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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0279.075 2022-2024 P/ Gourici 148 COMM.21 From: Donald Rudny Sent: Thursday,June 01, 2023 7:24 AM To: Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather; Villegas, Rebecca; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Inaba, Holeka; Lee Loy, Sue; Evans, Cynthia F.W.; Galimba, Michelle M.; Ka*wad Jennifer; Kierkiewicz, Ashley s=c..) Cc: Roth, Mitch D c Subject: Bill 48 -- w�_, Aloha Honorable Council Members, via "9 G, ": I wish to make some additional comments on Bill 48. I was disappointed to see this bill move forward to a full Council reading after the first reading at the committee level. I thought the Council members did an admirable job asking questions and raising concerns about the bill regarding specificity and authority,and I thank them for that,but the responses by corporate counsel and the bill sponsor did not sufficiently address them. Corporate counsel in particular,did not have sufficient answers to several questions and appeared to be unsure of the ones she gave. Also,one of the bill's sponsors, Rebecca Villegas,was understandably absent. Given this situation, I felt the bill should have been tabled to the next committee meeting to give time to address the Council's concerns more completely and hear from CM Villegas. I had an opportunity to discuss some of my concerns with CM Kimball in her recent talk story and she was helpful in giving me a better understanding of the bill in regards to authority and specificity. She indicated to me that the lack of specifics in the bill would be addressed in a later chapter that has yet to be written. Shouldn't it be written and evaluated by Council before the bill is passed? She pointed out that the bill states the director of OSCER will report to the managing director. Although it helps to define the hierarchy,it still does not accurately defined the extent of the authority and how it will interact with other departments. I believe the County Charter is a better place for defining these duties and authorities of this new office. CM Evans made that suggestion,and I agree with it. The other night KOHN 2 had a story about a dog attack on the Big Island and the difficulties with the County staffing and initiating the new animal control unit. I wholeheartedly support that effort and applaud the Council for passing the animal control bill. I have also recently been educated on the serious nature of our health care system and the shortage of doctors in the State, but more critically here on the Big Island. My only point on bringing up these two issues is that we need to stay focused on these critical issues directly affecting Big Island residents. Public safety and the health of the people should be the top priorities of County government. Implementing Bill 48 at this point may distract the County from these efforts. Although the goals of Bill 48 appear to be well intended, I find the efforts to pass it to be a bit rushed. It establishes an entirely new office in an already complex government structure with vague goals and still poorly defined authority. I have spoken with several of my neighbors and they don't have a clue as to what OSCER is, even after I explain what I know. Many of us are unsure of why we are doing this and what will be accomplished by it. Please take more time to discuss and vet this bill. Reaching out to the community for feedback would be an important and helpful exercise. I have the following suggestions: 1. Make Bill 48 a Charter Amendment as suggested by CM Evans. 2. Have some informational meetings set up throughout the Big Island to explain what OSCER is and how it's important to the community. It would help if the Mayor is involved to state his support and explain how it would be incorporated into the administration. 3. Make the Director of OSCER an appointment by the Mayor subject to Council approval. It should not be a civil service position. 21q io Comm. No. 1 Ref.To: Al Ref. Date JUN ®. 7 2023 4. The director of OSCER should be required to provide a quarterly report to the Council providing actions taken and accomplishments. It should be focused on how it's directly helping and serving the people of the Big Island. 5. If the Council moves forward in passing this as a bill,additional chapters on specifics should be written before final passage. It would also be helpful to have Mayor Roth speak before the Council on the bill to show his support and explain how it will be integrated into the administration. Mahalo for the opportunity to state my views and recommendations. I trust you will take a measured approach moving forward on Bill 48. Don Don Rudny P.O. Box 106 Pepeekeo, HI 96783-0106 312-209-5870 2