HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0647.002 2022-2024 P/ GoEAG
Res..5g1-25
COUNTY CLERK CON.07
CGUN y OF R7 ' ' t'
702/1 12: 04
To: The Hawaii County Council ` ` €#
Committee on Governmental Operation and External Affairs
From: Jennifer Wilkinson, District 7
RE: Res. 389-24: Amends the Rules of Procedure and Organization of the Council of
the County of Hawaii by Amending Rule 23, Bills and Resolutions
Dear Chair Evans and Council Members:
I would like to ask you to decline to pass the proposed Resolution numbered 389-24, which
amends the County Council Rules of Procedure and relates to the requirement that any
amendment to a bill made at final reading be held over until the next regular meeting of the
Council.
Thank you for seeking to create expedience within our system by proposing to more quickly
decide on bills amended during council meetings. However,without holding bills amended at
final reading to the next session,the very intent of the Sunshine Law is violated,and the public
is left without a voice regarding any last-minute amendments.
We can all agree things generally move slowly in Hawaii, but the Sunshine Law has provided the
public with the necessary notice and opportunity to participate in their government for 20+
years.The declaration of policy an intent in the statute acknowledges, "Opening up the
governmental processes to public scrutiny and participation is the only viable and reasonable
method of protecting the public's interest."To allow amendments to a bill at final reading
without holdover, effectively silences the greater public to comment and participate. It would
be a great disservice to the community to pass this resolution.
RECOMMENDATION: DO NOT PASS THIS RESOLUTION.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Wilkinson
. Comm. No. 1%
Ref. To: 211111giv
Ref. Dote f` _ 9 2"