With Waikiki Shell check-in, 160 American Samoans begin long-awaited journey home
With Waikiki Shell check-in, 160 American Samoans begin long-awaited journey home By Mahealani Richardson | January 18, 2021 at 3:52 PM HST - Updated January 18 at 4:48 PM
HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Waikiki Shell parking lot is being used as part of a repatriation effort for American Samoans stuck in the state.
The US territory sealed off its borders at the start of the pandemic nearly 10 months ago, stranding hundreds of residents in Hawaii and across the US. The city is partnering with the state to help facilitate safe travel and quarantine arrangements for those American Samoans.
American Samoa closed its borders in March. Stranded residents are finally going home. American Samoa resident Brigitte Moala has not seen her 11-year-old son since December 2019. (Source: Courtesy) By Mahealani Richardson | January 14, 2021 at 3:24 PM HST - Updated January 14 at 4:09 PM
HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - The first repatriation flight with American Samoans stranded in Hawaii and on the mainland since the beginning of the pandemic leaves at the end of the month.
But before that, up to 1,000 American Samoans will quarantine in Waikiki.
American Samoan resident Brigitte Moala is among those given the green light allowed to return. Sheâs been away from her home, husband and sons since December 2019.