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From: Tina Mohr [therapyoptions@turquoise.net] <br /> Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2005 3:54 PM <br /> To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us <br /> Cc: cassie_holmes@hotmail.com; hawaii dot <br /> Subject: testimoney ` , <br /> . <br /> C _ <br /> March 16, 2005 <br /> Aloha Council Members, <br /> Immediate action needs to be taken at Kona Community Aquatics Center (KCAC) to better protect the public safety at the <br /> KCAC facility. Because KCAC is a public facility with no charge for entrance and use of the pool facility, a wikl~ range of <br /> the public uses KCAC. Anyone can walk into KCAC during hours of operation and sometimes there are patrons who <br /> compromise the safety of othes at KCAC because of their abusive and even violent behavior. <br /> Particularly, I am aware of and have witnessed problems related to violence toward County of Hawaii Lifeguards and staff. <br /> The KCAC facility has been required to be locked down and/ or evacuated due to compromised safety because of threats <br /> and acts of violence at KCAC toward patrons and pool personnel. Inadequate response by law enforcement officials due <br /> to a shortage of officers in the Hawaii County Police Department has left KCAC ripe for the County's liability should <br /> someone be seriously injured due to the violence that occurs regularly at KCAC. Lifeguards are not law enforcement <br /> officials and should not be required to act as such in the absence of adequate law enforcement protection. Placing a <br /> security guard at KCAC during weekends and holidays should strongly be considered as an immediate solution and should <br /> be budgeted far accordingly. This will 1) enhance public safety at KCAC 2) limit the County's liability against public or <br /> personnel injury from violence at KCAC and 3) allow the KCAC Lifeguards to themselves be safe while at work fulfilling <br /> their primary obligation of ensuring the public's aquatic safety. <br /> Thank you for hearing my concerns. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> <br /> Tina Mohr <br /> Kailua-Kona, HI <br /> 325-0370 <br /> Comm. No..~(.2~y' -L,-~--- <br /> Ref. TaPreaea~ 1' L <br /> 1 Ref. Lote <br /> <br />