2006-09-07 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

Home

1. 2. COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION County of Hawaii MINUTES September 7, 2006 — 10:00 a.m. Office of the Corporation Counsel — Conference Room 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Commission members present: Also present: CALL TO ORDER Myles Y. Miyasato, Chair Wayne T. Joseph, Vice Chair Marilyn L. Nicholson, Commissioner Melvyn K. Sakaguchi, Commissioner Barbara R. Stremski, Commissioner Katherine A. Garson, Deputy Corporation Counsel Joseph K. Kamelamela, Deputy Corporation Counsel Mary E. Crosson, Secretary The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM AUGUST 17, 2006 MEETING Motion and Vote: Ms. Nicholson moved to accept and file the minutes, Ms. Stremski seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted aye. 3. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC There were no members of the public present, but the Chair introduced Joseph K. Kamelamela, Deputy Corporation Counsel, who wished to make a statement. Mr. Kamelamela explained that he is the Litigation Division supervisor for the Office of the Corporation Counsel. He read the article in the September 6, 2006, Hawai `i Tribune Herald about the potential recommendations of the Cost of Government Commission and was concerned about one regarding State highways being turned over to the County. Mr. Kamelamela felt that the COGC should not use the term "pursuing" the incorporation or consolidation of the State highways into the County system in its recommendation, but should use the term "exploring" instead. He said the issue is complicated and there would be legal ramifications if the County were to take over the roads, particularly in the area of maintenance and liability. If there were any defects in the maintenance of a road, the County would be responsible for damages that arise from those defects. In addition, some of the State roads are older and narrow, such as Mamalahoa Highway, and need a lot of maintenance.