Bulletin No. 58
Date/Time sent: 07/19/2021 8:00 amE ala! E alu! E kuilima!
Awaken! Come together! Join hands!
Statement of Gratitude: “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” Brene Brown
Update COVID-19
For an update on the UH System vaccination policy please refer to UH President David Lassner’s presentation to the Board of Regents at the Thursday, July 15, Board of Regents Meeting.
From the Department of Health on July 15, 2021
The increase in cases primarily reflects spread among unvaccinated residents who have traveled or have been in indoor settings where people were not wearing masks. Children, who are not eligible for vaccination because they are too young, are being infected by adult household members.
Our State Vaccination numbers from July 14, 2021
- 1,718,019 cumulative doses administered statewide preliminary count.
- Note this count includes 1st and 2nd shots, not total persons vaccinated.
- 58.9% of the Total population completed vaccination.
- 65.3% of the Total population has received at least 1 dose.
The Kapolei Chamber of Commerce, along with our regional healthcare providers, is pulling together a task force to provide more opportunities and education regarding vaccinations. Kapolei, ʻEwa Beach and Waiʻanae have extremely low vaccination rates at approximately 35%.
Update on Gradual Reopening of UH West Oʻahu Campus
During Thursday’s UH System President’s report to the Board of Regents, David Lassner announced the results of the recent vaccine surveys of students (92% are vaccinated or plan to be) and employees (95% are vaccinated or plan to be) and that the student vaccine mandate will remain in place, with enforcement limited to student residents and other specific activities, events and facilities to be determined. Immediately after the president’s report, an email message was sent to the entire system with the same updates.
Update on our Campus Work Groups
While our work groups have been on summer break, the budget group has been monitoring the activities at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature. As you know, a special legislative session was held in early July to consider overriding and/or amending 27 bills vetoed by Gov. David Ige. Three of those bills significantly impact the University of Hawaiʻi. Kalbert Young, UH Vice President for budget and finance and chief financial officer, shared his analysis of the 2021 legislative session to date. See his message for an update on 2021 special legislative session.
Update on Federal Stimulus Funds
All 10 campuses, supported by the UH System, utilized HEERF III/ARPA funds to provide students with financial obligation forgiveness. An email explaining this action was sent to all faculty and staff. In brief, students attending school any time between March 13, 2020 and summer 2021 who had a financial obligation hold on their accounts received a one-time credit applied to their overdue balance. This would allow them to register for the fall 2021 semester and/or request their transcript. All other current students, who did not have a financial obligation hold will also be receiving funds to support their fall college-going.