LIHU‘E — Karen Samiano feels like there’s been too much friction surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations.
“It’s causing division between families and coworkers,” Samiano said Monday morning.
Last week, Gov. David Ige, joined by neighbor island mayors, announced the decision to require COVID-19 vaccines for state and county employees. For workers who seek medical or religious exemptions, they will be subject to regular COVID-19 testing.
Samiano works for the state, so she’s directly impacted by this decision.
“It’s our right to be vaccinated or choose not to,” Samiano said. “I believe in vaccination, but I really feel like I shouldn’t get vaccinated.”
But Samiano wanted to make something clear, she’s not just concerned about herself, she’s worried about the kids, too.
While public schools kicked off last week without requirements for students to have COVID-19 vaccinations, the Hawai‘i Department of Education announced the delay of fall organized sports until Sept. 24, and the requirement for student-athletes and adults working in athletics to be vaccinated.
Samiano wasn’t alone Monday. About 75 people were gathered around 11 a.m., at the intersection of Hardy and Eiwa streets in Lihu‘e, many protesting vaccinations, testing for COVID-19 in workplace settings, mask mandates and vaccine requirements.
Levana Lomma, CEO of For Our Rights, stood on the crosswalk Monday held a megaphone as cars honked in support passing by.
“It’s really just unacceptable,” Lomma said. “We’re not being given informed consent. You know, we don’t know exactly what is in this thing. We have not been provided with the full risks and liabilities. … On top of that, the testing is coercive. It’s a tactic. It’s not right for people to be forced to do something that is invasive to their body.”
For Our Rights, which has been hosting similar sit-ins and rallies since the pandemic began, organized with parent groups as well as county and state groups for Monday’s protest.
Some of the protesters voiced concerns that vaccination requirements will lead to a slippery slope.
“My body, my choice,” Darlyne McLeod said. “It’s not a choice if you can’t work (or) you can’t send your kids to school. You can’t travel anywhere, we’re on an island. I can’t go anywhere by boat, that’s not practical. So mandates are not really suggestions if you don’t have a viable alternative. Paying for PCR tests every two days or two weeks is not a real option.”
Kaua‘i County Councilmember Billy DeCosta stopped by the Monday protest to listen to constituents.
“The conversation with county leaders, whether council or Mayor (Derek Kawakami) has been to support our people,” DeCosta said. “Kaua‘i County leaders have the best interest of its people.”
DeCosta said that he wants to see more discussion at the county level to figure out vaccinations amongst county workers and student-athletes as opposed to state decisions coming down.
“I just want our people, vaccinated and unvaccinated, to come together and talk story,” DeCosta said.
This story was updated for clarity.
