CHC 1979-05-01 PH - Laserfiche WebLink

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MR. NAGASAKO: Mr. Sakata, Chairman, and the other members of the Charter Review Commission. I am Kengo Nagasako, 45 Aloalo Street, Hilo, Hawaii , speaking for himself as a concerned citizen of this county. This evening I will want to touch on three articles of the county charter. The first is Article VII , Executive Branch, Departments or Agencies under Commissions. Section 7-1.6. Also Sections 7-2. 7, 7-3.5 and Section 8-5 . May I read Section 7-1.6, as an example. This has to do with administrative supervision, "The department of personnel services shall come under the general supervision and control of the mayor. " Now, for Section 7-2. 7, of course, we have reference to the police department. Section 7-3.5 we have the department of liquor control. And, Section 8-5 has to do with administrative supervision of the department of water supply. The question I am raising to the Charter Review Commission is should these sections on administrative super- vision be clarified? At least, in the minutes of the Review Commission ' s proceedings? In other words , the term or expression, "the general supervision or control of the mayor, " what does that mean? I ask this question because a few years ago, I was asked for a written opinion by a member of the corporation counsel ' s staff. The next article that I wish to comment on is Article XV which has to do with the charter amendment or revision in which you are presently actively involved. Section 15-1. Initiation of Amendments or Revisions. Amendments or revision&^of this charter may be initiated only in the following manner, and I go to item ( a) By ordinance of the council adopted after three readings on separate days and passed by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire membership. The question I am raising is should public hearings be mandatory before final adoption of the ordinance by the county council? I raise that question because certainly the charter is a basic document for the county government and as you are providing us this evening, should the public be granted an opportunity to express its views? The final article that I wish to touch on this evening is Article III , the Legislative Branch of the County Council. I have reference to Section 3-2. Composition and terms . Now, my proposal is there shall be a county council composed of nine members , four of whom shall be elected -3-