2006-05-30 Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission Minutes (Hilo Mtg)

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Commissioner Schuster stated that it should have been agendized six days prior to the meeting. Attorney Leithead -Todd stated that the budget is agendized for first reading and on the first reading, everything in the budget can pretty much be amended. What frequently happens at the budget hearings, is that amendments are made on the floor, councilmembers vote on it and then it gets printed in the newspaper, that's when the public first get noticed. At the second reading of the budget, the public has the opportunity to respond to the amendments that the Council has made. Also at the second reading, the Council has the authority to amend the budget, or amend it back to what it was previously. The Council's only limitation is that it has to be a balanced budget, the expenditures must meet the income, so it would have to correspond to what the real property tax rates are set at. Commissioner Springer asked if Chair Replogle could attend and submit testimony on this budget item. Attorney Leithead -Todd stated that with 2/3 votes this commission can amend the agenda to take up items, so long as they are not of major importance that would impact public negatively. Since what is being discussed is basically taking position for testimony before the County Council, Ms. Leithead -Todd did not consider it an item of major importance, that the public needed to be informed. This commission needs to amend this agenda, as long as this commission has the required 2/3 votes, to do so. Motion was made by Chair Replogle to amend agenda to take up the issue of testifying on June 5, 2006 before the Hawaii County Council under New Business of the agenda, Commissioner Schuster second the motion and all members voted aye, motion carried. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Chair Replogle stated to the Commissioners the importance of attending the meetings. Did not have a quorum at our last meeting, May 8, 2006 in Kona and three members from the public came prepared to give testimony, one member from the public drove from Hilo. Chair Replogle stressed if something comes up in your personal life and you are unable to serve this commission, please contact your council person. Please be considerate of the public. There are other members from the public who are on a waiting list who requested to be on this commission. Commissioner Springer suggested for calendar, reducing the number of meetings in Kona because it appears to be the "greater problem." Maybe could bring it up at our next meeting of June 19, 2006. Commissioner Kaneshiro stated that this commission needs to be considerate of the public more so than ourselves. 10