six Hawaii Hotels owned or operated by Highgate Hotels, including the Alohilani Resort on Waikiki Beach, will be the first in the state to require proof of full vaccination from all staff and guests.
The mandate comes into force on October 15th. There are exceptions for guests under the age of 12 and for employees with strong religious or medical reasons.
“What I remember most is that we have to keep our employees safe – they are our family and they are our priority – and when we can, we’ve done our job,” said Kelly Sanders, senior vice president President at Highgate, said the Honolulu Star advertiser. “And that is only possible if everyone has been vaccinated and guests, patrons and co. Are equally responsible.”
Highgate also owns or operates the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, Park Shore Waikiki, Courtyard Marriott Waikiki, Pearl Hotel Waikiki, and Ambassador Hotel Waikiki.
Highgate’s move is supported by the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association. CEO Mufi Hannemann said the decision will resonate with other hotels.
“That will set a standard. It will be an example that we have to do in the future, ”said Hannemann. “Now more than ever, we need to maintain the reputation of being a healthy place to visit first for our residents who call Hawaii home and then for our guests who come here.”
The move is also supported by the Hawaii Tourism Authority with CEO John De Fries tells the Associated Press He hopes that other hotels will also become aware of this and act.
“What I love about it is that our community, our workforce and our guests all benefit from this Highgate decision,” said De Fries. “I expect it will get a lot of attention from others in the industry.”
Sanders said about 80 percent of Highgate employees in Hawaii are already vaccinated.
“I have over 1,000 employees in my hotels and I am responsible to them first,” he said.
While Highgate hotels are the first to require vaccinations for their guests, other hotels have taken action regarding staff. Aulani Disney Resort requires employees to be vaccinated, and Kahala Hotel and Resort has a mandate for employees as of September 30th.
“The health and safety of our employees and guests is always a top priority, and vaccines have been shown to be effective in preventing serious illness and hospitalization,” said Kahala Managing Director Joe Ibarra.
The new policy at Highgate Real Estate follows Emergency orders in Oahu and Maui which severely restrict access to restaurants and other interior facilities. These orders start next week.
Sanders said these emergency orders helped Highgate officials make their decision.
“We try to do the right thing, and sometimes the right thing is really difficult,” he said.
