A new study shows that COVID-19 mandates helped to increase vaccination rates in Hawaiʻi.
The study was conducted by the University of Hawaii Economics Research Organization and the Pacific Alliance Against Covid-19, in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu and others.
It surveyed nearly 2,000 businesses about the impact vaccination mandates had on them.
Businesses with vaccine requirements for its employees reported a vaccination rate of over 92%.
In contrast, businesses without a mandate reported a vaccination rate of only 76%.
The study says if government targets those businesses, it may be able to increase the vaccination rate.
However, vaccine mandates led to a backlash for some businesses. The survey found that 35% reported a drop in customers after mandates went into effect. Nearly 40% reported decreased revenues, and more than a quarter reported an increase in complaints.
