Support First Responders Bill

Aloha…

We humbly request that bill SB883, dubbed the “First Responder Bill”, which will come before the State Legislature in early 2013. If passed, this bill forms a “new bargaining unit” for first responders represented by the HGEA union:

1) Ocean Safety Lifeguards,
2) State Sheriffs,
3) DLNR Officers and
4) Harbor Police Officers.

Since 1970, we have been part of HGEA’s BU3 which primarily caters to clerical workers. There are 600 first responders represented, less than 3% of BU3’s 23,000 membership. As you might imagine, our voices are very quiet in such a large group and our concerns and objectives are different from those of the other 22,400 members.

The bill’s primary benefit is to give our organizations autonomy, similar to city and county’s police and fire. At virtually no cost to the public, this new bargain unit will add a tremendous dynamic to operations, creating a tighter force to protect locals and visitors on Hawaii’s public lands and waters. While the “First Responder Bill” has seen considerable legislative progress recently through endorsement from government agencies, endorsement from the citizens of Hawaii is essential for successful passage.

Should you choose to support this bill, there are several options to express that support. One is to sign any of the petitions circulating the islands- ask at the lifeguard towers. Another is to follow the directions below for 2 online options. And lastly is to physically go to the capital on hearing days and make your opinion known.

Mahalo,
HGEA’s First Responders

You may also show support by:

1. Web-based text Testimony: simple and quick
a. Go to www.capitol.hawaii.gov
b. Click on the “Submit Testimony” envelope icon – middle of the page
c. Enter the bill number (to be determined)
d. Fill out pertinent information – name, contact and your position: support the measure
e. Use space to write additional comments
f. Send. You will receive a confirmation email to the address you provided.

2. Formal written Testimony: good for organizations, position arguments, longer testimony
a. Draft written testimony in a word processing document/save as a pdf
d. Upload your document to the website
e. Send. You will receive a confirmation email to the address you provided.