![Hawaii Isn't Messing Around: Two Tourists Arrested for Forging Vaccination Cards](https://www.frommers.com/system/media_items/attachments/000/865/701/s500/kii_guardians.jpg?1592496025)
Hawaii saw an increase of 168% in Covid-19-related cases between July 26th and August 8th. Now, the island's medical system is under pressure.On Wednesday, Hawaii Governor. David Ige announced the arrest of two U.S. citizens who allegedly tried to fake proof they had been vaccinated.Ige wrote that police made the arrests after receiving a tip from a member of the community. He promised that the state's attorney general would investigate and prosecute anyone who cheats the Safe Travels program which was created to protect our islands.AdvertisementWhile Gov. Although Gov.KHON, a Honolulu-based television station, reports that, despite headlines about it, Hawaii police haven't seen an increase in this type forgery. They don't want one. That is why the state government has increased penalties.KHON reports that "according to Honolulu Police, in certain situations, it could be considered as tampering on a government record."AdvertisementFederally, the FBI considers falsification of Centers for Disease Control vaccination card cards a crime. This could lead to fines up to thousands of dollars or even imprisonment.Hawaii isn’t the only country cracking down upon deceitful tourists. Canada fined two Americans almost $16,000 each last week for falsifying their proof of vaccination, avoiding the Covid-19 test and skipping the mandatory quarantine.Fake vaccination cards can be purchased online for as little as $25. Actual vaccination is not required.AdvertisementYou can also get a QR code for validation if you are legally vaccinated. Our guide on obtaining proof of vaccination for travel shows you how to get your own QR code retroactively.Above: On the Big Island, wooden carvings depicting Hawaiian gods are guarded by Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park.