My understanding from the call was he needs to be on the island for the 14 day waiting period

Then they lied to you.  As the ATF link says, if you are not an FFL, and you transfer a firearm to someone in another state, an FFL from that person's state of residence is required to perform the transfer.  You ship to the FFL, the FFL follows their state law, and the FFL transfers the firearm on your behalf.

The whole purpose of the FFL system is to ensure people getting guns from out-of-state comply with their state's, as well as federal, gun laws.  In Hawaii, if an FFL receives a handgun for you, they hold onto it until you present a permit to acquire.  Likewise, if you sell/give a gun to someone living in another state, then their FFL would ensure whatever laws that apply there are followed.