CHC 1979-02-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

At the outset, I would like to say that the statements I make are not necessarily mine but they are his. But I will try to answer the questions to the best of my ability if there be any questions. "Mre Chairman and members of the Charter Commission® My name is Stephen K. Yamashiro, Chairman of the Council of the County of Hawaii. "At this time I would like to thank you for the opportunity to participate with you in the review of our County Charter. The County of Hawaii is a very vital part of our society and the County Council as the legislative branch of our local government has the responsibility of setting the goals , priorities and direction for all the people of the county. "Judge Martin Pence, formerly of Hilo, in one of his anti-trust decisions , advanced the theory of government participating in a similar role as parents' of the people which they represent. This analogy very aptly states the role and responsibility of county government , and especially of the legislative policy-making body. It is our duty to evaluate the circumstances and conditions we exist in and to make those decisions which will allow the community to grow and prosper and continue to be a good place to live for all members of the community. "Here in the State of Hawaii , we have a very simple, centralized form of government. The responsibilities for governmental action rests in two hands--either the State Legislature or the local county governments. We are not beset with the multitude of state-local-municipal governments along with the various boards , commissions , water districts , special districts which are responsible for the governance of many areas of our country. Our powers as the County Council are derived from the State Constitution and the Legislature of the State of Hawaii. These powers are further promulgated in that document that you are now in the process of reviewing', our County Charter. "Our local government, being the closest level of government to the people of the County of Hawaii, is charged with the responsibility and obligation ofo,providing the primary public services demanded by the people of our county. These services are basically in the area of police, fire, roads, water and recreation. In addition, and perhaps of more importance, is the local government ' s role in land use and planning. The local government through its exercise of land use controls formulate policies and decisions which not only guide the direction and growth of our county, but also dictate cost and expenses which will be borne by the people of our county. Land useTplanning considers social , economic and cultural activities which determines the life- style, vitality, and happiness of our people. -2-