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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT: Hawaii County Council Bill for Ordinance -1" Reading: Bill 257 - <br /> March 25, 2008 - by Leilani Bronson-Crelly, Co-Pres. League of Women Voters Hawaii County <br /> <br /> Aloha Honorable Members of the Hawaii County Council. My name is Leilani <br /> Bronson-Crelly, and as the Co-President of the League of Women Voters Hawaii County, I <br /> <br /> am here today to ask your support for the passing of First Reading of Bill 257, which initiates <br /> a Charter amendment to Article XI, relating to Initiative and Referendum. While I reside in <br /> Councilmember Emily Naeole's District 5, my address, for the record is: 111 E Puainako <br /> <br /> Street, Ste. 585, PMB 169, Hilo, HI 96720. <br /> For the past year, a County League of Women Voters' committee has worked hard, <br /> <br /> doing many hours of research and interviews to develop a revision of Article XI of our County <br /> Charter. After modification and approval by the entire League Board, the document along <br /> with amendments is before you today for first reading. A vital intent of this work was to clarify <br /> <br /> procedures for the use of the powers of initiative and referendum so that both petitioners and <br /> the County Clerk's office would be clear on the process from the outset of any petition drive. <br /> The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages <br /> <br /> informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major <br /> public issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. <br /> Bill 257 with its revisions is successful in its focus to clarify and make more user- <br /> <br /> friendly the initiative and referendum process for both the public as well as elections <br /> administrators. <br /> This proposed bill provides users with working knowledge of the steps involved in this <br /> <br /> otherwise arduous process laying out the time line and requirements in a chronological order. <br /> In addition, the elections division's duties are also better spelled out including in areas such <br /> <br /> as the forms and sufficiency section and the signature verification criteria. <br /> The format of the proposed bill makes it easier for both petitioners and the clerk's <br /> election staff to follow in logical order what is expected of them each step of the way as if it <br /> <br /> were a flow chart. This is important because ambiguity is eliminated on how to proceed with <br /> introducing legislation before the Council and eventually the voting public. <br /> Also with me today in support of this bill are the following League members: Sue <br /> <br /> Irvine, Marian Wilkins and Debbie Hecht who will each provide expanding testimony on the <br /> matter. <br /> Mahalo for considering the support of Bill No. 257 for first reading and for being a part <br /> <br /> of championing government processes that are straightforward, transparent and <br /> empowering, which ultimately serves the interests of the people of Hawaii County. <br /> <br /> Gomm. No. 11061 ' 0 , <br /> Ref. Toe <br /> Ref. Date ,2-&.'9" <br />