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Hundreds of people on Thursday virtually testified at a city council committee meeting against urging the state to create a digital health card system than facilities at higher risk of COVID-19 transmission , such as restaurants and bars, could use to confirm the immunization status of customers as efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
The testimony has largely become a criticism of the city’s new Safe Access O’ahu program, which would force patrons of establishments such as restaurants, cinemas and gyms to take a negative COVID-19 test within the past 48 hours. or show proof of vaccination. from September 13.
A large majority of those who testified were against the Safe Access O’ahu program, expressing that it restricted their right to decide whether or not to take the vaccine.
“I am not yet convinced that the vaccine is safe and effective,” said witness Jason Raken.
“This is not the place of government in a free society.”
Mayor Rick Blangiardi made an appearance at the meeting to provide an update on the city’s efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, which also included the requirement of proof of vaccination for all city employees.
“I have made vaccination compulsory for all men and women who work for the city and county, because above all they deserve a safe working environment,” he said.
For the first time, Blangiardi also shared data on the number of city employees vaccinated.
Of the city’s approximately 10,300 employees, 8,840 are fully immunized or have taken at least one dose.
Four hundred city workers did not respond, but among that group, Blangiardi said most were on extended leave and should respond when they return to work.
Nine hundred employees have benefited from medical or religious exemptions.
Only 49 people refused to be vaccinated under any circumstances.
Blangiardi said enforcement of the warrant had already started and an initial letter had been sent to employees who refused to be vaccinated on Thursday. Failure to comply with this obligation may result in dismissal or unpaid leave.
“We never wanted to fire a single person. It wasn’t the end of the game, ”said Blangiardi.
“But we have to put a line in the sand that we intend to hold on to what we expect.”
Throughout the pandemic, Blangiardi said, city workers were averaging about 15 cases per month. However, in August that number jumped to over 90.
There was a heated exchange between the mayor and city councilor Heidi Tsuneyoshi, who criticized the mayor for dividing and not listening to the 4.5 hours of public testimony offered at the meeting.
“I would just suggest … Mr. Mayor, that you soften your stance a bit.” You are here to represent everyone in the city and county of Honolulu, ”she said.
“I understand that you have a lot on your plate. But there is good information and good reason for people to worry.
Tsuneyoshi mistakenly told the mayor that the Pfizer vaccine had not been fully approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration, so it doesn’t make sense to mandate a vaccine. However, the Pfizer vaccine was fully approved by the FDA on August 23 for those 16 and over. It is still the subject of emergency orders for children aged 12 to 15.
Blangiardi replied that the hospital staff were tired.
“It’s exhausting. It has become a breaking point. Everyone who goes to the hospital is well taken care of,” he said.
“But I’ll tell you, I have asked those who are against doing this to consider that it is your right not to be vaccinated. And when you get sick, who do you think they’ll take care of? “
Tsuneyoshi then told the mayor that he was dividing.
“You have to realize as mayor that you have great esteem in these communities,” she said.
“Let’s just not be divided in our comments on what we’re going to say. And just bring a sense of oneness instead of dividing further and further. “
The Transport, Sustainability and Health Council committee approved a resolution urging the state to implement a health card. City councilor Augie Tulba voted no.
City Councilor Radiant Cordero voted yes with reservations, adding that there should be more Council can do to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“Other than a lockdown, what I probably would have said we do is really… the economic well-being of our entire island and our state as well,” she said.
“It is beyond a compromise that I would have ever asked for.”
The council committee also unanimously approved a resolution urging the state to implement the pre-travel testing program that would require vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers to produce a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of being tested. flight to Hawaii.
Resolutions cannot force the state to act, but can show the Council’s position on key issues. Both measures are expected to be heard in the full Council.
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