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• ADDENDUM TO TESTIMONY - PLANNING COMMISSION PUNA COMMUNITY COUNCIL Page 1 REPORT TO CHARTER, COMMISSION 0 AUGUST 14, 1989 we would like, at this time, to offer a perspective point of view from the Puna Community Council in regards to an effort, initiated by a member of the current county council, that will reduce the authority of the Planning Commission from a "Policy Making" panel to a mere emasculated "Advisory" panel. It is our con- tention that it would not be in the best interest of good government if such a change was to occur. The following points, offered to the Charter Commission, are submitted to support our contention: PROS: 1. It would streamline the county government.by eliminating nine (9) ,. members of a policy making body and .puts it, into the. hands of the county council. 2. Control of the authority of the Planning Commission would create a very powerful county council. CONS: 1. Elimination of the Planning Commission would weaken the Mayor's position since members are selected by the Mayor and must be confirmed by the county council. It is the responsibility of the • commission to advise the Mayor, council, and planning director in matters concerning planning programs (Sec. 5-4.3A) . Will the council, or does the council have time, to inform or advise the mayor? If the county council does take over the duties and powers of the planning commission would this create a problem in obtaining the authority and power of the planning committee by members of,the county council. 2. The elimination of the planning commission would eliminate par- ticipation by the lay people of Hawaii County to participate on a policy making board in local government. In essence, ell decision will be made by politicians and the people will have very little to contribute in any policy preparation. 3. Can the council take on the added reponsibility of the Special Management Area (SMA) and Geo :Thermal permitting process in ad- dition to the following responsibilities. (Added information of the responsibility as described by the Hawaii Charter Commission Sec. 5-4.3) By contrast, the planning commission for the County of Hawaii has been assigned by charter functions which are more than advisory only. Section 5-4.3 of the Hawaii County Charter describes the commission • 550