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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND <br /> INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS <br /> <br /> DATE: September 5, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 635/Res. No. 316-07 <br /> <br /> PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa <br /> 78-128 Ehukai Street <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br /> <br /> TIME: 8:30 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred <br /> Resolution 316-07, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution 316-07, transmitted by Council Member Emily Naeole via Communication <br /> No. 635, dated August 20, 2007, urges the State Legislature and the Governor to allow voters <br /> statewide the opporhxnity to decide on the formation oflocally-elected Boards of Education. <br /> Your Committee heard testimony in support of the measure from one member of the public. <br /> Council Member Emily Naeole stated that currently there is only one representative from the <br /> Big Island on the Board of Education on Oahu. She would like the Island of Hawaii to have its <br /> own local school board. The residents should have more input and participation involving their <br /> children's education. <br /> County Council Chair Pete Hoffman supports and agrees with the resolution. The State has <br /> failed to address the issues affecting education. Disappointed that Governor Lingle had failed to <br /> meet her commitment on the formation of separate school boards for each County, the Council <br /> should speak much more strongly on this issue. <br /> Council Member Dominic Yagong would like to thank Ms. Naeole for bringing this forwazd. He <br /> feels it is the intent to inform the Governor and Legislature to let the public decide. He would <br /> like the opportunity on asking teachers and school administrators of what their thoughts are <br /> about locally-elected Board of Education for each County. <br /> Council Member Angel Pilago supports the resolution. The Council needs a strong cohesive <br /> voice in supporting parents and their children's education. <br /> Council Member Bob Jacobson has mixed feelings on this. Different schools with a community <br /> who have different income levels. We need to be cazeful on what we ask for. Whoever spends <br /> the most money wins. He is torn about this appearing before the ballot. <br /> <br />