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Murashige, Laura COUNTY CLERK <br /> C tNTV er NAWAHH <br /> From: Terri Cabreros <pet.ter2@yahoo.corn> <br /> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2017 1:23 PM 2O!7 MAY 15 PH $; 29 <br /> To: Council Testimony <br /> Subject: Bill 011 &012 <br /> Council Chair Poindexter & council members <br /> As a resident of Puna (HPP) I am submitting testimony in regards to the above-mentioned bills <br /> pertaining to FY2017-18 Operating Budget. <br /> Being that we are the fastest and largest growing community on this island, it is concerning to me, as <br /> well as somewhat alarming, that there is the non-inclusion of monies for additional police officers, <br /> firefighters and ambulances in our district. <br /> Our demographics encompasses the largest area on this island, surpassing Hilo in population <br /> density, yet the last addition to our police force was in 2014 and still has few officers than Hilo. <br /> Our officers travel farther which means slower response times and must, at times, work under <br /> potentially dangerous and hazardous conditions due to poor visibility (absence of street lighting in <br /> most areas), isolated homes & locations and in some areas, rugged terrain. <br /> If entering into a domestic dispute or other potentially dangerous situation, they must, at times, wait <br /> for backup to arrive which could be a longer wait then normal. <br /> Being one road in from Highway 130, I often hear ambulances/fire trucks on the highway and have <br /> heard that there are times where they have to come in from Hilo because Keaau's and Pahoa's are <br /> "tied-up" on calls, and unlike police, they can't just leave a low priority call to respond to a high priority <br /> one. <br /> Please carefully consider the safety and well-being of our first responders in the Puna district before <br /> voting on the operating budget. <br /> Thank you for your consideration and time. <br /> Terri Cabreros <br /> ,m. ®. 61 I .2'3 <br /> Ref. Too COQ. <br /> 1 Ref. DoteMAY Y $21.7 <br />