HONOLULU (AP) \u2014 Hawaii’s governor has said he is cautious about loosening air travel restrictions for people who have received a coronavirus vaccine, while stressing that new virus variants are not widespread in the state.<\/p>\n
Democratic Gov. David Ige said Monday that researchers are still unclear about whether the vaccine hampers virus transmission.<\/p>\n
\u201cUntil the science (tells) us that those who are vaccinated cannot carry the virus and, I think most important, do not transmit it to other people, I think it would be irresponsible to say that those vaccinated can travel about freely,\u201d Ige said.<\/p>\n
Ige\u2019s comments contradicted Lt. Gov. Josh Green, who said last week that changes could be in store for Hawaii\u2019s Safe Travels program for people who show they have been vaccinated.<\/p>\n
The program requires visitors and returning residents to receive coronavirus tests before arrival to avoid a mandatory 10-day quarantine.<\/p>\n