COM 0124.016 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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armed and very dangerous. 2/22/05 -Police called because a fist fight between a man and a woman at the NE doorway to the Kona Gymnasium which is less than 15 feet from the SE gate to KCAC. 3/1/05 -Male patron of KCAC was arrested for trespassing at KCAC. This patron had previously assaulted a KCAC Custodian. It was later learned from police that this individual is also armed and very dangerous. 3/6/05 -Police were called 4 times to request help for an emergency situation in which a KCAC patron was exhibiting violent behavior and making violent threats toward KCAC staff and patrons. The details of this incident were provided above. 3/13/05 -Police were called because an unruly gymnasium crowd gathered at the NE doorway to the Kona Gymnasium and SE gate to KCAC created a disturbance and posed a public safety risk to all KCAC staff and patrons. 3/13/05 -Police were called because a female patron of KCAC assaulted a female KCAC Lifeguard at the NW doorway to the Kona Gymnasium and SW gate to KCAC. 3/13/05 -Police served a trespass notice on a female KCAC patron for directing verbal threats and profane language toward a male Hawaii County Beach Captain inside and outside of KCAC. As you can see, the violent behavior of KCAC and Kona Gymnasium patrons has created a serious safety issue to the community and to County of Hawaii employees. I ask you the following questions: 1) How can KCAC Lifeguards carry out their primary duty as Lifeguard and watch the water if they are worrying about patrons who are threatening Lifeguards? 2) How can KCAC Lifeguards respond effectively and protect the public in a real emergency when the County of Hawaii Police are unavailable and KCAC Lifeguards in a true emergency are told the police are 'busy'? 3) How can KCAC Lifeguards effectively enforce rules if, as a result, their personal safety is at stake both on and off the job? 4) How can the safety of pool patrons be assured if KCAC Lifeguards cannot ensure their own safety and the safety of co-workers at KCAC? There are clear and present dangers at KCAC that seriously compromise County personnel and public safety. Immediate precautions need to be taken to protect the KCAC facility. In conclusion, since there are only eight County of Hawaii patrol officers for all of West Hawaii, I strongly propose the immediate stationing of a security guard at KCAC at least on holidays and weekends until a long term solution can be formulated. Thank you, Council Members, for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Dorothy Browne Kailua-Kona, HI 327-3500 2