Rental car shortage on the island - what are your options?

Shortages of rental cars is a common problem in a lot of vacation destinations, and Kauai is no exception.  

For example, for the first week of this November, CostcoTravel.com shows no rental cars available at any price.  

Owners and guests are getting creative if they can't find a vehicle for their stays on the island.  Here are a few ideas (and big thanks to Marianne Thesken for finding some of them). Note these are possible resources and haven't been vetted.  

Shuttles

Polynesian Adventure:  https://www.polyad.com/tour-destination/airport-shuttle/

They provide service from LIH Airport to Poipu (Kiahuna Plantation) everyday.  Shuttles leave the airport every 90 minutes between 9:30am and 6:30pm.  Reserve your spot early.  Return service to the airport is also available. 

They offer a 1-day pass Island Hopper for $55 taking you to destinations between Poipu - Koloa - Kapaa - Princeville.  It's mostly used as a hotel shuttle but there are a few other stops along the way.  

SpeediShuttle:  https://www.speedishuttle.com/reservations

Shared shuttle service available for $49.50 for two.  

Viator:  link

Shared and private shuttle service and tours.  

Privately owned rental cars (Airbnb for cars)

Turo:  link https://turo.com

Local residents will rent their car to you much like Airbnb does for accommodations.  Prices are high but if you must have a car and you're not picky, this could be an answer.  

Professional rides

Kauai Taxi Company: link  https://www.kauaitaxico.com

Lyft:  use phone app

Uber:  use phone app

Time to register for the upcoming August Kiahuna Homeowners meeting

On Thursday, August 12th, the Kiahuna AOBO Quarterly Board meeting will be held at 3pm PDT, 12noon Hawaii time.  It will be held virtually, via Zoom.

You are invited!

The first thing you need to do is register:  https://outrigger.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5tKBzAYMTMeJDM5CxTn5sg

Don't wait until the last minute as it might delay your access to the meeting.  You will receive an email with details on how to join the meeting on August 12th.  

Early that day (12noon PDT, 9am Hawaii) the AOBO Board will hold its Executive Session.  You can log into that meeting, but you won't be able to stay after the Board adjourns to Exec Session.  Attend the later quarterly meeting (above) to get an Exec Session report. If you wish to log in for the beginning of this meeting, register here:  https://outrigger.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VdeAjJY5Qdu0Fb51vjNClQ

Hawaii allows vaccinated travelers to arrive without testing!

Governor Ige just announced that by July 8th, 60% of its residents should be fully vaccinated!  The significance of this is that vaccinated visitors will be able to arrive with proof of vaccination and not need to be tested.  

This change takes so much work, money and worry out of travel to Hawaii.  Some travelers have had trouble getting test results back before flights.  Others ran into issues uploading those results into the Safe Travels site.  Others opted for tests that require out-of-pocket payment.  

You'll still need to bring your hardcopy vax card and upload a copy into Safe Travels, but the process should be much easier!

If you want to read more, here is a link to the GardenIsle newspaper article:  Hawai'i to loosen travel restrictions

Laundry closed for maintenance

Maintenance update:  The guest laundry is closed today and tomorrow to replace the washing machine valve boxes. 

New Hawaii COVID travel plan coming based on vaccination levels

While this story is still developing, Governor Ige has announced how Hawaii will further reopen as more people are vaccinated.  It appears Kauai's Mayor Kawakami supports the plan.

Below are the highlights taken from the Garden Isle story found here:  link to article

1. MAINLAND to HAWAII travel beginning June 15th
1. Starting June 15th, for Hawaii residents who are fully vaccinated (vaxed in Hawaii) no longer need to pre-test or quarantine upon returning from mainland travel.  
2. For visitors who have not been vaccinated in Hawaii, no change to pre-test/quarantine requirements for now.  
2. ISLAND-to-ISLAND travel beginning June 15th
1. Starting June 15th, pre-travel restrictions will be removed for inter-county travel, so no more testing or quarantine requirements for any traveler.
3. Future MAINLAND to HAWAII travel
1. When 60% of the state's population is vaccinated, fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. will no longer need to pre-test or quarantine on arrival to Hawaii.  Safe Travels to be used for proof of vaccination.
2. When 70% of the state's population is vaccinated, all restrictions on travel will be lifted.

Note Hawaii is currently about 52% vaccinated statewide. 

The Governor's announcement didn't provide a lot of detail and is expected to publish more information next week.  

2021 - 2022 AOBO Board of Directors Roster - CORRECTED

After the May 2021 election, we are pleased to share the roster of your AOBO directors!

Congratulations to Malama Kealoha, our newest Board member.  Welcome!

And congratulations are in order for Barbara Fargo and Ben Miller on their re-election to the Board.  

(NOTE:  Malama's email address has been updated in this version)

Another reduction in June 2021 dues!

If you missed the AOBO special Board meeting today, you'll be pleased to learn that our June 2021 Association dues will be reduced by $282!  Dave DiMare reported the good news and said it was possible based on favorable expenses in the areas of security, water, delinquency reserves and a PBAC discount. 

Thanks to Dave, our Treasurer, and the HVC team for identifying these additional savings.