Thousands turn out for one-day coronavirus testing site in Kakaako

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Lines of cars quickly formed at the Kakaako Waterfront Park on Saturday as city and health officials opened up a drive-thru coronavirus testing site.

More than 2,200 people turned out waited in line to get tested.

The line stretched several blocks from the park onto Ala Moana Boulevard.

The wait time for some was about two to three hours.

“This is probably the largest open air testing in the country,” said Dr. Scott Miscovich.

The site opened around 8 a.m. and was set to remain open until 2 p.m., however, officials working the site said anyone not in line on Ilalo Street by 1 p.m. would be turned away.

Health officials only ended up testing 405 of the more than 2,200 people who showed up. That’s because screenings were done first, to determine who was eligible for a test.

Dr. Miscovich said having a slight scratch in your throat, or having a little runny nose does not qualify you for a test.

Those eligible included those showing symptoms who have had recent travel; first responders and healthcare industry workers; tourism industry employees; and prison and homeless outreach workers.

“My projections are that we’ll exceed 100 positives in the state over the next three weeks,” Dr. Miscovich said.

This story will be updated.

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