HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2026-20COUNTY COUNCIL
COUNTY OF KAUA'I
3ae5olutionNo. 2026-20
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING EMERGENCY SERVICES DISPATCHERS
AS FIRST RESPONDERS IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR
ESSENTIAL ROLE IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND
COMMUNITY WELL-BEING THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF HAWAl'I
WHEREAS, Emergency Services Dispatchers play a critical role in emergency
response; and
WHEREAS, Emergency Services Dispatchers often serve as the first point of
contact for individuals experiencing emergencies, providing calm, professional, and
immediate assistance during times of crisis across Kaua'i and throughout the State;
and
WHEREAS, in both Kaua'i and Maui counties, Emergency Services
Dispatchers are responsible for assessing emergency situations, providing critical
instructions, and coordinating the rapid deployment of police, fire, and medical
personnel to ensure timely response; and
WHEREAS, in the performance of their duties, Emergency Services
Dispatchers provide lifesaving instructions over the phone, including but not limited
to CPR, choking intervention, bleeding control, and other emergency medical
procedures, often sustaining life until emergency responders arrive on scene; and
WHEREAS, Emergency Services Dispatchers serve as the critical first point of
contact relaying public safety information to police officers, firefighters, and medical
personnel to protect life, secure scenes, and preserve public safety; and
WHEREAS, Emergency Services Dispatchers routinely manage high-stress,
highly dangerous situations, including incidents involving violence, trauma, medical
emergencies, and natural disasters, while maintaining composure and clear
communication; and
WHEREAS, Emergency Services Dispatchers are required to have specialized
training in various technologies that assist with locating individuals in distress or
who are unable to communicate their location; and
WHEREAS, their ability to gather critical information, provide guidance, and
support callers in distress directly contributes to the preservation of life, protection
of property, and overall public safety; and
WHEREAS, due to the essential and lifesaving nature of their work,
Emergency Services Dispatchers should be moved into the First Responder
group (Protective Service Occupation) similar to police officers, fire fighters, and
medical personnel; and
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WHEREAS, the term "first responder" is commonly defined as an individual
with specialized training who is among the first to provide assistance in emergency
situations; and
WHEREAS, Emergency Services Dispatchers differ fundamentally from other
classes of dispatchers due to the unpredictable emergency-type calls they receive in
a wide range of emergency situations in which they are required to provide essential
lifesaving instructions; and
WHEREAS, many other jurisdictions formally recognize Emergency Services
Dispatchers as first responders and grant them access to the programs, protections,
and resources afforded to first responders; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I,
STATE OF HA WAI'I, that the Council recognizes Emergency Services Dispatchers
as first responders in acknowledgment of their essential role in emergency response,
public safety, and community well-being throughout the State of Hawai'i.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all relevant State and County agencies,
departments and governing bodies are urged to adopt this recognition and ensure
that Emergency Services Dispatchers are afforded the rights, resources, training
support, and professional respect accorded to first responders.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that public safety agencies are encouraged to
continue collaboration amongst themselves to strengthen emergency response
capabilities and enhance public safety across the State.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the County Clerk shall forward a copy of
this Resolution to Honorable Governor Josh Green, M.D.; all Legislators of the
Hawai'i State Legislature; all Mayors, Council Chairpersons, and Chiefs of Police in
the State of Hawai'i; and the Executive Director of the Hawai'i Government
Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO.
Introduced O th~~ Cc ~W cibt
FELICIA COWDEN
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<!Certificate ®f ~))option
We berehp certtfp tbat 3Resolutton ~o. 2026-20
was abopteb hp tbe QCounctl of tbe QCountp of Jkaua'i, ~tate of
~ahlai'i, 1Libu'e, Jkaua't, ~ahlai't, on July 8, 2026
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