos. These are our homes too. We are all paying attention to CDC and Hospitality guidelines and have ramped up cleaning & disinfecting procedures in our homes. Many of us have added UVC and I-wave functionality enabling us to insure virus free environments for guests and staff. For more info see or blog post:  Cleaning & Guest Support Guidance

GUIDELINES FOR GUESTS to prevent getting ill

Condo cleaning tips for Guests

https://www.cdc.gov/covid/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html

1. Follow "social distancing” guidelines, including avoiding overcrowding of units.

2. Maintain good hydration.

3. Wear masks in stores or outdoors and when you may come within 6’ of someone else.

4. Wash hands frequently, especially if you've ventured outdoors and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

5. When using common areas such as pools, activity courts, beach gates use the provided sanitizer and follow posted rules.

6. Read the list of guidelines & precautions provided in your unit ( It is advisable that each condo owner supply a list of precautions for guests to follow when they sign in.)

7. Visit the Maui County Covid-19 website (no longer active at mauicounty.con) for newest guidelines and openings

RESOURCES

Come back - watch this space as we add resources we have found.

$250 gift Certificate for Groceries (includes free delivery for stays of 21 days or longer thru mid December) - (no longer active on site)

For those wishing a 10% discount on an electrostatic sprayer and dispenser which makes HypoChlorous ACID from water/salt/vinegar & electricity, and is used in California schools..

 use the code MOC19 when purchasing at

https://www.disinfectionsupply.com (website no longer exists)

State of Hawaii NEW SAFE TRAVELS Website & App

Effective September 1, 2020, all travelers must complete the State of Hawaii Safe Travels online application. All travelers must complete the application at least 24 hours prior to departure.

To comply with the 14 day quarantine and pre-testing programs, effective September 1, 2020, all travelers to Hawaii are asked to create an account. All travelers must complete the application at least 24 hours prior to departure. An email address is required. This website will help you through the process to prepare for your trip. If you are required to quarantine and are paying for your accommodation you must stay in a hotel. More details coming on how to avoid quarantine beginning Oct 15, 2020 with pre-travel COVID testing

Info on the new Safe Travels website (no longer available on HawaiiTourismAuthority.org

Safe Travels Website No longer available – redirects to HI Dept of Health but page gives info on Covid-19 vaccinations etc

State of Hawaii Department of Transportation

NEWS RELEASE (no longer available on Hawaii Tourism Authorithy)

State to launch COVID-19 pre-travel testing program for out-of-state travelers Oct 15, 2020. According to a press release from Gov. Ige’s office, the test must be an FDA-approved nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), performed using a nasal swab, and the travelers must show proof of negative test results from a CLIA certified laboratory. Upon arrival in Hawaii, passengers unable to provide proof of an approved negative test will be required to go into quarantine for 14 days or until they can provide proof of negative test results.

COVID-19 Cleaning and Guest Support Guidance

Welcome "home" to MAUI!! A very Safe place to be.

In Hawaii we are fortunate to have had an extremely low COVID-19 experience in our population. The testing and quarantine measures in place for travelers and our low incidence of the virus make the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 while here much lower than most other places and make Hawaii a very safe place to be. We encourage Guests & Staff to show their Aloha and follow safe practices to help us maintain this record.

We want you to know the extra steps we have taken in our covid-19 cleaning process to insure your Maui home is a safe haven. During the course of the pandemic, each of our units will have info on safety measures for our guests. The enhanced cleaning procedures suggested below are guidelines we have presented to our member owners to aid them & their staff in decision making. Each owner operates their own business. We do not dictate but do keep them informed. Keeping our team and guests safe is a primary concern for us all. 

We are proactive owners of private apartments, condos & villas that many of us occupy ourselves part of the year. Mālama (to care for or to serve in the Hawaiian Language) is a deep seeded value we all extend to our guests. We are not large hotels with many visitors passing through. We have always had a high standard for cleaning our homes. With the onset of COVID-19 and following the advice of the Hawaii Department of Health, CDC, WHO and EPA we have enhanced a few of our cleaning process to insure a safe environment for our staff and visitors. Our processes will continue to be reassessed using the most current guidelines and information on how the virus spreads.

Many of you have chosen a Short Term (Transient) Vacation Rental over a Hotel because of the extra space, home like feel, kitchen facilities and added privacy. In addition we have a lower environmental footprint than hotels, use less resources, water, & electricity. We don’t demand the volume of guests that large hotels require and the money spent stays local. You help support our local economy. Mahalo for your choice.   

You can expect the deep and regular cleaning of our condos to exceed CDC guidelines, including basic cleaning using EPA-approved disinfectant and for some, electrostatic spraying, UVC light or iWave technology as an additional layer of protection. In many of our homes when a/c is run, we keep the air clean by providing air filtration, which removes 99.9% of in-air particles including viruses, and refreshes the condo air every 30 minutes or less. Ask your owner.   

It is clear most of us will no longer be accepting back to back stays and without extra air cleaning methods we will need to provide at least 24 hours between stays. We all must adjust our expectations for how long a job will take and what it will cost and accept it will cost more. The use of UVC lights or iWave technology in a room, Central AC or SPLIT system or electrostatic disinfectant sprayers can help reduce the time to safely allow access for a cleaner after a stay and to clean and disinfect our condos. As time goes on and the CDC’s guidelines change and tracking and testing show we are not as in danger of spread, we will amend these suggestions or apply them only to units where a guest has shown positive for COVID-19 at some time during their stay.

For those of you being informed your stay at one of our condos will need to be shortened in order to prepare your condo properly and who do not wish to spend one day less in paradise, check with your owner - we have made arrangements for discounted one night stays a several hotels on island. Pack your swim & sleep gear on top, take a deep breath and relax - save the shopping and organizing for day 2.

This guide for "Enhanced Covid-19 Cleaning" is based on updated resources from the CDC, WHO & the EPA and a review of cleaning checklists from leading vacation rental & hospitality sources. We will continually monitor CDC recommendations and update our policies and procedures as recommended.

Enhanced COVID-19 Cleaning Guidance

• Cleaners should
• do a temperature check prior to entering a condo to clean and should not report to work if they have any symptoms COVID 19 
• CDC Self Checker. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html 
• Wash/sanitize hands prior to entering a condo and again when exiting. Best recommended hand washing uses soap & water 
• Wear a mask & gloves when entering a unit, moving, pillows, removing linens, towels from bed, bath etc 
• Longer cleaning times are expected with appropriate increase in pay. 
• FIRST STEP: Thorough cleaning including molding, ceiling fans and drapes, with CDC approved household cleaners & disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface
• Remove all magazines, tour guides, etc left by departing guest. 
• Wash hands or replace gloves after cleaning each room to prevent cross contamination if present. 
• On porous surfaces use a vacuum with HEPA filter to remove visible contamination if present and, if needed, clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces prior to spraying with disinfectant 
• Do not sweep floors with a broom; instead use a vacuum cleaner (with Hepa filter) 
• Bedding & towels should not be shaken but bagged for cleaning off site or immediately laundered as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. 
• After each guest stay, properly clean all appliances and kitchen areas, including refrigerator shelving, the oven stovetop, coffee-makers, toasters, etc. 
• Clean/disinfect cleaning tools a guest might use. 
•  DISINFECT/SANITIZE: After cleaning, disinfect all surfaces with appropriate EPA-registered disinfectants . Use of an electrostatic sprayer using Hypochlorous Acid is recommended as it is safe for asthmatics and can be safely sprayed on surfaces where food is handled without requiring rinsing.
• Use extra sanitization on frequently touched areas (thermostats, key pads, door knobs, appliance handles/knobs, phones, sink and toilet handles, railings, keypads, hangers,etc) as recommended by the CDC guidelines on cleaning and disinfecting. 
• Service requests should be considered with regard for the safety of maintenance providers and guests. To limit exposure, defer nonessential maintenance while the rental unit is occupied and handle only emergency or urgent issues as allowed by applicable law where possible.
• Ensure that any HVAC/air filters have been replaced per the manufacturer’s directions. Consider whether more regular replacement of the filters is necessary. Use high filtration efficiency filters. Do not touch the surface of used air filters and remove and dispose of them with minimal disturbance using disposable gloves. 
• Coronaviruses naturally die in hours to days in typical indoor and outdoor environments. Viruses are killed more quickly by warmer temperatures and sunlight.
• If an area has not been occupied for 7 days - REGULAR CLEANING is all that is needed 
• If an area is outside: Maintain regular cleaning standards  

Please note, during the course of the pandemic; for protection of our guests and to comply with CDC guidelines requiring us to wash all linens, pots, pans, plates, utensils, etc whether used or not after each stay, the unit may no longer be provided with the extra linens and kitchen supplies many have come to expect in our condos. Same with magazines, books & tour pamphlets. We apologize and hope for your understanding during this limited time. Lists of food & equipment delivery services, activities that can be done in smaller groups and one time use items are provided. For your convenience, some of us have added disposable gloves, a few masks, & portable hand sanitizer to your welcome basket.

GUIDELINES FOR GUESTS to prevent getting ill

Condo cleaning tips for Guests https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html 

1. Follow "social distancing” guidelines, including avoiding overcrowding of units.
2. Maintain good hydration.
3. Wear masks in stores or outdoors and when you may come within 6’ of someone else.
4. Wash hands frequently, especially if you've ventured outdoors and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
5. When using common areas such as pools, activity courts, beach gates use the provided sanitizer and follow posted rules.
6. Read the list of guidelines & precautions provided in your unit ( It is advisable that each condo owner supply a list of precautions for guests to follow when they sign in.)
7. Visit the Maui County Covid-19 website for newest guidelines and openings https://www.mauicounty.gov/2370/COVID-19-Coronavirus-Information

Resources

Come back - watch this space as we add resources we have found.

$250 gift Certificate for Groceries (includes free delivery for stays of 21 days or longer thru mid December)

For those wishing a 10% discount on an electrostatic sprayer and dispenser which makes HypoChlorous ACID from water/salt/vinegar & electricity, and is used in California schools..

 use the code MOC19 when purchasing at (website no longer active 2024)

Prepare for your trip - understand Hawaii.

Every destination has its own set of unwritten rules regarding cultural etiquette. Hawai‘i is no different. MOC joins HTA & HVCB in sharing the do’s and don’ts with visitors for their time in the Hawaiian Islands

Maui Travel Tips: Culture, https://youtu.be/g-E-YsNZJuY

Maui Travel Tips: Ocean Conservation, https://youtu.be/5_AKQS1WFxM

Maui Travel Tips: Ocean Safety, https://youtu.be/rRJVx4Uzkx0

Time on Maui During a Self-Quarantine

We all long to welcome our guests back to Maui

But for now, Governor Ige and Mayor Victorino have asked us all to wait a while before returning. When non-essential travel is again allowed, don't rule out Beautiful Hawaii - even if a quarantine is still mandated. If you have the time, you can relax, get a lot of work or family time done in a gorgeous setting and plan your own vacation when you can again roam.

Update June 2, 2020: Hawaii is now in ACT with CARE which means non-essential travel is allowed and accommodations are allowed to open but quarantines are still in place into at least July. Currently Maui approves ONLY HOTELS for stays by those being required to quarantine.

Update Sept 16, 2020: Beginning October 15, 2020 all travelers from in or out of state can skip quarantine if they get a valid COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their trip, and show proof of a negative test result at the airport

At this time, the Governor is giving us in the Vacation Rental industry an opportunity to test our new cleaning methods, standards & updated condo amenities, designed to insure the health and safety of our staff and guests, and the island by hosting those Kama'aina and others not subject to quarantine. Fines are heavy and enforced. Each county can add restrictions but there is light at the end of the tunnel. We expect more guidance from Maui County soon.

Maui is perfect for a longer stay

Hawaii is actually a very safe place to be and even with a 14-day quarantine can offer a peaceful setting to work and relax in while waiting to emerge from Quarantine. Our owners have always had rigorous cleaning standards and now we are helping them with info from professionals on how to ensure staff, visitors and our homes will remain safe.

We all have WIFI and fast internet. Many of us have printers and even filing cabinets, staplers, desks or tables on the lanai. Work in sunshine or shade. Listen to the waves crash on the beach, wind in the palms or birds singing nearby while you work. Take time off look around you and enjoy. Bring the family and take a larger space - the kids can do school work, play old fashioned family games together, read books so you can id the fish and flowers when your 14 days is over.

Many owners are offering tools from exercise equipment, restaurants providing food delivery, videos and online education to resources for private tours, hikes, photography, painting, and much more. Plan the island trips and activities you want to do when quarantine ends, during the early days. Learn to make your own lei and dance hula.

Resources

Come back - watch this space as we add resources we have found.

$250 gift Certificate for Groceries (includes free delivery during quarantine) (link no longer active)

Guided hikes for the family

How to shorline fish