COM 0936.013 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Harry Kim Dixie Kaetsu Mayor Managing Director ra :r';;•N:+r~ Barbara Kossow Deputy Managing Director t(Couutp of ~ab)ail 25 Aupuni Street, Room 215 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 • (808) 961-8211. Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103 r Kailm-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 329-5226 • Fax (808) 326-5663 August 21, 2006 23 The Honorable Stacy Higa, Chairperson, and rv Members of the Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Testimony in Support of Bill 300 Dear Chairperson Higa and Council Members: It was after a lot of thought and discussion about the issues raised by alcohol consumption at County parks that Bill 300 was drafted and submitted to the County Council for consideration, support and passage. It was expected that there would be opposition to this bill by some members of the community when it was submitted. The opposition would come from people who feel this would be an infringement of their rights to drink at public beaches and parks, from those who feel the present laws are adequate, as well as from those concerned about our lifestyle in Hawaii. Through it all, it was and is a fundamental belief by this administration that the consumption of alcohol in our parks presents more negatives than positives. This obviously is measured in terms of the community as a whole. Unfortunately, it is known that many of the problems are caused by a few rather than the majority. The negative impacts that result from allowing alcohol consumption in our parks are well documented by community members, police officers, park personnel and the prosecutor's office. The complexity of the present ordinance on alcohol has made enforcement of it impossible for police officers. In jurisdictions throughout the United States and Hawaii, laws have had to be implemented regarding alcohol consumption for the good of the community as a whole, and most important, to enable government to fulfill its mission of providing parks that are safe, clean and healthy environments. For your information, the change that is being asked in regards to alcohol consumption in our County parks would make our County policy consistent with the rules and regulations of all State parks and City and County of Honolulu parks. Perhaps the greatest message that will be sent in the passage of this bill will be the message it will send to the children of Hawaii about what kind of behavior is acceptable. Comm. No.'gXo- Ref. To.. to*"*# Ref. Dote AUG 2006 Hawaii County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.