Becoming the mainland?
Bulldozers indiscriminately clear-cut large swathes of land, destroying fragile ecosystems without a second thought, showing no respect for this precious ‘aina.
Then developers build condos, townhomes and resorts with cookie-cutter landscaping that is chemically fertilized and sprayed with weed killers and pesticides, which then drain into the groundwater and eventually the ocean. Insane!
Kona is fast becoming the mainland: It’s all about the money.
Breaks my heart.
Tami Warren
Kealakekua
‘Sacrifice and dedication’
It is EMS Week.
EMS stands for emergency medical services and encompasses the work of paramedics, emergency medical technicians and emergency medical responders. While we think of our Hawaii Fire Department when we think of emergency medical services, there are other agencies in our community that provide these important services as well.
Through dedicated teamwork from all fire department disciplines (fire, search and rescue, EMS, hazmat, prevention, training, fire communications, ocean safety, volunteers, and administration) and law enforcement, the fire department continues to provide exceptional care to our Hawaii Island community.
These are the first responders who respond to home emergencies, traffic accidents, incidents where people require rescue efforts, ensure public safety during natural disasters, as well as many other health-related services that they provide.
As a result of their often dangerous work, these brave men and women are exposed to trauma on a daily basis as they serve our community 24/7, 365 days out of the year. Frequent exposure to these traumatic incidents often take a toll on their mental health.
Infant deaths, horrific accidents, treating victims of brutal crimes, and responding to an incident where they know the victim — these are just some of the types of trauma they are constantly exposed to.
Their families also make great sacrifices so that their loved one can serve their communities in this way. EMS workers spend 24-hour periods away from their families, work holidays, miss family events, and are away from their own homes during natural disasters and severe weather events to keep the rest of us safe.
We as a community should value and appreciate the contribution they make to our Big Island community. If you know an emergency medical worker, take time to let them know how much you appreciate them.
Let’s let them know that here on the Big Island, they are valued for their sacrifice and dedication.
Fire chaplain Renee Godoy
Hawaii Fire Department