MIN CHARTER 2019-04-03 (2018-2020) - Public Hearing

Home

Hawai`i County Charter Commission — Public Hearing April 3, 2019 Finally, to provide some context for this hearing, allow me to briefly address the Commission's efforts to date and what follows. First, this is the fifth Charter Commission since the County Charter became effective 50 years ago. The Commissioners, all of whom are County residents and none of whom are elected officials by statute, were appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council at the end of June, 2018 and have met at least once a month since July to accomplish our mission as the Charter outlines it. To study and review the operation of the government of the County under the Charter. We have done that by receiving information from County departments, the Mayor, and the Council, as well as receiving over 500 communications from the public and County. Second, since October, we have considered 27 different proposed Charter Amendments to include changing the structure of terms for Council members, refining the process by which the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation mission is accomplished, adding disciplining options for the Council, the Fire Commission, and the Police Commission, establishing a Disaster and Emergency Fund, and modifying minimum qualifications for Corporation Counsel, Fire Chief, and Public Work's Director. Information on these proposals is available on the Commission website, the link to which can be found on the County homepage. Third, we are convening six public hearings, one in each geographic district as identified in the County Charter. This is our fifth Public Hearing. Following these hearings, we have until the end of June to submit to the County Council a report on our activities, findings, and recommendations together with a draft of the Proposed Charter Amendments. The Council then has 30 days to return the proposals with any alternatives to the Commission, after which within a month, the Commission shall provide its final draft of proposed amendments to the County Clerk. Ballot language will then be developed by the Commission for submission to County voters for decision on the November 3rd, 2020 election ballot. At this time we will take our first speaker. I would ask Scott Susman and Susan Dursin please to come to the table. Mr. Susman will be our first speaker. Again, I would ask you to provide your name, any organization you are representing, and the Charter provision or proposed amendments you are speaking to. Mahalo. If you could please turn on the mic that would be great. Page 3