HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0565.003 2022-2024P / 60EAc
CIOMM.50
From: Irene Eklund
Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2023 8:49 AM c�
To: Council Testimony; Mitch.D.Roth@hawaiicounty.gov
Subject: Non Support for Resolution 333-23 -J
To the Honorable Hawaii County Council Members: J
As a resident of Discovery Harbour in the Ka'u District, I want to express my concern for Resolution 333-23 coming
before the Hawaii County Council. As the spouse of a 10year veteran of the Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire
Department, myself and others see the resolution as a slap in the face to those who volunteer to keep our communities
safe. While we respect and value our paid firefighters, the wording of this resolution shows little respect far our
volunteers that work side by side with the paid Union Firefighters at every fire call. The Union Firefighters have now
been told not to interact with the volunteers, which is sad as these firefighters have worked side by side for decades. It
is very clear by the wording of the resolution that little respect is given to the volunteers who stand side by side with the
Union Firefighters at every call. The wording in the following paragraph is very disturbing to many of us.
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an assessment of the volunteer fire department's effectiveness and sustain ability be
completed, with a subsequent recommendation regarding the program' s feasibility and future."
I know you are aware that in many communities on Hawaii Island, we depend on our Volunteers because our
communities are cut off from other populated areas. There are over 180 volunteers on Hawaii Island. To think that the
Mayor can find enough money in our county budget to replace these volunteers is ridiculous and dangerous to other
needed community services, of which it seems Ka'u is the last to receive.
Ashley Kierdewicz Informed me that her partner is a Hawaii Firefighter. Is that why she is pushing the verbiage on the
resolution? She should recuse herself from a vote on this resolution as she definitely has a conflict of interest, unless
the verbiage Is changed or removed. This should not be a union issue, but an issue of community safety and continued
partnership between those working to keep our communities safe.
I urge a no vote on Resolution 333-23, unless the paragraph I highlighted is reworded or removed.
Mahalo for all you do for our community.
Evelyn Irene Eklund
Discovery Harbour Resident, Ka'u
Comm. Nam` —
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