HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0037.003 2020-2022 C,OMM,57
AMY G. SELF
1742 Haleloke Street
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
December 31, 2020
The Honorable Maile David
County Council Chair
County Council
County of Hawai'i
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. 37: Appointment of Elizabeth A. Strance as the Corporation Counsel-,'
Dear Chair David:
I am writing in support of Comm. 37, relating to the appointment of Elizabeth A. Strance
(`Betsy") as the next Corporation Counsel. Betsy is probably the most qualified person that I have
ever met for the position of Corporation Counsel. This statement is based on her many years as a
circuit court judge and, more importantly, her extensive experience as a mediator. I honestly
believe that her experience as a mediator will help her to serve as the attorney for both the mayor
and the county council. This is because Betsy has no underlying political agenda_ She seeks only
to give good, sound legal advice to both offices.
In addition, even when she was a circuit court judge, I experienced firsthand her concern
for the County when I represented the planning director in an appeal before her. This involved a
jurisdictional matter wherein I argued for dismissal of the planning director. The confusion arose
because the Planning Department had failed to update its department rules to reflect the Charter
amendment that had changed the jurisdiction more than twelve years ago. Before dismissing the
planning director, since the Charter obviously trumps a department rule, Judge Strance correctly,
and firmly I might add, said that if the planning department expects the public to comply with its
rules,the planning department has a duty to update its rules as soon as possible after an amendment
occurs. It was an embarrassing moment, to say the least, but she was correct. Needless to say, I
went to the Planning Department the next day to let them know that I took a bullet for them.
Finally, Betsy is a good listener. You will notice that she listens intently to everything you
say before speaking because she is taking in everything that you say. This is what a good mediator
does.In other words, she is not trying to formulate and answer while listening to the problem. This
is why I think she will be well suited to the position of Corporation Counsel because you cannot
formulate an answer, if you do not hear the problem.
Based on my years as a deputy corporation counsel, I regret not being able to serve the
County under the leadership of Betsy. I know that she will do an excellent job and I hope that you
Camra. Noy .9 (Ref. T : CyE-G'DO
Ref. Date JAN 2021
will confirm her without any hesitation. The Office of the Corporation needs a leader like Betsy,
so that it can move forward and be an excellent law office for the County.
Sincerely yours,
Amy G. Self