Give feedback on immunization plan
The state Department of Health had a hearing on Oahu regarding immunization of school-age keiki, and public hearings are now to be held on neighbor islands to gather public comments on the proposed amendments to Title 11, Chapter 157, “Examination and Immunization,” which include health examination and immunization requirements for school attendance in Hawaii.
“The proposed changes will update our rules to align with current CDC recommendations for childhood and adolescent vaccinations and reflect what is already occurring in health care provider offices and clinics as standard medical practice,” said Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist. “We appreciate the public’s interest and encourage them to attend the upcoming hearings to provide their comments to us.”
Testimony on the rule changes may be submitted orally or in writing during the public hearings. Persons who are not able to attend a public hearing may submit written testimony to DOH by email to immunization@doh.hawaii.gov by 4 p.m. Dec. 26.
Be sure to attend the hearing in Kona from Kona 2:30-4:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at the West Hawaii Civic Center.
Dave Kisor
Pahoa
Raiding land fund offensively bad idea
It’s ironic that the recent heroic rescue of the 13 Youth With A Mission students should occur at the same time the county is proposing to reduce the Land Use Fund from the 2.5 percent approved by the voters to 0.5 percent and then claim the remaining 2 percent as newfound tax money. I hope that I am not the only person on this island who finds this offensive.
The Land Use Fund was introduced as part of the last Constitutional Convention and gives the County 2.5 percent of collected tax funds to purchase land that can be used by the public for such things as parks and recreation. It’s been very popular with Hawaii residents and has led to the purchase of areas such as beaches including Ooma. The county now says that the money is mostly unspent and they wish to put it in the general fund to pay for “more police officers.”
If the Land Use Commission were doing its job, it could purchase properties that could be used for safe hiking and other recreational activities. We get visitors from all over the world who wish to enjoy the beauty of this island. White Road in Waimea is a commonly trespassed hike by persons wishing to go into Waipio Valley the back way. Perhaps the county could negotiate a purchase of part of this land so that it could be turned into a legal and far safer place to go hiking.
Don’t blame the students and others who wish to enjoy our island. Let’s make it a safer place for all of us!
David Kwiat
Kailua-Kona