HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0843.118 2018-2020 COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
RECEIVED
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Time `I%dm By IT
Fri 3/20/2020 9:26 AM
Written email testimony Date VAR 2 0 2090
To: Council Testimony
My name is Pualilia Paikuli. I am 42, a resident of Hawaii county and a massage therapist whom
owns and operates a small massage therapy business in Kona with my husband. Being in the
health&wellness industry, my focus and awareness is around helping people feel better, and
taking care of myself so I can be of service to others. We were contacted on March-16 and
encouraged by our Industry Liability Insurance (ABMP, Association of Bodywork and Massage
Professionals) to suspend our practice on a short-term, temporary basis; which we implemented
on March 18, 2020. We have taken the advice of professional health advisors and have self
quarantined at home in the effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
I urge the County Council to listen to Lt. Governor Josh Green-'s recommendations and issue his
recommended emergency declarations and proclamations. I urge the council to be Leaders and
to take drastic measures to ensure the health and safety of everyone. I support and urge the
council to close the airports.. or at least Hilo and Kona,to non-residents of Hawaii who don't
reside here full-time and to require ALL whom arrive over seas to be quarantined for at least 14
days.I urge all restaurants and bars to be closed. Everyone needs to put their financial fears
aside and self quarantine now, for the next few weeks, allowing our medical system to get
supplies and tests needed. Our hospitals do not have the capability to handle a huge swarm of
infected serious cases. My elderly parents,my clients with compromised immune systems; these
individuals are at the top of my worries. It has been reported that individuals can be without
symptoms and be contagious; and this is why we have chosen to self quarantine even though we
are healthy.
As I write this, I am frustrated at my neighbors vacation rental home, in Keauhou Mauka, where
a group of tourist arrived last night for a one week vacation in Kona. Two rental jeeps,with at
least 6 of them. I know this because I can hear them speaking and can see them out my
window. Why is their vacation more important than the health and safety of our
community? The financial fall out from this will be enormous for us with zero income coming
in; and the longer our Leaders wait to take action, the longer it will be before we can
recover. Please help the people you represent and take immediate action to ensure the health and
safety of everyone.
Aloha,
Pualilia Paikuli
Malama Pono
Malama Kou Kino
Comm. N
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Ref. Date MAR 2 0 2020