HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0360.016 2020-2022 August 16, 2021
COUNTPY
's
COUNTY OF HAWAI°I
RECEIVED
Time
To Whom it May Concern, 11
Date AUG
This testimony is for the"Comm 360: Potential Changes to COVID 19 Policies and Programs".
My name is Tessie Costa and I have been an employee with the Department of Public Safety since 2013.
We were given a directive from the Department of Public Safety director,Max Otani on August
12,2021,regarding"Vaccination and Mandatory Testing for PSD Employees". This directive was issued
to implement Governor Ige's Emergency Proclamation,dated August 5,2021. We as employees of
Public Safety Department,are to attest whether we were fully vaccinated,partially vaccinated or not
vaccinated using the"Vaccine Status Attestation Form". If we are not fully vaccinated,we are subject to
weekly COVID-19 testing which requires us to provide every Monday prior to the start of our work hour
a proof of a negative test result. If we do not comply,we can be deemed to be insubordinate and shall
be subject to immediate termination. Employees who are fully vaccinated are not required to have
weekly testing.
The"Vaccine Status Attestation Form" is a violation of my right to privacy,protected by the
Constitution. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects workers from employment discrimination based on
their color, race,sex, religion,national origin,or protected activity. I want to work normally,without
getting tested. Completing a screening or wellness check form prior to starting your workday, should be
sufficient.
This is not about being vaccinated or unvaccinated. I personally chose not to be vaccinated as
the COVID-19 vaccines are not FDA approved and still in clinical trial. I support anyone who chooses to
get vaccinated. There has been proof that whether you are fully vaccinated or not vaccinated you still
can contract and transmit COVID-19. There have been multiple employees at my place of employment
who are fully vaccinated and have gotten ill with COVID-19. There have been people who have died
from receiving the COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccinated or unvaccinated,we should all be subject to testing
only if we are showing symptoms.
This is about our freedom of choice. This is an unnecessary mandate. The requirements that
the unvaccinated must undergo,just to maintain their jobs is inherently unlawful and unjust.
Thank you,
Tessie Costa
Comm. No. •'
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Ref. To:
Ref. Date AUG 1 7 2021