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this under one roof and make it easier for the people? It is <br /> just like pulling nails, you know, to get anything done. <br /> This is what I have complained about all the time when I was <br /> on the council. <br /> MR. ISHIDA: How would you resolve that? Put <br /> it strictly under the mayor? <br /> MR. ROBERT YAMADA: I think it should be in <br /> the same category as the public works today. <br /> MR. ISHIDA: Are you suggesting we consolidate <br /> departments? That we retain the same departments but. . . <br /> MR. ROBERT YAMADA: No, the water department <br /> is a big department. Or you can consolidate it with the <br /> planning commission also because they do all the planning and <br /> water development. The planning commission will not move <br /> unless the water department approves any development. I think <br /> somehow they should work and be under the mayor so he can <br /> coordinate. <br /> MR. ISHIDA: Under your proposal as far as the <br /> makeup of the council is concerned, you suggested that there';_ <br /> will be one councilman who would be the chairman and who runs <br /> at-large. Is that correct? <br /> MR. ROBERT YAMADA: This is what I feltthat_ might <br /> be most appropriate because you have to have some people <br /> responsible for the entire island and to coordinate each district. <br /> To work together. <br /> MR. ISHIDA: And that position would be given to <br /> the one who runs at-large? <br /> MR. ROBERT YAMADA: He would run as the chairman <br /> of the council. So the people know who is going to be chairman <br /> and they are going to elect the right people. As it is now, <br /> on the council , we have nine members. The nine members appoint- <br /> the chairman. Whether the chairman is qualified or not if he <br /> is popular and has the ability to corral enough votes , he will <br /> be the chairman. He might not be the best chairman. These are <br /> some of my findings. <br /> CHAIRMAN SAKATA: Thank you, Mr. Yamada, for your <br /> input. <br /> RECESS: At 9: 05 the Chair called for a short recess. <br /> RECONVENE: At 9 : 20 p.m. the meeting reconvened. <br /> The Chair called upon Harvey T ajiri and Michael <br /> Mentnech to speak but bothspeakers were unable to remain. <br /> Susan Irvine was the next speaker. <br /> -30- <br />