Committee approves resolution to allow DOH outreach and school vaccination drives after heavy public opposition

The House Committee on Education voted to pass HCR173/HR169 HD1, a resolution urging the Hawaii Department of Health to undertake preliminary education, outreach and voluntary vaccination-drive efforts at schools with reported vaccination rates under 30 percent beginning in the 2025–26 school year.

Committee members amended the resolution (HD 2) to add a partnership requirement with community health centers and other local health-care providers and added a whereas clause noting the role of community health centers in providing accessible and culturally competent services. Chair Latika summarized the measure: "it simply provides the Department of Health the opportunity to provide the information for outreach and education so that those who do want to participate will have the ability to, but it also doesn't force anyone who does would not want to. It's not a it's still a choice. It's not a requirement as it's simply outreach and education in our schools." The chair led the committee in voting to pass with amendments.

The Department of Education and the Hawaii Department of Health both offered in-person testimony in support. Kino‘o Gardner represented the Department of Education and said the department "stands on our written testimony in support." Ron Balahadia, immunization branch chief for the Hawaii Department of Health, also testified and said the department "stands on our written testimony for HCR173, and I'm available for any questions. Mahalo."

Public testimony on the measure was extensive. The committee recorded at least 29 pieces of testimony in opposition and several in support; the transcript shows numerous in-person and remote commenters opposed. Speakers in opposition raised concerns about parental consent, the use of public schools for vaccination clinics, liability, and what they described as government overreach. Margaret Mejia of the Hawaii Christian Coalition said, "Vaccination drives at schools are not necessary because we already have vaccines for children." Other opponents — including retired nurses, parents and civic groups — warned about liability and peer pressure and urged the committee to prioritize nutrition and physical fitness instead of on-site vaccination efforts.

Committee debate acknowledged dissent and focused on clarifying that the resolution does not mandate vaccination or require families to participate. Representative Murooka recorded a formal no vote in committee, and Representative Kila was recorded as voting with reservations. Representatives Woodson and Amato were excused. The chair announced the recommendation to pass with amendments was adopted.

The HD 2 language adds an explicit role for community health centers and local providers to participate in outreach and vaccination-drive planning. The resolution is a committee-level request and does not appropriate funds, nor does it change statutory vaccination requirements or create a school immunization mandate. As passed, it asks the Department of Health to coordinate outreach and education and to partner with community health centers and local providers to make voluntary services more accessible to families in schools where vaccination coverage is below the specified threshold.