In a recent Mayoral debate, former Governor Cayetano stated that Senator Dan Inouye has “never listened to the people” and is “out of touch.” These statements contradict and disregard the Senator’s strong public safety record as consistently “in touch” to ensure that Honolulu remains one of the safest cities in America.

As a fire fighter for 36 years and President of the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association for 14 years, I have had the privilege of meeting and discussing public safety issues with Senator Inouye on numerous occasions. I have observed Senator Inouye’s countless contributions and dedication to enhancing public safety that include cost-saving measures, funding and legislation that allow fire fighters to be properly trained, equipped and better prepared to ensure public protection and safety. A small sample of these contributions includes the following:

• Through Senator Inouye’s leadership and direction, the federal government agreed to transfer 5.6 acres of land near the Honolulu Airport to the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) for its Training Center in 2005. Prior to the transfer, HFD had a 25-year lease with the Navy that began in 1979. HFD estimated that the transfer of ownership saved taxpayers approximately $10 million to $12 million that would have been needed to purchase property and build a new training facility.
• In 2005, the IRS created a new aircraft fuel tax law that severely impacted HFD’s ability to purchase and transport fuel for its helicopters. The helicopters are a vital part of enhancing fire fighter and public safety. Understanding this concern and potential safety hazard, Senator Inouye was instrumental in helping HFD obtain a special permanent waiver to this federal law, specifically to allow HFD to purchase fuel for off-site emergency services use.

Actively securing much Federal funds for programs and projects across our State to enhance the safety of residents and visitors, such as:

• In early 2012, secured $1,099,062 through Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program that helped the Honolulu Fire Department pay for equipment, training and other operational costs.
• In August 2011, secured more than $13.9 million in preparedness grants distributed by DHS for training in preparation for APEC 2011.
• In July 2010, helped acquire over $9 million for the construction of a new federal fire station at West Loch, Naval Station Pearl Harbor.
• In June 2010, obtained a Fire Management Assistance Grant funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help Maui County fire fighters battle a fast moving brush fire that scorched more than 2,000 acres in the West Maui Mountains.
• In 2009, secured over $1.6 million federal grant for the Kauai Fire Department through FEMA in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administrations for the hiring of 15 firefighters to staff the newly-built Kaiakea station.

Hawaii taxpayers are very fortunate to have a Senator of this stature who takes the time to understand the wide range of public safety issues and finds solutions to ensure that the State of Hawaii is second to none in public safety. Through his leadership, commitment, and sacrifice, our fire fighters have consistently received grants and funds for staffing, facilities, equipment, training and health and safety needs. By being “in touch,” Senator Inouye has made certain that our fire fighters have the tools and ability to effectively respond to emergencies and alarms. I am honored to know that we can continue to depend on him for any assistance to maintain and improve public safety.

About the author: Robert H. Lee was born and raised in Waipahu and retired after 36 years as a fire fighter in December 2010 with 21 of those years as a Fire Captain. He was re-elected in 2011 to another two-year term as president of HFFA which he has served for 14 years. He remains actively involved in matters that affect its 2800-plus members that is comprised of active and retired fire fighters from all four counties and State of Hawaii airport fire fighters.