State’s limited information on 2 who got coronavirus after Hawaii trip stirs concern

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Some are expressing concern that state didn’t reveal more information about two Hawaii visitors who were diagnosed with coronavirus after returning to Japan.

"Hopefully we can encourage and continue to have the Department of Health share more of the itinerary so that everyone is aware," said Deb, a Kaanapali resident.

Diamond Resorts said the two guests stayed in their Kaanapali Beach Club from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3.

Hotel staff at Kaanapali Beach Club said they were notified by the Department of Health on Feb. 15 about the guests, but were told the couple did not exhibit any symptoms during their stay.

Hawaiian Airlines said the couple took HA265 from Kahului to Honolulu on Feb. 3.

Delta Air Lines said they took Flight 611 from Honolulu to Nagoya on the Feb. 6.

State health officials said the couple started feeling sick while staying at the Grand Waikikian from Feb. 3 to 6 and wore masks during their trip back to Japan.

Officials said they did not publicly disclose the Maui hotel location or flight information because it was not an imminent risk.

Some believe they should be more forthcoming.

"We've had days that have gone by where we could have shared with more people and have been a little bit more proactive for our community and I think it looks worse if so much time goes by and we're not disclosing," said Deb.

Lt. Gov. Jsoh Green wants the public to be reassured there are still no coronavirus cases in Hawaii.

“We’re doing all we can right now,” Green said.

“The Department of Health went over and checked, not just with the hotel and communicated with all of them, but then reached out to their workers and people who visited, and they also went to the rental car company."

Kaanapali Beach Club said workers did a deep cleaning of the resort.

The Grand Waikikian said they are responding based on existing protocol and the guidance from health authorities.

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