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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> P WIRC Rept. 5 8 <br /> Page 2 <br /> <br /> <br /> Mr. Onishi explained the question brought by this proposed feasibility study is that it would be <br /> better to have the counties independent health care funds rather than a program administered by <br /> the state. Implementation of a captive program may result in a method to cut costs. Item 2 also <br /> requires a representative from the county to be included on the EUTF board, which is currently <br /> lacking. <br /> <br /> Nancy Crawford stated the Finance Department strongly supports establishing at least a single <br /> representative on the board. She reported that Rix Maurer, Director, Budget and Fiscal Services <br /> from the City and County of Honolulu said he doesn't believe Hawaii County is very well suited <br /> for a captive insurance program, but he is also supportive of doing a feasibility study. <br /> <br /> Council member Ford stated she cannot support Item 2 without having a better understanding of <br /> a "captive program." <br /> <br /> Item 2 was approved with two dissenting votes. Ms. Ford and Mr. Yagong voted "no." <br /> <br /> 3. Resolution requesting State Land Use Commission to transfer duties, functions and <br /> responsibilities from itself to the various County Planning Commissions. <br /> <br /> Mr. Onishi stated Item 3 is intended to put control of state-owned land use decisions into local <br /> hands. <br /> <br /> Council member Ford stated she believes Hawaii County lacks ability to handle the work <br /> currently performed by the State Land Use Commission (LUC). Further, the LUC provides a <br /> check and balance, as current county zoning ordinances are too loose. She also said that this bill <br /> would have the adverse effect of eliminating environmental assessment requirements for large <br /> development projects. <br /> <br /> Council member Greenwell agreed with Ms Ford. He said that if this resolution is primarily <br /> being proposed as a cost savings, that is not a valid reason for the change. Mr. Hoffmann agreed <br /> with this position. The LUC is a valued watchdog and Mr. Greenwell feels that maintaining the <br /> state LUC is a better idea. <br /> <br /> Norman Hayashi with county Planning Department was called by Council Member Ikeda to <br /> comment. Mr. Hayashi initially noted that the HSAC resolution has a conflict of nomenclature <br /> wherein the duties of the LUC are to be assigned to the county Planning Department in one <br /> section, and a county Planning Commission in another. Despite this being unclear, the county <br /> Planning Department supports the resolution. The proposed resolution changes are expected to <br /> cut down on processing time. The county has the necessary staff and knowledge to carry out the <br /> duties, and has an existing involvement with State LUC. <br /> <br /> Council member Dominic Yagong stated that while he agrees with Ms. Ford's concerns, <br /> ultimately this resolution is about making land use decisions under home-rule. It gives more <br /> power to our people and helps us make our own land use decisions and therefore he is in support. <br /> <br /> <br /> PWIRC Rept. 58 <br />