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1. What is the AlohaSafe Alert app?

It’s a free app for your mobile phone that notifies users of possible exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Visit www.AlohaSafeAlert.org for details.

• AlohaSafe Alert Flyer

2. Why does Maui County require all arrivals to download and activate this app?

It is another layer of protection in our community’s battle against the coronavirus. Early exposure notification alerts users to be tested, and if needed, participate in contact tracing and quarantine to prevent additional spread.

3. How does it work?

If a person is diagnosed with COVID-19, they will receive a text message from the Department of Health (DOH) with a verification code to input into the app. Using Bluetooth technology, the app will anonymously alert other devices about possible COVID-19 exposure. It anonymously tracks devices that have been in close contact –  within 6 feet and over 15 minutes –  during the past 14 days. Individuals who receive an exposure alert will not know where, how or when they were exposed.

4. Is it effective?

Yes, studies from Oxford University show that for every two people who use the app, one infection can be avoided. Combined with other measures, just 15 percent of community participation could reduce new COVID infections by 8 percent. If 80 percent of all smartphone users participate, it could suppress the pandemic without any other form of intervention.

5. Is the AlohaSafe Alert app private?

Yes, it protects the privacy of everyone–no personal data is shared –   unless the user chooses to share the information with the Department of Health. No one can see your identity. The AlohaSafe Alert app uses the Google Apple Exposure Notification (GAEN) protocol that does not collect or use location data from your mobile phone. Only the Hawaii Department of Health, and only with your permission, can use this system for public health data purposes. It does not track your location and notifications do not share identities of any users, the Hawaii State Department of Health, Google/Apple or any other entity. Anonymous codes exchanged between phones are not associated with any specific person.

6. How does the technology work?

AlohaSafe Alert uses the GAEN protocol, which is based on low-energy Bluetooth technology.  Devices running the AlohaSafe Alert app “ping” each other, measuring the strength of Bluetooth signal, distance of each device and the duration of interaction.  If an individual has tested positive, other devices that meet criteria for an “exposure” will receive a notification that the app user may have been exposed to COVID-19,  and will be directed to additional information and resources.

7. Is anyone profiting from this?

The app was developed by the community for the community and is free to the public.  We are grateful to the many Hawaii businesses, nonprofits and community coalitions who came together to develop this app.

8. Which mobile phones can support the AlohaSafe Alert?

iPhone users should be using iOS version 13.7 or greater. Android users should be Version 6 or above. AlohaSafe Alert app is not available for iPads or tablets,

9. How do I update my mobile mobile phone to download the app?

For Apple iPhones: Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install

• https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204204

For Android phones:

• https://support.google.com/android/answer/7680439

10. If I don’t want to download this app to my phone, may I still enable GAEN exposure notifications to qualify?

Yes. For Apple iPhone:

See above to update iOS, then: Go to Settings > Exposure Notifications > Turn On Exposure Notifications > Continue (then follow prompts)

For Android:

You must download AlohaSafe Alert or another GAEN app. 

11. My home state has an official GAEN app that I’ve already downloaded. May I use that instead?

Yes.  If you are using another GAEN app from your state or country you qualify for the exemption. For a complete list of exposure notification apps see https://support.google.com/android/answer/10289696.  If your exposure notification is on this list, you need not do anything more.

12. I’m not so great with technology but I am traveling with family members who have mobile phones, do I still need to download a GAEN app?

No, only one member of your travel party is required to have a GAEN app to qualify for the quarantine exemption.

13. What if I still can’t install the app or I don’t own a smartphone, or my phone is too old to support this technology?

You may sign an attestation that will waive your requirement to download the AlohaSafe Alert app or another approved GAEN application.

14. AlohaSafe Alert App QR Code