2007-07-11 Board of Ethics Minutes Regular Session

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going to happen. And as a matter of fact, pretty much all the people at that meeting were in opposition to widening Highway 130 and wanted to have a bigger approach by having a second route to Puna, so that there was more than one way in and one way out, and for Barbara to just jump in and basically end discussion with her dictatorial sort of approach was shocking. And I knew at that time that this was not going to end well. And then later, when Emily was in Alaska and this whole issue came to the floor because of the messages brought on Hunter Bishop's blog, I realized that something was not right. And I am not capable of making accusations as to why Barbara would act this way towards an elected council official that she is working for. But I just wanted to reassure you that these things that are being said about the way Barbara Hale conducted herself in the presence of her boss are all real. These are true stories, and I would like to be available for questioning if it ever is needed. Thank you. Chair: Thank you. Ophelia Kennealy. Kennealy: Aloha. My name is Ophelia Kennealy. I am a business woman in Pahoa for about 20 years. I've known Emily for about 15 years, and I've seen how she conducts herself with people. She loves people. Her character — I am here basically to attest that she has incredible character, and in the years that I have known her, I've only seen it get polished, and in the last five years. I believe she is an awesome woman, that not even considering the position standing, but just as a person she loves people. She would never assert herself on anybody, and if she has views or points of views, she would not force her way into anybody's life. She is always there to give everybody a hand to whoever is wanting one, whoever is needing one. And I have watched her. I have worked with her and I've helped her a little bit in her campaign, and her character is incredible. She is a wonderful, wonderful woman. I know a lot of people. I have been here most of my life on the Big Island of Hawaii, and she stands out, her character, because she doesn't wait for somebody to pat her on the back. She just does it because that is who she is, and for her to be here today to have to defend herself against accusations is pretty sad. And I just want to say that I think there is a lot of people —that is why we voted for her, because of who she is, and I think a lot of people in Pahoa and on this Big Island who know her, love her, are feeling the same way. Thank you. Chair: Thank you. Are there any further statements from the public? If not, we will continue on the agenda items. Number 3, approval of minutes. Has the Board read the minutes from the Regular Session? 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion and Vote: Ms. Lum moved that the Board accept and file the minutes for the Regular Session of the June 13, 2007, meeting. Ms. Sharpless seconded the motion. There was no discussion. All members voted aye. Motion carried. 10