HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1204.005 2006-2008Jo j o Tanimoto
P.O. Box 44337
Kawaihae, Hawaii 96743
Cell Phone No.: 808-895-5226
Email: Home.ste.a.dlady-001@yahoo..co-m
May 7, 2008
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
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RE: SUPPORT FOR HCEOC (Hawan" County Economic Opportunity Council) REQUEST
FOR FUNDS
Aloha:
My name is Josephine (JoJo) Taninnoto and I am a newly appointed member of the HCEOC-District
Council. Thank you for the opportunity to testify before this Council. I apologize for not being able
to attend this very important meeting.
My boundary within the HCEOC activities encompass Waikoloa, Puako, Kohala, Haum�akua. and
Waimea. I joined this worthy organization because I want to make a difference for those who need
this kind of assistance in my community. My neighbors are hardworking, education supporters,
health conscious advocates and strong participants in community activities. We strive to uplift our
keiki in all that they do; we make every effort to help our Kupuna acquire basic needs and we look out
for each other because there is a unique kinship among family and friends.
This knowledge of kinship became apparent to me when I received my Hawaiian Homestead lease in
Kawaihae about 20 years ago. As I learned who my neighbors were, I also learned that their families
originated in Waimea and Kohala. As their family members marry; children are born and new friends
move into the community; this all help to expand the Qhana circle for the boundary that I live in.
Most times you'll meet them at the Post Office, while shopping grocery at thestores; at school
functions and now sometimes at the North Hawaii Corn iuni Hospital ty p til (RICH). HCEOC needs
this Council's funding to continue the valuable work they do for Hawaii island. My testimony d
reflects the concern for a small piece of a larger picture. �1(
In the last two years, I have been to the NHCH hospital a few times to meet my family who deliver d
new babies; to the emergency room to pick up family members with cold symptoms that couldn't wait
for the next doctor appointment; d ' ' � t�
an at these visits to rTHCH I have met beneficiaries of HCEOC's �
program -Transportation. m m
oc �
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Same patients come from Kohala. These patients relate how they value the transportation service to
the hospital because they can make their dialysis appointments. It is costly and a hardship to have a
family member take of from work to travel. from Kohala to Waimea; wait the many hours until the
treatment is complete; and then make the journey home. Today, gas costs $4.10 per gallon and these
trips can happen two or three times per week. This trip can be inconvenient and stressful for the
patient and the family members; especially if other children are involved in the transportation.
HCEOC-Transportation services lift that burden from these family members and I have heard only
thank you's for this service. I have met families that travel from Kona and Oahu to this hospital for
the same type of treatment and they relate they can only wish there was a service they could utilize.
Compared to Oahu where frequent bus service and private transportation are available; the Big Island
would need to provide outlandish fees compared to what HCEOC provides at this time.
I have participated at two senior citizen centers in my boundary. These benefactors are also very
appreciative of the services that HCEOC provides, namely Meal Delivery. Delivery of meals is the
stuff that binds friendship. I have heard conversation about the menu, the staff, the program, etc.
become discussion, even heated at times. The point is --when the conversation is about HCEOC, it
includes how well the staff does their work; and how much it is appreciated by the benefactors.
These extemporary service providers have taken a cutback in wages and still have been first in fine to
take on the challenge of helping the young and old. If I had the authority to bestow some type of
*A
Award to each member of this organization; I would recognize them all for the great job they do. I ask
this Council to consider providing HCEOC the assistance they request.
Sincerely,
JoJo Tanimoto
Cc: Mr. George Yokoyama, Exec. Dir. .HCEOC
Ms. Lydia Mahi, West Hawaii Supervisor
Mr. Pete Hoann, Waimea Councilman
Members of the Hawaii County Council
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