HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0574.000 2014-2016 Aaron S. K Chung „gr ,!q� Phone 'vo-, (808) 961-8272
Council Member , y Fax Na.: (808)961-8912
Dotrict 2 South Hiloaaron chung(whmvailcountk gov
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
County of Hawaii
Hawaii County Building
25 dupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 = n
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Date:
Date: November 19, 2015 -
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To: Dru Kanuha Chair
Hawaii County Council is? J14
From: kYAaron S. Y. Chung, Council Member 0 -
Subject: Request for Emergency Meeting to Discuss the Dengue Fever Outbreak on
Hawaii Island
I am requesting that the County Council convene an emergency meeting to discuss the dengue
fever outbreak on our island. I am not closely familiar with the procedure for having such
meetings but I know they are permitted and I ask that you work with our County Clerk in making
it happen. I apologize for this hastily prepare memo, but I don't want to devote much time to
explaining the need for such a meeting in this letter, as it should self-evident to every resident of
this island by this time. Still, in compliance with HRS section 92-8, I believe that an emergency
situation exists on this island pertaining to the health, welfare and safety of this island,
specifically relating to the dengue fever outbreak, and the need for our residents to understand
the efforts being put forth by our government in containing its spread. I hope that you favorably
consider my request and check with our colleagues and the suggested attendees (see below) as to
their availability. I am personally available every day next week, including Thanksgiving if
necessary, except from 8:30 to 10:00 on Tuesday, November 24. In any event, since this would
be an information meeting, I do not believe that should he looking for a date when all
councilmembers are available. I request that you try to arrange for the following persons (and as
many others as you deem appropriate)to be in attendance at such meeting, either in person or by
video conferencing:
Governor David Ige, Dr. Virginia Pressler, State Director of Health, and members of her staff
that have been involved in the information meetings being held around the island, Dr. Lorrin
Pang, District Health Office, Maui (he was that island's point man in addressing the outbreak
there about ten to fifteen years ago), Katherine Matayoshi, State Superintendent Department of
Education, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Darryl Oliveira, Civil Defense Administrator, Clayton Honma,
Director Department of Parks and Recreation, Bobbie Jean Leithead-Todd, Director Department
of Environmental Management. I also personally believe that State Senator Josh Green and State
Comm. No. 579
Ref. To: Cauncik
Ref. Dote NOV 16 ab
Hawaii Count Is An Equal Opportunity Provider And Employer
November 19. 2015
Page 2
Representative Richard Creagan have been raising valid points and I would request that they be
invited to the meeting to present their ideas as well. Finally, I would also request that we invite
former Civil Defense Administrator and Mayor Harry Kim.
I request that inasmuch as this is an information gathering meeting, we reserve public input until
the end of the session. Also, I ask that you instruct the county clerk to coordinate with Na Leo
Television in order to get the meeting viewed by the greater community in the quickest way
available.
Thank you for your consideration.
Cc: S. Maeda, County Clerk