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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, <br /> RELATIONS, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br /> DATE: May 31, 2022 Re: Comm. No. 812/Bill No. 175 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 2:31 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Governmental Operations, Relations, and Economic Development, to which <br /> was referred Bill No. 175, reports as follows: <br /> Bill No. 175, transmitted by Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, via Communication No. 812 <br /> dated May 16, 2022, initiates an amendment to Article V of the Hawai`i County Charter(2020 <br /> edition), relating to establishing a Youth Commission within the Executive Branch, which adds a <br /> new chapter to create a commission consisting of up to 15 members between the ages of 14 and <br /> 24 years old that would integrate its ideas and perspectives into County government. <br /> Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz introduced the measure and provided background <br /> information as to the intent of the bill. <br /> Several Council Members expressed their support for getting more youth involved in civic <br /> activity and the intent of the measure. Questions were raised about the cost of setting up and <br /> maintaning the new commission, wording about the age ranges, the requirement for members to <br /> be registered to vote, and the role and selection of the three adult advisors. <br /> Corporation Counsel, Elizabeth Strance, offered possible clarifying language concerning the age <br /> range. Ms. Strance also raised a question regarding parental responsibilities for their minor <br /> Commission Members in following Chapter 13 of the County Charter regarding ethics. <br /> Ms. Strance offered to look at this issue more closely before the next reading. <br /> Managing Director, Lee Lord, expressed his concern about adding an additional commission that <br /> would need to be filled and staffed by the Executive Branch. He stated that there are no <br /> discretionary funds available for this purpose at this time. Mr. Lord also stated that the Executive <br /> Assistant to the Mayor, Poma`i Bartolome, who is currently tasked with filling Board and <br /> Commission positions in addition to her other work is already over-taxed. Mr. Lord mentioned <br /> that the Administration is considering adding an additional Executive Assistant position that <br /> would be solely for filling and maintaining appointed positions for the Mayor's office and that <br /> they would be requestion funding for this position from the Council. <br /> GOREDC Report No.24 <br />