Bubble concerns
I am concerned about the resort bubble concept for several reasons. Primarily, I hope our legislators and employers put in safeguards for the workers at the resorts.
Specifically, for full-time, part-time and casual employees, there should be significant hazardous duty pay and paid sick leave for both them and their family members if they contract coronavirus. If future health issues develop as a result, they should be entitled to worker’s compensation.
Of equal importance, in the case of death due to coronavirus, regardless of pre-existing conditions, death benefits should be paid to surviving family members and dependents on a par with benefits provided for first responders.
Furthermore, what are the consequences regarding community spread, which will surely occur when these workers shop for food and supplies for their families?
Lastly, the notion of a resort bubble seems to benefit the resort industry versus smaller community businesses.
We must never forget that no human life is expendable and that we will get through this with integrity, intelligence, aloha and each other.
Ellen Schomer
Hilo
Keeping us safe
Oct. 4 to Oct. 10 is National Fire Prevention Week and is a good time for all of us to pause and think about how much we benefit from the dedicated service of all our firefighters, paramedics, lifeguards, 911 dispatchers and support staff who make our fire department what it is.
We depend on the men and women of our fire department to respond to numerous emergencies on our island. They put out fires, respond to medical emergencies and chemical threats, and provide much-needed fire prevention education.
Most recently, they have taken a very active leadership role in educating our community about the dangers of COVID-19, as well as helping to educate the public on the best and latest safety practices.
Our fire department personnel constantly expose themselves to dangerous situations in order to ensure the safety of our community. They work long hours, crazy shifts and often sacrifice holidays and special occasions with their families to ensure public safety.
When other families have their spouses home to protect their families and property during natural disasters, fire personnel have to be working to keep other families safe. Their families make many sacrifices so that they can do their jobs.
Firefighters, paramedics, lifeguards and dispatchers are exposed to more trauma in one month than most of us will encounter in our lives and suffer for it. But they continue to show up at work every day to provide for their families and keep our community safe.
If you know someone who is employed by our fire department, take time to share your appreciation for all their hard work and sacrifice during National Fire Prevention Week. Their commitment to their jobs helps keep our community safe.
Renee D. Godoy
Fire chaplain, Hilo
