HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0843.231 2018-2020 Ply. Council
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAI'I MOnh 20, 1020
RECEIVED
Time 5:51 pet By die
Thu 3/19/2020 3:59 PM Date MAR 1 9 2020
Mayor Kim is a Danger to Public Health
To: Council Testimony
Aloha,
On Wednesday I read an article on Big Island Now regarding the mayor's "Cleanliness Task
Force." I thought it was satire initially. Recognizing now that this is an actual policy, I'd like to
state for the record that I'm appalled, and Harry Kim should be deeply ashamed of himself.
On Thursday, six new cases of Coronavirus were reported in Hawai'i, bringing the total in the
islands to twenty-six. As this situation continues to unfold, and Americans are asked to make
the most significant sacrifices and changes to their everyday lives since World War II, Mayor
Kim continues to live in a fantasy world where, apparently, "Bug Busters" at County Parks are
an adequate response to a deadly global health crisis. The Mayor's position is contrary to the
available science on this disease, and runs counter to both WHO and CDC recommendations.
Moreover, Hawai'i County employees are afraid to speak out against his failure to act for fear of
retaliation. As a County employee myself, I've spoken to employees in numerous departments
who have expressed their fear and concern over the mayor's approach. Unfortunately, most of
them are unwilling to come forward for fear of retaliation, which, I believe, is not an unfounded
concern.
We don't yet know the extent of the spread in Hawai'i County: So few people have actually
been tested here that it's impossible to know for sure. But what is certain is that Mayor Kim's
reactive, rather than proactive approach is sure to cost the lives of his constituents, and he
doesn't seem to care. This is the real deal. Real people are going to die. The mayors of all other
counties have issued proclamations, declarations, and rules, which, while not perfect, are far
and away better than the milquetoast response of Hawai'i County's executive. I hope the
County Counsel can raise their voices and speak with unity and moral clarity on this issue,
because someone needs to show some backbone and leadership. Both testing and social
distancing must be implemented from the top down in order to get a handle on this crisis.
Without testing we are flying blind. Without leadership we are left to the mercy of this disease.
When people start to die, I hope the memories of Kim's failures keep him up at night. Because
they should.
Respectfully submitted,
Kori Weinberger
Comm. No. O'
Ref. To: PIM
Ref. Date MAR 2 0 202E1