CHC 1979-07-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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In so doing, we believe that the length of time necessary for a proper solution should not be a limiting factor. As we understand it, there is nothing final about November 3 as the date for the special election. It is just a timetable , goal of this commission, whereas the true goal must be an improved charter of the people for the people of all Hawaii County. We appreciate this opportunity to present our views to you and as previously indicated, we remain available to you for any clarification or assistance. Thank you. I have copies of this for the record if you wish to have them. (Communication #79) I wonder if Mr. Nottage could be permitted to put on a few more explanatory words on behalf of the Exchange Club of Kona. MR. NOTTAGE: Mr. Chairman. My name is Jim Nottage and I am a businessman, from Kona and I appreciate this opportunity to speak to you. I am representing the Exchange Club of Kona and I don 't think I am just representing them, I think there are a number of other people that would like to come forward and say the same thing. However, at this particular point it is the Exchange Club. The Exchange Club of Kona strongly feels that this commission has not considered the people of Hawaii but rather they have looked for and found the easy way out. With the public hearings which took up 40% of your time, your own time which was about 21%, we mean the time that you spent together without the public and about 37% of your time spent with the government. . .Of course, three of these were after the public hearings were held We feel you haven ' t given the public a fair share number ( 1 ) of your time, or, number (2) of your consideration. We feel that by giving an unequal share of power, if you would want to use that word; of votes, if you want to use that word; political clout, if you prefer that to other sections or to singular sections of the county, you are taking away from your obligation to all of us as individuals and as groups and we strongly feel that you should reconsider your position. I think, with the facts that have been presented to you today, I hope you do study the figures, especially on the population per vote basis since history of the United States is based on an equal representation--and I stress the word equal--and when that equal representation is not followed many things can happen. I am sure that you are all very well aware of them and I will not bring them up to you at this particular time. I just ask you, as a group, on behalf of the people that have asked me to come over here and speak for themto please reconsider your positions and realize what your duties are. Being on a commission, myself, in the past, I have raised my hand and pledged to do the best I could for the county and the people of Hawaii. I suggest that you consider that very strongly. Thank you very much, again, for letting me speak. I realize it is not the normal order. -4-