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~~O~Y ~ Working Together 0~. LOCAL 152, AFL-CIO /rW,W for Hawaii `r v 7~ Hawaii Government Employees Association 495 Manono Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, Phone (8081 935-6841, FAX (808) 961-2437 June ] 5, ] 998 Public Statement on ~ By V _ Date._~---- -S~s~-- - Metered Parking In Downtown Hilo County GaWnai/ ~ Pw ~c On behalf of the Hawaii Government Employees' Association, I am speaking for the reinstatement of metered parking in downtown Hilo. As in the case of our neighbors downtown, our organization has a special interest in this matter - jobs and livelihood. We are told that continuation of the moritorium or removal of metered parking downtown will result in lay-offs of two of our members (Parking Meter Mechanic- Supervisor and Parking Violations Clerk); that while the Administration is looking for jobs there are none presently. We believe we also share the desire and see the need for an improved business environment. A healthy business sector is a significant contributing factor to a healthy community. We are on the same side although our opinions at times differ. We believe and agree with the Administration that continuation of the moritorium or permanent removal of the meters will not have a positive long term benefit for downtown Hilo. It does appear that there is little or no disagreement that an enforced short term parking system is beneficial. However we may disagree on when and who should pay for such a system. The County of Hawaii has on its present payroll and inventory the necessary resources to effectuate an enforceable short term parking system in downtown Hilo. The idea to allow people like us free parking downtown to include enforcement of time limits sounds good. What we need is parking where and when the customer needs it. But who will pay for "free" public funded enforcement ? We believe that paying at the meter is a good system -short term parking is available where we need it and it is an enforceable system. This system has proven to be good for business and the customer. Our Public Works and Police Departments can not effectively enforce anon-metered system. The positions in Public Works will be abolished, and our police department is all ready short staffed and short funded. Our members, public employees in the County of Hawaii, are doing more with less. Where will funding come from? It would be great if we had additional space and free parking -but who will pay for that? du~,m,. Nw_~~ 1 ~ ~ 2 a 199 lat.