HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0091.023 2016-2018 Murashige, Laura COUNTY CLERK
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From: Terri Cabreros <pet.ter2@yahoo.corn>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2017 1:23 PM 2O!7 MAY 15 PH $; 29
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Bill 011 &012
Council Chair Poindexter & council members
As a resident of Puna (HPP) I am submitting testimony in regards to the above-mentioned bills
pertaining to FY2017-18 Operating Budget.
Being that we are the fastest and largest growing community on this island, it is concerning to me, as
well as somewhat alarming, that there is the non-inclusion of monies for additional police officers,
firefighters and ambulances in our district.
Our demographics encompasses the largest area on this island, surpassing Hilo in population
density, yet the last addition to our police force was in 2014 and still has few officers than Hilo.
Our officers travel farther which means slower response times and must, at times, work under
potentially dangerous and hazardous conditions due to poor visibility (absence of street lighting in
most areas), isolated homes & locations and in some areas, rugged terrain.
If entering into a domestic dispute or other potentially dangerous situation, they must, at times, wait
for backup to arrive which could be a longer wait then normal.
Being one road in from Highway 130, I often hear ambulances/fire trucks on the highway and have
heard that there are times where they have to come in from Hilo because Keaau's and Pahoa's are
"tied-up" on calls, and unlike police, they can't just leave a low priority call to respond to a high priority
one.
Please carefully consider the safety and well-being of our first responders in the Puna district before
voting on the operating budget.
Thank you for your consideration and time.
Terri Cabreros
,m. ®. 61 I .2'3
Ref. Too COQ.
1 Ref. DoteMAY Y $21.7