HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0125.046 2024-2026Kathy Hammes
155 Alohalani Drive
Hilo, H1967205507
Kham337 a email. con?
April 1, 2025
The Honorable Holeka Goro Inaba, Chair
The Honorable Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Vice -Chair
Honorable Members of the Hawaii County Council
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Chair, Vice -Chair and Members:
Re: Resolution No. 74-25
Thank you for this opportunity to submit testimony against Res. 74-25 and comment
about this proposed Agreement. I ask Mayor K. Alameda and the Hawaii County Council to
defer action on this proposed resolution, authorizing the mayor to enter into Intergovernmental
agreements with Federal and State Partners (Department of Homeland Security (ICE)) to support
their continued cooperation with the Hawaii Police Department for the safety of the County of
Hawai' i.
As a resident of Hilo since the 1980's I have benefitted from the safety orientation of our
HPD officers on the Big Island. Our officers are stretched thin to respond to the needs of our Big
Island and, while collaboration with other law enforcement officials is important, this would be
yet another responsibility for them to shoulder.
Also, I am by no means convinced, as an immigrant to Hawai' i myself, that ICE actions
against our community are needed to protect safety in our community. Deporting and
imprisoning immigrants without due process fragments families and communities that are the
bedrock of our society. We do not want to create an atmosphere of fear and distrust of our HPD
officers who rely on the active cooperation of community members to do their important jobs.
There are economic reasons not to approve and have Mayor Alameda sign this resolution.
By diverting resources to ICE actions citizens and taxpayers are incurring additional costs that do
little to promote a sense of safety or actual safety in the community; and at a financial cost to our
island. Immigrants contribute to the financial wellbeing of our island, state and country. They
work in jobs that many citizens are unwilling to do so that we can have Kona coffee, tropical
fruits, vegetables, and personal services.
Thank you for reading this testimony and considering your vote on Res. 74-25.
Sincerely,
Kathy Hammes
cc: Mayor Kimo Alameda, County of Hawaii
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