HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0277.003 2018-2020 P/FC
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From: olenn sumida
To: Council Testimony .
Subject: Firefighter Contract: .1019 NAY 17 AN .Q 51
Date: Friday,May 17,2019 6:40:42 AM • ��'
Aloha,
I am writing to submit testimony supporting the HFFA contract awarded through binding
arbitration. As a firefighter, I feel that the award is fair that was agreed upon to be abided by
all parties involved. Binding arbitration is a legal agreement between the parties involved and
should be adhered to, as a matter of honor and principle. It is fair compensation as seen by
the arbitrator for performance of our duties. We are blessed to live in Hawaii, but the cost of
living is high and we are paid less than in other states (as are most jobs in Hawaii). I love my
job, and serving the people that live and visit. It is rewarding to help others and contribute to
society. On the other hand, firefighters sacrifice a lot in performing their duties. We miss
birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, graduations,family crisis, family gatherings, etc. It's not just
us, but also our families that suffer. We see pain, suffering, agonizing and traumatic things
that are sometimes hard to imagine or forget. We have higher rates of cancer. We are
exposed to carcinogens constantly while performing our duties. You never know if what you
may be exposed to on any given day will cause a disease or ailment someday. We have a
greater risk of injury or impairment than almost any other job, not just on scenes, but in
training and daily duties.
You never really know what a job entails, until you do it. Every job has pluses and minuses. To
me, being a fireman is the greatest job in the world. We thank you for giving us the
opportunity to serve the people. We are asking for just compensation for the work that we do.
Mahalo for your time and consideration regarding this matter.
Glenn Sumida, (808)345-6282
Meeting date: May 20, 2019
Committee on Finance
Resolution 169-19
Position on the Matter: SUPPORT
Representing: Self
Comm. N%42:11
Ref.To: K
Ref. Date. MAY 1 7:2019