HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0438.001 2020-2022 counc'
From: Georjean Adams
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2021 10:02 AM .
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Fwd: Support for Resolution 238-21
reseeding by item
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Georjean Adams
Date: Tue, Oct 19, 2021 at 9:44 AM
Subject: Support for HSAC Additions =7:
To: <counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov>
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1. I support Resolution 238-21: SUPPORTS ADDITION OF AN ITEM TITLED "AMENDING THE SUNSHINE
LAW, PART I OF CHAPTER 92, HAWAII REVISED STATUTES, TO ENHANCE THE CAPACITY OF
COUNTY COUNCILS TO DEVELOP EFFECTIVE PUBLIC POLICY WHILE ASSURING TRANSPARENCY
AND CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT" FOR INCLUSION IN THE 2022 HAWAII
STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE
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As current chair of the Environmental Management Commission and my career-long experience in rulemaking, I
thoroughly support having a "Sunshine Act" that ensures the public has an opportunity to raise issues that may not
otherwise be recognized by government bodies. Allowing enough time to ensure public notice and comment on
proposed decisions is important. But also important is the ability of government agents (whether Council,
Commission, Committee or agency members and their staff)to gather information and study various scenarios in a
timely manner. The time for public input is before final decisions are made. The sunshine law and procedures should
not impede collaboration in doing "homework" in coming up with proposed actions. They should instead focus on
ensuring public concerns are solicited and publicly addressed (though not necessarily accepted)before final decisions
are made.
2. I support Resolution 239-21 as amended: ADDITION OF AN ITEM TITLED "DEVELOP AN INNOVATIVE
APPROACH TO SECURE FUNDING WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII TO ADDRESS THE COUNTIES'
WASTEWATER NEEDS" FOR INCLUSION IN THE 2022 HAWAII STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE
There must be a concerted effort to find sustainable funding for wastewater treatment and, preferably, reuse. I further
support the approach of SB 997 SDI to open up options for how to safely and cost-effectively manage our wastewater
and eliminate unnecessary barriers that exist in Hawaii.
Georjean Adams
Kamuela, 11196743