HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0639.004 2022-2024Ashley L. Kierkiewicz
Council Member
District 4 Puna
MEMORANDUM
Office: (808) 961-8265
Fax: (808) 961-8912
ashley.kierkiewicz@hawaiicounty.gov
IIAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
DATE: December 18, 2023
TO: Heather Kimball, Council Chairperson
And Members of the Hawaii County Council
FROM: �� Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Council Member
SUBJECT: Bill No. 110 Letter of Support - Hawai`i Fire Department
Please find attached a letter of testimony from the Hawaii Fire Department for Bill No. 110 relating
to establishing a registry of information for the purpose of notifying property owners of vandalism,
immediate hazards, or disasters.
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Ref. TO:
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Mitchell D. Roth
Mayor
Lee E. Lord
Managing Director
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HAWAVI FIRE DEPARTMENT
25 Aupuni Street • Suite 2501 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
(808) 932-2900 • Fax (808) 932-2928
December 13, 2023
Kazuo S. K. L. Todd
Fire Chief
Eric H. Moller
Deputy Fire Chief
Subject: Letter in Support of Bill 110: An ordinance amending Chapter 14, of the Hawaii
County Code 1983 2016 edition, as amended), by adding a new article relating to
establishing a registry of information for the purpose of notifying property owners
of vandalism, immediate hazards, or disasters.
Dear Council Chairperson Heather Kimball and Members of the Hawai'i County Council,
On behalf of the Hawai'i Fire Department, I am writing to express our support for Bill No. 110,
which proposes the establishment of a registry of contact information for property owners within
the County of Hawai'i. This initiative aligns closely with our commitment to ensuring the safety
and well-being of our community.
The establishment of a comprehensive registry is a crucial step towards enhancing our capacity
to effectively respond to various emergencies, including natural disasters, vandalism, and other
immediate hazards. By having direct access to the contact information of property owners or
their designated agents, we can significantly improve our communication and coordination
efforts, especially in situations involving vacant, unoccupied, or abandoned properties.
In our experience, the lack of immediate access to property owner information has occasionally
hindered our ability to swiftly address issues that arise on private properties. For instance, during
the recent volcanic eruptions, our ability to quickly communicate with property owners regarding
the status of their properties was severely limited. This registry would have expedited our
response and provided much -needed clarity and support to those affected.
Moreover, in instances of unauthorized occupancy or squatting, having direct contact with
property owners allows for quicker resolutions, ensuring that properties are secured and that
public safety is maintained. It also aids in preventing potential hazards that could arise from such
situations, like uncontrolled fires or hazardous material incidents.
In closing, the Hawaii Fire Department fully supports the enactment of Bill No. 110. We believe
that this ordinance will be a valuable tool in our efforts to protect and serve the community more
efficiently and effectively.
Hazaai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further discussion or clarification on this matter. We look
forward to contributing to the successful implementation of this initiative.
Sincerely,
5<—�; �
KAZUO S. K. L. TODD
Fire Chief
Hawai'i Fire Department