As Hawaii's hospitals struggle to cope with the highest Covid-19 daily case counts, the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, as well as a half-dozen other Highgate Hotels properties, are mandating vaccinations for all staff, patrons, and guests starting Oct. 15.
Highgate Hotels was the first Aloha State hospitality company to establish a mandate vaccine policy that covers more than just employees.
Kelly Sanders, Senior Vice President of Operations for Highgate Hawaii, stated during a Sept. 8 press conference that the policy was an issue of fairness and safety.
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Sanders stated that everyone working at Highgate Hawaii will be vaccinated. This starts our journey to becoming a safe place to live and visit. "But, we can't expect all employees to get vaccinated if guests and patrons don't live up to the same standards we set for our employees."
In addition to Alohilani's properties, Highgate also has the following properties: Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel and Park Shore Waikiki Hotel; Ambassador Waikiki Hotel; Pearl Waikiki Hotel; Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach; Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki.
According to state health officials, Hawaii's Covid-19 rate has increased dramatically since August's beginning. The state's hospitals are over-stretched. Nearly all of the current cases are linked to the Delta variant. The vast majority hospitalizations are for patients who weren't vaccinated.
According to the Hawaii Department of Health (Hawaii Department of Health), the state recorded an average of 702 new Covid cases per day between Aug. 31- Sept. 6. Approximately 65% of the population has been fully vaccinated.
Workers in Hawaii and Honolulu County must either show proof of vaccinations or undergo weekly Covid-19 testing. A new program was announced at the end August. All patrons of Oahu bars, restaurants, gyms and museums will have to present proof of vaccination.
Highgate's new policy does not allow guests or employees who have not been vaccinated to opt for regular Covid-19 testing. However, it does allow for medical or religious exemptions.
Sanders estimates that there are approximately 1,000 employees at the seven properties. An estimated 80% of them are vaccinated.
Sanders stated that guests who are expected to arrive at Highgate properties in the future will be sent emails to inform them of the changes and they will have access to their vaccination records before arriving.
Applaudation for the vaccination mandate
Officials from tourism and industry praised the move. They said that increasing the state's vaccination rate was the best way to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases.
John De Fries, president of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), stated that "No doubt others within our industry will see value in such a holistic approach."
Mufi Hannemann is the president of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association. He said that the association is working with HTA to create a campaign encouraging hotel and other hospitality workers to spread the message about getting vaccinated to their friends and family.
Highgate is the first to announce a vaccination mandate for guests and patrons at hotel establishments. However, other properties in Hawaii, such as the Kahala Hotel and Resort and Aulani have recently announced mandates for all employees.
Jerry Gibson, president and vice president of BRE Hotels and Resorts, said that he believes you will see more of these. "I believe we will see more mandates from hotels in addition to similar policies by other businesses, such as restaurants. While not all hotels will comply, there are more on the horizon.
