After the Hawaii State Teachers Association advocated for its members to receive paid time to get their COVID-19 vaccines, School Superintendent Christina Kishimoto sent a memo authorizing that to Hawaii State Department of Education employees. Please note, charter school employees should consult their admin.
The text of the memo reads:
As operations permit, employees are authorized to take up to two (2) hours of time off to get their initial COVID-19 vaccination during working hours. Also, since the current vaccines being administered requires a second shot three (3) to four (4) weeks after the initial vaccination (depending on which vaccine is administered), employees are authorized to take up to two (2) hours of time off to get their second COVID-19 shot during working hours.
Employees shall coordinate with and receive authorization from their supervisor prior to the scheduled appointment(s). Employees must complete and submit to their supervisor the applicable leave request form (e.g., G-1 or DOE OTM 300-001), notating “Release Time-Vaccine'' for the type of leave up to two (2) hours with the appropriate proof of registration or similar documentation attached. The applicable leave form and appropriate documentation shall be kept at the school or office. Also, timekeepers will need to enter the leave in the Time and Attendance (TnA) System and the Form 7, using the new leave code “{“ by selecting “Release Time-Vaccine” from the TnA drop down menu.
New Leave Code Information:
Release Time Vaccine Leave
Leave Code = “58”
TnA System and Form 7 Leave Code = “{“
The Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) was informed that the Department of Health (DOH) would begin communicating prioritized lists to vaccination sites in the coming days. Please be on the lookout for a communication from the DOH and/or an authorized health care provider operating vaccination sites on the next steps. Although vaccination is voluntary, HIDOE employees are encouraged to get vaccinated. Thank you for prioritizing the health and safety of yourself, your respective school or office, and the community-at-large.