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REPORT OF THE <br />COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br />DATE: April 19, 2016 Re: Comm. No. 705,Bill No. 154 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Kona, Hawaii <br />TIME: 2:30 p.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 154, reports as follows: <br />Bill No. 154, transmitted by Council Member Margaret Wille, via Communication No. 705, dated <br />February 8, 2016, initiates an amendment to Article 117, Section 3-2 of the Hawaii County Charter <br />(2014) relating to County Council Terms. <br />This bill amends the term for Council Members from two to four years, and the term limit from two to <br />three consecutive terms. <br />On March 1, 2016, Council Member Margaret Wille gave an overview of her reasons for bringing this <br />bill forward. Ms. Wille said that with the current two-year terms there is more accountability, however, <br />Council Members spend a good part of the year dealing with campaigns. <br />Council Member Aaron Chung commented that he supports the concept of longer terms for various <br />reasons, including one where vested benefits with the County would require more years. He shared that <br />he introduced a similar charter amendment eleven years ago, for six, two-year terms. <br />Council Member Valerie Poindexter suggested amendments to be made as to some of the testimony <br />received. <br />Council Member Maile David commented receiving phone calls expressing that they like the idea of <br />four-year terms. Ms. David strongly suggested that the Charter Commission and a wide audience should <br />fully vet this bill. <br />Council Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi commented that a Council Member's main purpose should be to <br />serve the public and not the number of years and terms to be served. <br />Council Member Greggor pagan expressed that he cannot support this bill, then commented on <br />comparisons between County and State government. <br />Ms. Wille moved to postpone this bill to the April 19, 2016, Finance Committee meeting. The vote was <br />taken on the motion and passed with nine ayes. <br />On April 19, 2016, Council Member Wille moved to amend Bill 154 with Communication No. 705.6. <br />Ms. Wille briefly explained that this amendment would allow six two-year terms, for a maximum of <br />twelve years. <br />FC Report No.: 62 <br />