Powered by the state’s Office of Enterprise Technology Services, Hawaii launched “Hawaii SMART Health Card,” which allows people to save their CDC vaccination certificate on their mobile devices.
The scheme started on Sept. 10, and it’s voluntary. People who don’t want to take part still need to show their physical vaccination card to unlock access to a growing number of tourist venues including but not limited to restaurants, bars, gyms, zoos and tours.
“Participation in the SMART Health Card program is purely voluntary,” said Gov. Ige. “The digital Health Card (…) is another step toward protecting the health and safety of our residents and visitors, while also balancing the need to support local businesses and Hawaii’s economy,” said Gov. Ige.
Ige also mentioned it will help them fight the use of fake vaccination cards. In the last weeks, several people have been arrested in the territory – at entrance and exit – due to presenting fake certificates.
The digital vaccine passport brings a QR code that can be easily verified for both authorities and business owners.
How to get Hawaii’s SMART Health Card
- Go to the Hawaii’s Safe Travels Digital Platform at https://travel.hawaii.gov to create an account.
- Then, upload a picture of your vaccination card and enter your vaccination details.
- Once your vaccine certificate and card are validated by the system, you’ll receive the QR code needed to enter tourist places.
Who’s eligible for Hawaii’s vaccine passport?
Only people vaccinated in the state.
Anyone vaccinated outside of Hawaii still needs to bring a hard copy of their immunization record. People vaccinated at sites whose information isn’t yet included in state databases should do the same.
Safe Access O’ahu program & Maui County Safer Outside program
O’ahu Island and Maui County will also be requiring visitors to show physical proof of their vaccination certificates or negative COVID-19 test before entering most entertainment venues.
Both programs are set to start on Sept. 13, and Sept. 15, respectively.
As of today, 66% of the state’s population older than 12 years old has been fully vaccinated, and 88% has received at least one jab, according to New York Times data.