REP PWIRC 045 12/04/2007 2006-2008

Home

r._.~,.....,,,,,.. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS & INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS DATE: December 4, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 825/Res. 429-07 PLACE: Council Chambers Ben Franklin Bldg., 2"d Floor 333 Kilauea Avenue Hilo, Hawaii 96720 TIME: 3:34 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Public Works & Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred in Communication 825, regarding Res. 429-07, reports as follows: Res. 429-07, transmitted by Council Member, Stacy K. Higa via Communication 825, dated November 21, 2007, requesting the Director of Public Works to work with the Planning Director, the Public, and the Hawaii County Council to Update and Revise Chapter 3 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as Amended), Relating to Signs. The purpose of this resolution is to address the recent strict sign enforcement by the department in response to the many public complaints he received. After discussing this with the Mayor/Administration, Council Member Higa has proposed the resolution with the intention to request relief for the public by delaying the strict enforcement from the department on the Sign Code ordinance. There were nine testifiers, four in opposition, and five commented. Appearing before your Committee was Mr. Ivan Torigoe of Corporation Counsel . The members of your Committee commented on the proposed resolution and their concern of instructing departments of what they are permitted to do. According to Mr. Torigoe the Council creates law, and departments enforce it. Any proposed resolution is at the will of the introducer to express its intent, but such resolution cannot compel the enforcement of law. It is the decision of the department and their discretion on the action they choose to take. Ms. Noelani Whittington, Public Relations of the Department of Public Works appeared before your Committee. Your Committee members addressed where the deparfinent's position on educating and providing outreach to the businesses of the Sign Code ordinance versus implementing strict enforcement. Ms. Whittington commented that the department is in the process of doing several things, creating a brochure that will be user friendly explaining the sign ordinance, compiling an extensive list of all businesses and also an annual review and evaluation of the Sign Code. Ms Whittington's explanation of the department's position and their recommendations was received well by the members of your committee. Mr. Brian Kajikawa, Building Division Chief appeared before your Committee. Mr. Kajikawa commented that certain issues on the sign ordinance need to be reviewed.