David Y. Igé | PSD press release: COVID-19 update from the Ministry of Public Security

HONOLULU – The overall vaccination rate across the department has risen to 84.5% as of September 15, 2021. This is an increase of 7.4% from the 77.1% reported on August 16 to the Department of Human Resources and Development. The percentages as of September 15 represent 2,136 employees (out of 2,271) who submitted their attestation forms. It excludes employees who are on leave of various types (medical, FMLA, military, etc.) and who are not yet available to declare their status. We expect the percentage to increase even more once the employees on leave come back and submit their certification.

The breakdown for the Corrections Division, Law Enforcement Division and Administration Division of the Ministry of Public Security (DSP), based on the attestation forms received, is as follows:

CORRECTION (1579)

VACCINATED	76.31%
PARTIAL VAX	4.94%
NOT VACCINATED	18.75%

APPLICATION OF THE LAW (332)

WAX	85.84%
PARTIAL VAX	2.71%
NOT VAX	11.45%

ADMINISTRATION (155)

WAX	87.74%
PARTIAL VAX	1.94%
NOT VAX	10.32%

ADMINISTRATIVELY ATTACHED AGENCIES

HAWA SPEAKING AUTHORITY (60)

COMPENSATION COMMISSION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME (10)

This is a concern when inmates and staff choose not to be vaccinated. That is why PSD has continued its efforts to educate staff and inmates about the vaccine and encourage all staff to be vaccinated, if not for themselves, for their loved ones, colleagues and those under their supervision and care. .

PSD has seen a substantial increase in staff and inmate immunizations which we believe is the result of these efforts.

The PSD previously published a one-off study of inmate immunizations for June 21, 2021, compiled by the PSD’s healthcare division. The percentages represented inmates in custody who were fully immunized as of June 21. The Health Care Division recently conducted a second ad hoc study dated September 14, 2021. (Please keep in mind this is a snapshot. The prison population is transient and changes from hour to hour. as courts order admissions and releases throughout the day).

June 21, 2021 Sep 14, 2021 + / -%

Vaccination in prison

KCF 89% 91% + 2%

WCF 82% 88% + 6%

FHC 71% 92% + 21%

WCCC 51% 63% + 12%

Vaccination in prison

KCCC 58% 70% + 12%

MCCC 47% 44% -3%

OCCC 41% 49% + 8%

HCCC 23% 56% + 33%

TOTAL 54% 66% + 12%

State-wide percentage of inmates fully immunized on June 21 = 54%

State-wide percentage of inmates fully immunized by September 14 = 66%

It is an increase of 12%.

COVID-19 tests are carried out around the clock in prisons and state prisons as well as at the Saguaro Correctional Center under contract in Eloy, AZ. The latest test updates received for other correctional facilities are as follows:

Oahu Community Correctional Center – 27 inmate test results: Three (3) positive, 24 negative. There were 147 reported inmate recoveries, reducing the total number of active inmate cases at the OCCC to just 16. Two (2) OCCC employees reported a positive test result.

Hawaii Community Correctional Center – Seven (7) inmate test results: one (1) positive, six (6) negative. There have also been four (4) inmate recoveries reported, bringing the number of active inmate cases down to two (2).

Kauai Community Correctional Center – 14 negative detainee test results. There have been six (6) reported inmate recoveries, bringing the total number of active inmate cases to two (2).

Waiawa Correctional Institution – Six (6) negative results for inmate tests.

Maui Community Correctional Center – One (1) recovered inmate was reported. The facility is free from all active cases of COVID-19.

The Department of Public Security (DSP) continues to encourage all staff and inmates to be voluntarily tested and vaccinated against COVID-19. For more detailed data on inmate testing, PSD’s pandemic plan, and information on response efforts to protect inmates, staff and the public, visit the dedicated COVID-19 webpage at: http://dps.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/03/17/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-resources/.

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