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establish a regular presence in Kona similar to the regular presence in Hilo where folks would
<br />know that at least once every quarter, the Council would meet, basically, in Kailua and that, so
<br />rfor interaction of civic groups, high school people, whatever, just like people now can count on
<br />the Council in Hilo, they could count on the Council, and also having, by far, the greatest
<br />centralized bulk of the population. That was the other thought behind it.
<br />TYLER: Sure. Well, I commend you all for bringing that forward. I think it's a very
<br />good idea. As I say, it's caught the attention of the residents of West Hawaii, certainly those in
<br />the district that I represent that I've heard from. And what I think it does, it's very simple, but at
<br />the same time, it has the tendency to really help solidify the idea that we're one island and
<br />we're not two counties, and that we really need to work together in collaboration. And
<br />traditionally, the seat of government has been here. We all know the reasons why it's here, and
<br />has been here, but with the growth and changing in the population, I think it's a great, great
<br />idea.
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<br />RAY: So, you think a meeting in South Kohala, because it would probably have
<br />to be in the resort district to have a sufficient meeting room — there aren't any meeting rooms in
<br />Waimea. I guess it could be in the school but it couldn't be in the school during regular hours,
<br />so it would probably be in the resort area vs. being centrally in Kailua, where there again, would
<br />be probably in a resort, but it would be a lot more accessible to general populations.
<br />TYLER: Yes, I believe it would and I think if you leave some flexibility, which I hope
<br />you will, to the Council to make some decisions as to well, you know, we've got some big
<br />projects in Konawaena, middle Kona, and well, we ought to schedule it at the Kona Surf where
<br />many of them are held, at the Kamehameha Ballroom, which seems to be large enough; or
<br />we're having some major land use decision-making up north at South Kohala. Give us the
<br />flexibility. One of the concerns that's come up in the Council when we talk about having
<br />meetings in Kona is the cost. And I bring that up not as a negative but if we are to rent a room,
<br />and we cannot get it gratis, it potentially costs a lot of money. So this is something the Council
<br />would be responsible, or the clerk, for researching, and the staff, to have a regular meeting
<br />place. I think it's going to work. And as I say, I think it's a real catalytic proposed amendment
<br />because it shows that you're being sensitive to the perception that West Hawaii's neglected. I
<br />just want to really commend that to you.
<br />I've received some other comments by e-mail which I have been asked to pass along to you. I
<br />received one from Shannon Rudolph who said that she felt that an elected Charter Review
<br />Commission would be something that, in the years ahead, might afford more community
<br />members to become involved in government, and she gave an example: In her home county,
<br />before she moved to Hawaii some years ago, where 40 people ran for 11 spots on the Review
<br />Commission, and it was just a way to get more people involved.
<br />I've also received a number of comments regarding Neighborhood Boards. I know that's not
<br />on your agenda. I have suggested to people who have brought this up before me that they
<br />review some considerable materials which I have in my files for the future. So, I just wanted to
<br />mention that in case it does come up.
<br />Also, I received a copy of Mr. Jack Brunton's very interesting letter; 22 years in law
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