HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0360.037 2020-2022 P/PRPX
From: Elijah Medeiros
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2021 11:03 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Governor's vaccine mandate
Dear Council Members, I am writing this letter with deep concern about the future of my family, our
department, the community I serve and the Big Island. The recent events that took place via the
Governor's office that trickled down to the Fire Department has brought great anxiety, worry, distrust
amongst members. Many members are scrambling trying to figure out their future with the Fire
Department, their families and what they are going to do if they should be fired due to the
proclamation. As for me, I will not be getting the "emergency" approved COVID vaccine. I have many,
many relatives and friends who have gotten the vaccine and are now suffering from daily migraines,
constant cough, pneumonia, chronic sickness, tinnitus and many others symptoms.
On all station bulletin boards are affixed the State's employment discrimination poster which reads "You
cannot be denied a job, or subjected to unequal terms and conditions of employment because of your
race, sex, including gender identity or expression...religion...". It is to my understanding that one of the
provisions allowed to be exempt from getting the COVID shot is having a religious exemption. And by
having this religious exemption I am now being subjected to additional requirements to have a weekly
test done to prove that I am not COVID positive. Meanwhile all employees who have gotten the COVID
shot do not need to do this extra assignment.
Another issue I'd like to bring up is testing. In the Mayors message he reiterates what the Governor says
about having to go to a free testing site and that if we do not go to a free testing site we will have to
cover the cost of testing. By requiring members to go on duty and report to the available free testing site
you are singling them out for their peers and the public to see which employees have not received the
COVID shot. This process can bring the feeling of shame and condelnmtion to those employees. Even
if given the option to get tested on their day off, could have the same effect which could lead to
depression, anxiety, fatigue, worthlessness and suicidal ideations just to name a few. This process is in
violation of The Equal Rights Act of 1964. And as such should not be unforced. It has been
scientifically proven that vaccinated or unvaccinated. Both groups of people have the same ability to
contract, carry and transmit the COVID-19 virus. We as employees have been working in the frontlines
from day one. We have necessary procedures in place that have proven effective in minimizing and
stopping the spread of COVID throughout our department.
There may come a time that the Big Island which we call home will lose a great number of well trained,
highly skilled Fire Fighters because of the tyrannous laws being imposed. The tenln being used now
is "Last year's Hero's, This year's unemployed"
Comm. No
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With all due Respect,
Elijah Medeiros
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