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Harry Kim <br />fa 'or <br />(ftrunig <br />ffirr <br />Wil Okabe <br />Alanaging Direclor <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy Afamiging Director <br />25 Aupun. Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C. • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />February 20, 2018 <br />Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair <br />Committee on Ways and Means <br />Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice -Chair <br />Committee on Ways and Means <br />Hawail State Capitol, Room 211 <br />Honolulu, 1 96813 <br />Dear Chair Dela C z, Vice -Chair Keith-Agaran and Co ittee Me ers: <br />R SB 2134, SO 1 Relating to Training Courses on Native Hawaiian <br />Rights <br />Hearin Date: 02/22/18 — 10:10 am; Conference Room 211 <br />lam often reluctant to endorse any mandate, especially an unfunded mandate <br />that will impact county governments. However, there are few things as important as <br />fostering a better understanding of awaiTs First Nation, and 1 have heard great things <br />about the OHA training course. <br />Therefore, support the concept behind SB 2134, SD 1. However, 1think there <br />needs to be more letail. For example, what is the time commitment that each <br />participant ust make? It would seem that if training is mandated, there should also be <br />a mandate that the course be no more than a certain number of hours. <br />I would also ask that provision be made to offer the courses on the neighbor <br />islands so that travel will not become a barrier to pa icipation. It seems to me that at <br />least twice a year on each island, including twice in East Hawaii and twice in West <br />Hawail, would be the minimum necessary. <br />Finally, as lam sure others have noted, it is not clear what happens if a <br />mandate" is violated. Suppose a duly elected County Council member fails to take the <br />training for some reason; what is the consequence? Maybe it would be better to begin <br />by offering the courses to the targeted officials, rather than requiring participation. I <br />know that 1 would Krongly encourage my appointees to attend, and lam confident that <br />other Mayors would do the same. <br />)(::untv of 1law ai' i is an !Anal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />