October 28, 2010 – Hilo, Hawaii
Video by David Corrigan | Voice of Stephanie Salazar
The county held public meetings on a new state law that changes codes for electricians, plumbers and builders.
Many of those attending the Hilo meeting on Wednesday at the Aupuni Center were concerned of a new, mandated “safe room” in the code, that they believe will drive up costs and violate their civil liberties.
Resident Tim Reese gave building officials a piece of his mind.
Civil defense director Quince Mento was at the meeting, and he said the mandated safe rooms were not a bad idea, considering the lack of shelter room for residents living on the island.
County Public Works Department spokesperson Noelani Wittington assured the crowd that there would be ample time to ammend the new code.
Another round of meetings is held in Kona today from 10 am. at Hanama Place.
A copy of proposed amendments are available at the Public Works offices in Hilo and Kona.
Online Pharmacy, Cheap Prescriptions and Doctor Service. Part 3
Having been through several typhoon eye strikes when we lived on Guam and having experienced the fury of “super typhoons” in our “safe” concrete house and knowing of the damage it experienced, I can only support the part of the code that calls for “safe rooms”. I saw what happened to the few wooden houses that were still left on that island and know what will happen to the single wall construction house I live in here should a hurricane strike us someday. It hasn’t happened yet, but it will.
Moreover, I don’t believe there is enough room in the schools to shelter us all nor is there anyway to “evacuate” as one testifier thought would happen. Where would we go?
I believe the Civil Defense director realizes this only too well which is why he is supporting the building of “safe rooms”. In the meantime, Mr. Meno, I would like to see a list of the public buildings and private buildings which are strong enough to serve as shelters and whose owners would allow it. If it doesn’t exist, it should be developed.