Laserfiche WebLink
REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> DATE: November 5, 2013 Re: Comm.No. 469/Bill No. 141 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 10:58 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 141, reports as follows: <br /> Bill No. 141,transmitted by Council Member Valerie T. Poindexter, via Communication No. 469 dated <br /> October 14, 2013, amends Chapter 2, Article 3, Section 2-9 of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, <br /> as amended), relating to settlement of claims. <br /> The bill increases the settlement amount for claims to be settled by the Office of the Corporation Counsel, <br /> without Council authorization, from $1,500 to $5,000. <br /> Council Member Poindexter relinquished the chair to Council Member Ilagan. She stated that by amending <br /> Section 2-9 of the Hawai`i County Code, the office of the Corporation Counsel will be able to work more <br /> efficiently in settling small claims and in the long run, save the tax payers money. In addition, <br /> Ms. Poindexter pointed out that with the current limit on small claims, the costs of renting and storing <br /> vehicles while claims are being approved through Council is burdening tax payers and delaying the process of <br /> settlements. <br /> Deputy Corporation Counsel Laureen Martin came before Your Committee and informed the Council that the <br /> State of Hawaii small claims minimum is $10,000; Maui County's minimum is set at $7,500; and the City <br /> and County of Honolulu and Kaua`i small claims minimum are set at $5,000. She stated further that by <br /> raising the settlement limit to $5,000, Hawai`i County will be consistent with limits set by other government <br /> entities, within the State of Hawaii. <br /> Several council members supported Bill No. 141; however, they suggested increasing the amount of$5,000 to <br /> $7,500 or, perhaps, $10,000. Council Member Poindexter proposed to do an amendment to increase the limit <br /> and present it at the next Council meeting. <br /> Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 141, and recommends its <br /> passage on first reading. <br /> Sc <br /> AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted, <br /> EOFF X <br /> FORD x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> ILAGAN X <br /> KANUHA X <br /> KERN X ONISHI X , JcJ - <br /> POINDEXTER x VALERIE T. POINDEXTER, CHAIR <br /> WILLE X FC REPORT NO.: 104 <br /> YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: NOV 2 0 2013 <br />