COM 0816.001 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hawaii County Council January 4, 1995 ORDINANCE A Bill for an Ordinance numbered 5, initiates a BILL 5: Charter amendment to Section 3-2, Article III of the (C-36) Hawaii County Charter relating to Composition and Terms of the Hawaii County Council, introduced by Mr. Rath on December 21, 1994 for first reading; was presented for the second of three required readings. Mr. Rath moved for the adoption of Bill 5 on second reading. Seconded by Mr. Childs. CHR. OSORIO: Mr. Ray. MR. RAY: Mr. Chairman, I support this bill and I also hope we support an eight year term limit with two four-year terms to go on the ballot and that we support an aggressive public education process prior to the neat election to address the voter's needs to really understand the issues involved. I strongly believe that two-year terms are a huge waste of time and money in many ways and that from an efficiency standpoint, the public would be much better served by four-year terms. Thank you. CHR. OSORIO: Mr. Arakaki. MR. ARAKAKI: I concur with Mr. Ray's remarks. I always felt that two four-year terms would be the way we should be going and I supported the eight year limit on two year terms because I believe in term limits. But I think what Mr. Ray suggested is more reasonable and I think that this Council should consider that and put that on the ballot and let the people decide which way they want. Thank you. CHR. OSORIO: Mrs. Bonk-Abramson. MRS. BONK-ABRAMSON: Well, I can see the pro's and con's of having four years rather than two years for personal reasons because you have to run for office every two years but the voter's did vote on it twice already and I think we've heard their idea about supporting two year terms. 213