Hawaii officials are preparing to immunize about 44,000 high-risk residents against COVID-19 starting as early as next month, while urging even greater vigilance against the virus’ spread until the broader population has access to a vaccine.Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer said Friday it had filed an application for emergency use of its coronavirus vaccine with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as cases skyrocket on the mainland heading into the winter months. Drugmaker Moderna also is expected to apply soon for emergency authorization.If the two vaccines are authorized for emergency use,...…Hawaii officials are preparing to immunize about 44,000 high-risk residents against COVID-19 starting as early as next month, while urging even greater vigilance against the virus’ spread until the broader population has access to a vaccine.Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer said Friday it had filed an application for emergency use of its coronavirus vaccine with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as cases skyrocket on the mainland heading into the winter months. Drugmaker Moderna also is expected to apply soon for emergency authorization.If the two vaccines are authorized for emergency use,...WW…

|Hawaii island Mayor Harry Kim said he is opting out of the state’s pre-travel testing program starting on Oct. 15, which means mainland visitors going to the Big Island still will be required to quarantine for 14 days.Although the neighbor islands are desperately dependent upon tourism — even more so than Oahu — Kim was concerned enough about a surge in COVID-19 cases to postpone the restart of tourism. Hawaii island recorded its highest daily count on Saturday at 43 new infections. Hilo Medical Center reported the Big Island’s death toll at 32.“All of us want to open up our economy, (but)...…|Hawaii island Mayor Harry Kim said he is opting out of the state’s pre-travel testing program starting on Oct. 15, which means mainland visitors going to the Big Island still will be required to quarantine for 14 days.Although the neighbor islands are desperately dependent upon tourism — even more so than Oahu — Kim was concerned enough about a surge in COVID-19 cases to postpone the restart of tourism. Hawaii island recorded its highest daily count on Saturday at 43 new infections. Hilo Medical Center reported the Big Island’s death toll at 32.“All of us want to open up our economy, (but)...WW…