Eiji says he is not ready to establish a vaccine mandate for state employees

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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) — With vaccinations slowing on the islands and new infections surging, some are considering vaccine mandates for state employees.

Governor David Ige told Hawaii News Now on Tuesday that the state could legally require COVID-19 shots for state employees. But he wants to wait until the Food and Drug Administration gives its full approval for the vaccinations.

They currently have emergency approval. There is no set timeline for full approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Other jurisdictions, including California and New York City, have already moved forward in mandating the vaccine to government employees and testing those who refuse.

Iggy says he was not affected by their decisions.

Some state agencies have previously said that a request to place a staff vaccine is not allowed because it is private medical information. But with the attorney general’s direction, the state can ask workers whether or not they’ve obtained a COVID photo and can force state employees to get it.

“We know and believe we have the legal authority to authorize the vaccine before full use is authorized. That would not be what we would prefer,” Iggy said.

The governor said he is looking at various policies, including a blanket mandate.

“I think we’ll look at both policies,” Iggy said.

“We want to be fair to everyone and the same guidelines apply to everyone and all public servants, but there are clearly some different business situations. This may require us to have a different policy.”

State employees are not currently required to have any vaccinations, but the state is looking into places of high-risk gatherings such as prisons and jails.

There was some union grumbling that workers might resign if forced to vaccinate.

“We are concerned about the employee’s reaction,” Iggy said.

“How many would change their employment status or choose to withdraw if we asked for it is something we keep in mind, but I think it is a secondary consideration,” he added.

Ige says that if state employees were asked about their vaccination status, they wouldn’t have to respond.

Meanwhile, Eiji expressed concern about the continued rise in cases of the novel coronavirus.

About 105 people were hospitalized with COVID statewide on Tuesday. If hospital admissions do not subside, Ige said, hospitals may once again have to postpone doing any elective surgeries.

“They (hospitals) said everything is under control at this point in time,” Ige said.

Ige said he was also concerned about outbreaks in restaurants, bars, workplaces, churches and informal gatherings, but he did not say whether restrictions would be tightened in those areas first.

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