BIL 268 Draft 01 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNTY OF HAWAII ORDINANCE NO. STATE OF HAWAII BILL NO. 268 AN ORDINANCE TO INITIATE A CHARTER AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 3-7, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CHARTER (2000) RELATING TO MEETINGS. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII: SECTION 1. Purpose. The frequency of county council meetings is outlined in Article III, Section 3-7, of the Hawaii County Charter (2000). Effective January 1, 2001 a charter amendment provided that the county council meet at least quarterly in North or South Kona. Today, rapid growth and development increasingly affects the quality of life of citizens in the districts of Ka`u, South Kona, North Kona, Waikoloa, Kohala and Waimea. Citizens of these West Hawaii districts have expressed a strong and far-reaching desire for increased constituent participation, citizen involvement, and commitment to the democratic processes of county council meetings. Public opinion reminds us that effective debate, resulting in positive decision- making, requires personal interaction among decision -makers and citizenry who will ultimately be impacted by such decisions. Therefore, an equal amount of county council meetings between East and West Hawaii shall assure fair and equitable access for all citizens to our government by Democracy. The purpose of this charter amendment is to require that county council meetings be held in West Hawaii on even -numbered months throughout the calendar year and that on odd - numbered months throughout the calendar year, council meetings shall take place in East Hawaii. This amendment would be beneficial to all citizens of Hawaii Island for the following reasons: • The timeliness of this amendment would avoid further public perception of exclusiveness and would begin positive efforts toward bridge -building between East and West Hawaii . • It will affirm our citizens' inherent and inalienable constitutional rights guaranteed under the Hawaii State Constitution to the enjoyment of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. • It will foster continued citizen participation at the municipal levels of government that in turn will result in qualified, effective and informed public participation at all levels of government. • It will allow full and complete opportunity for public input and participation in discussions, debate and resolutions regarding issues that impact the quality of life of our citizens.