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ARAI: We believe it’s through Civil Defense. They are doing a study right now. In fact, I’m
<br />aware that Civil Defense is sending out their staff to confirm the location of all sirens and even the
<br />type of sirens, so they can determine like the range, or the coverage and all of that. From there
<br />they’re to determine what areas are not being covered by the existing system and where additional
<br />sirens are needed. But I should also note that, you know, this bill really focuses only in those areas
<br />that are within the tsunami evacuation areas. The sirens are – that’s why I like to call them Civil
<br />Defense sirens, not a tsunami siren – because these sirens are used for more than just tsunamis; they
<br />are used for acts of war, terrorism, hurricanes. So anyway -.
<br />And just to follow up Commissioner Nelson’s question, the Director’s recommendation is
<br />unfavorable, so if you do make a motion in agreement with her recommendation, in essence you
<br />should – see now I’m confusing myself – you should vote to send an unfavorable recommendation
<br />for the reasons as stated by the Planning Director. And if you differ from her, then you should
<br />come up with, you know, offer your own reasons.
<br />BOWMAN: So, just a clarification, so it will be State Civil Defense, not County Civil Defense,
<br />that -.
<br />ARAI: It could be a combination of both, you know, I mean we try, in developing our
<br />recommendation, we did try to get more and more information. Unfortunately, you know, in the
<br />time frame we were allotted, we didn’t have an opportunity to connect with the County Civil
<br />Defense agency to fully understand the processes and all that. But it was quite clear that the State is
<br />already proceeding with master-planning for these type of warning systems. So our belief is if they
<br />are already initiating the process, then we should let that process continue and not sort of interfere
<br />with the process, but simply support the process.
<br />HOUSEL: Daryn, I agree with that. Is there language in here to that effect that the State is
<br />proceeding with this?
<br />ARAI: Yes, I made reference in the – let’s see – on Page 1, it says, “A recent media report
<br />referenced a 2006 State Civil Defense study that identified 63 sites on the Big Island where no
<br />warning sirens exist.” The report goes on, says it needs another 100 more sirens to be installed.
<br />And in addition, Pages 4 and 5 of the, starting at the ending of Page 4 and continue on through Page
<br />5 also discusses the initiatives.
<br />HOUSEL: Okay, good, good, thank you.
<br />ARAI: And at the end of Page 5, we even go as far as to encourage the County Council to explore
<br />opportunities to support these continuing efforts, so that’s a direct statement.
<br />HOUSEL: Right. Well, obviously we need, you know, tsunami sirens are important, so rather than
<br />just saying just no, I mean, give them some direction where you think they should proceed then.
<br />That would be good.
<br />ARAI: And we believe we’ve done that. Thank you.
<br />HOUSEL: Okay, good, thank you, thank you. Any other questions? Or did you want to make a
<br />comment?
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<br />EXHIBIT F
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