State officials tout incentives, hope more residents will get vaccinated

On the Big Island, Kona Community Hospital’s call center has not seen an increase or decrease in calls requesting the vaccine since the governor’s announcement, spokeswoman Judy Donovan said.

“We’re hopeful the incentive program will help Hawaii reach our targeted 70% vaccination rate,” she said. “I think it will move the needle for some who’ve been on the fence about obtaining a vaccine.”

At Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital, however, clinic staff says there has been a moderate increase in the numbers coming into its walk-in clinic over the past week or so.

But spokeswoman Lynn Scully said the hospital can’t determine what impact, if any, the announced travel changes and incentive program may be having.

“We’re not certain that prize incentives work for everyone but even if they work for only a small number of people, we feel it’s well worth it,” she said.

State officials tout incentives, hope more residents will get vaccinated