Hawaii is joining Oregon, Washington and California in a new health partnership aimed at keeping vaccine policy rooted in science rather than politics.

The announcement comes a day after the three West Coast governors launched the alliance to create their own vaccine playbook independent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The governors argue the federal agency has become politicized and say vaccine decisions should be guided by science and trusted medical experts.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, an emergency room physician who became governor in 2022, said joining the alliance would help give islands residents consistent vaccine guidance.

Hawaii's addition broadens the reach of the alliance beyond the mainland. The governors say the coalition will collaborate on best practices and provide science-based recommendations for their residents.

The move comes as the Food and Drug Administration cleared updated COVID-19 shots with tighter limits on who's eligible. The CDC's vaccine advisory committee has yet to weigh in, leading to confusion over who can get vaccinated, whether insurance will pay and how pharmacies can legally provide the vaccine.