Laserfiche WebLink
REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS <br /> <br /> DATE: January 8, 2008 Re: Comm. No. 839/Res. 439-07 <br /> <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Ben Franklin Bldg., 2id Floor <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> <br /> TIME: 10:59 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred <br /> Communication 839, regarding Resolution 439-07, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution 439-07, transmitted by Council member Bob Jacobson via Communication 839, <br /> dated December 4, 2007 urging our State Legislators to pass HB661 HD1 with amendments that <br /> establish comprehensive public funding for elections to Hawaii County Council. Hawaii <br /> County Council finds that establishing and embracing a "Comprehensive Public Funding for <br /> Elections" process for the Hawaii County Council elections is prudent and preferred as <br /> indicated by its adoption of Resolution 41-07 on February 22, 2007; and requesting the <br /> Legislative Research Bureau submit language to amend HB661 HD1 to accomplish this. <br /> Council member Jacobson made a motion on December 18, 2007 to postpone consideration of <br /> Resolution 439-07, so that he could provide HB661 HD1 to all council committee members <br /> before the next Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting. This motion <br /> was duly seconded and approved. <br /> Council member Jacobson provided additional information on HB661 HD 1 to your council <br /> committee members for review through Communication 839.1, dated December 24, 2007 and <br /> Communication 839.2, dated January 3, 2008. <br /> There were several members of the public in support of the proposed resolution. <br /> Council member Jacobson encourages his colleagues to support this proposed resolution. He is <br /> aware the use of the terminology "clean election" as addressed in several of the testimonies to be <br /> interpreted as "clean" of influence and political action. In his opinion, improving voter turn out <br /> and participation in government is very important. <br /> Your council committee members discussed and commented on the proposed resolution offering <br /> their personal views on establishing comprehensive public funding for elections. For some <br /> council committee members, the use of "clean" or "unclean" election is uncomfortable and <br /> offensive. Council member Jacobson responded that he chose not to use those words, and <br /> wanted to have the vote of confidence by his colleagues and public. He also believed the use of <br /> those words were inappropriate in legislation. <br /> <br />