HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0177.101 1998-2000 3'
March L3, 1999
The Honorable Chairman James Y. Arakaki ^ ~ ~ , ~~,~j
and Members of the Hawau County Council (`/~~JW
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chairman Arakaki and Council Members,
I am submitting this written testimony in reference to the 1999-2000, Fiscal Year, budget. As a police
officer employed with the Hawaii County Police Department, and the present Chairman for the State of
Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, I feel it is my duty to express my support for Mayor Yamashiro's
proposal to utilize the 1978 Sinking Fund bonds.
On March 12, 1999, Chief Wayne G. Carvalho and I had met to discuss the importance of the departments
operational cost for the next fiscal year. Chief Carvalho appraised me that he had submitted a budget which
had eliminated the Hi-Pal and DARE programs which met with the approval of the mayor. Chief Carvalho
had cut the funding of these programs as he had to prioritize the spending of monies slotted for the
department. Only aRer an out-cry from the public were the programs monies restored in full. Chief
Carvalho and I agreed that the department cannot function efficiently unless all of the funds are restored to
aU of the areas proposed m the Pohce Departments budget. With the department at the forefront of public
safety, it should be a simple decision, but yet a difficult task, to appropriate the neccessary funds
I know that marry of you aze concerned about using the bonds to alleviate our present budget problems, [
would not expect anything less of an elected official overseeing the Countys' money. I am also uncertain of
the fate of our county in the years ahead but, the problem exist now, and measures Gave to betaken
immediately to insure the safety of our community. The majority of the public sector are unacquainted with
operational cost of our Police Department therefore, if the Chief, and his financial staff have recommended
that all monies be restored to all divisions in the sum of $ti54,837, which can only be facilitated if the 1978
bonds are released, then you must listen to those whom are entrusted to manage these agencies.
The mayor's proposal may have some foresight in reference to pay raises fur County and State employees
within his juristiction. Workers represented by the HGEA and UPW unions are still awaiting a legislative
approval on pay raises. The ponce officers union, State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, is
presently in arbritration and looking to radify are new contract on time, July 1, 1999. Mayor Yamashiro's
decision recommending the usage of the 1978 Sinlang Fund is a fiduciary responsible act to remedy our
counties current financial problems and those anticipated.
In the aforementioned I have listed reasons as to why the monies from the bond should be released. I am
sure that there aze those that have an opposite point of view, and to them I can ask only one question?
Where can you ge[ the money to operate the numerous agencies in our juristiction, and to properly pay those
so employeed by them.
In closing I would like to thank each of you for taking the time to read this testimony. If anyone wishes me
to expound on any or all of my statements, feel free to ask, or write me at 688 Kinoole Street, Suite 220-B,
FI'ilo, Hi., 96720, Hawaii Shopo Office.
Sincerely,
Emory J. SPRINGER
Police Officer-HCPD
Chairman-SHOPO
Comm. No. ' Imo'
File No. ~ ~
Presented~u~~~` P.H.
Ref. To:
Rcf. Date 3
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