HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-13 Letter to Aaron Ling Johanson re HB 2097, HD 1 Relating to LifeguardsIlarry Kim
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Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Alanagmg Direcior
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., .dg 0 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
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February 13, 2018
Representative Aaron Ling Johanson, Chair
Committee on Labor & Public Employment
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 309
Honolulu, 1 96813
Dear Chair Johanson and Committee Members:
R H 2097, HD.' Relating to Lifeguards
Hean, g Date: 02/15/18 — 10:30 am; House Conference Room 309
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 2097, HEM.
Much of the testimony on this bill, in the Committee on Water and Land, focused
on covering the cost of lifeguards at State beaches. However, 1 think it is at least as
important to recognize that HB 2097 is intended to fund safety personnel at county
beaches as well.
With the issue of lifeguard liability hanging over our first responders, and no
indication that a legislative solution is at hand, my Fire Department supports the hiring
of lifeguards by DLNR for State and county beaches. Since all ocean waters are under
State jurisdiction, this would seem a reasonable, sensible, and effective path forward.
1 hope you will keep LHB 2097 alive, with as much funding as you can justify.
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawaii
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.