HI HR169

Department of Health is urged to conduct education, outreach, and vaccination drives at Hawaii schools with vaccination rates under 30 percent starting with the 2025-2026 school year, in partnership with community health centers and local healthcare providers.

Department of Health is urged to partner with the Department of Education to develop a long-term program to counter vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination rates across Hawaii's schools.

Department of Health must submit a report to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2026 regular session with recommendations on funding and administrative restructuring needed to carry out the long-term program.

Resolution cites concerning data showing 17.09 percent of students in 2023-2024 had no immunization records or missing immunizations, with some private schools having non-vaccination rates exceeding 60 percent.

Resolution references successful vaccination programs in Seattle, Washington, and Michigan that increased vaccination rates and reduced vaccine hesitancy through education, outreach, and public-private partnerships.