State kicks off largest phase of vaccinations
Essential workers on Maui hope to get back to normal soon
Essential workers on Maui are feeling hopeful and relieved as vaccine clinics expanded eligibility to the largest phase of the state's rollout plan on Monday.
Phase 1c includes those ages 65 and older, people ages 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions and all essential workers who were not included in Phase 1b, such as those who work in banking and finance, transportation, construction, media, information technology, hotels and hospitality, food service and more.
“I think everyone has maintained a really good attitude considering how much has changed in everyone’s jobs and how, you know, there’s a lot of unknown and risk involved where there used to not be,” said Leah Kadotani, Hula Grill Kaanapali’s human resource manager. “There’s probably a lot of people who have not gone back to work out of concern for their health, so I hope that the more people are protected by the vaccine, we will be able to have a larger staff sooner.”
The state Department of Health said last week that it will take months to get through Phase 1c because it covers 47 percent of the state’s total population, or about 540,000 people.
“We are making progress in our request to get vaccines, and the good news is more vaccines are on their way and we look forward to that,” Maui County Deputy Managing Director Josiah Nishita said during a news conference Monday night.
Food service workers and restaurant owners have been under strict limitations throughout the pandemic, however, the extensive health and safety protocols implemented at Hula Grill has “created a lot more teamwork” among employees, Kadotani said.
Although not all workers are opting for the vaccine, she said she’s “definitely getting it.”
“I would do almost anything to get life back to where it was a year ago,” she added. “I also have people in my family that are worth saving. Anything to get us back to work and feeling comfortable.”
On the north shore, Karen Mooiweer said she has felt comfortable working as a server at Mama’s Fish House because staff and customers have been compliant with safety protocols.
“At first, I was like, 'Should I or should I not get it?’ But then I saw so many people are getting vaccines, and if it’s going to keep me safe or keep me from passing it on, then I’m happy to get it,” Mooiweer said. “I also want to get the vaccine because my parents are older, they’ve gotten the vaccine, and I haven't seen them in a year and half, so I really want to be able to travel and be able to go see them.”
Now that the vaccine is available to a large percentage of the population, Kadotani said, “I hope we have the capability to administer it quickly and that people can get their appointments without there being a backlog.”
The Maui Health Vaccine Administration Management System portal opened this past weekend to allow Phase 1c individuals to register for an appointment.
Anyone who does not have a VAMS account and qualifies to receive a vaccine can begin the process by completing a form at mauihealth.org/covidvaccine.
Hana residents 18 years of age and older can call 2487515 to set up an appointment for the Hana Health Clinic. Registration is required.
“I think we’re just happy to be a part of the process,” said
Devin Vinoray, a commercial underwriter for Central Pacific Bank in Kahului. “Last year we were talking about a vaccine, and now we’re getting it, so I think it just feels good to see progress in combating COVID and returning back to the norm.”
Although the vaccine is not mandatory, Vinoray said Monday that he already received his first dose last week after the company notified staff that they were now eligible.
He added that he wants to get fully vaccinated to protect extended family whom he lives with and anyone else he may come into contact with, as well as to feel more confident when he eventually starts traveling again.
“I thought it would be good to have it,” he said.
Evie Chargualaf, who works as a guest service agent at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa, said that the majority of hotel staff seems supportive of the vaccination plan.
“Prior to us getting into the field of people who would be able to get the vaccine now, there was fear about it, there was talk about which one or if we even had a choice among the three different ones,” Chargualaf said. “I think it’s about 70 percent who want to take the vaccine and maybe 30 percent who are unsure or don’t want to, they’re just scared.”
After getting her first dose Friday, Chargualaf noted that she had body aches, slight nausea and a headache — symptoms she ha been anticipating.
“But today I am feeling good,” she said. “I’m really happy I got to take it this soon. I didn't think it was going to be open to the general public or hotel workers until later, like towards the summer.”
With the help of union representatives, Chargualaf said that Sheraton Maui workers, management and visitors have been “pretty satisfied with where we are right now as far as our safety and health.”
And now as the state enters Phase 1c, workers are “feeling safer and a sense of relief.”
“I know that the research is saying that 100 percent (herd immunity) is not guaranteed, but I’m really happy to know that the whole country is now in this phase and we can start to get back to normal, whatever normal is,” she said with a laugh. “It helps knowing you're vaccinated but you still have to keep your guard up and do the steps in order to be safe for yourself and for others — families, your friends, co-workers.”