HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0647.006 2022-2024 Rey.5sq-24
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To: The Hawaii County Council f 5 AN
25
Committee on Governmental Operation and External Affairs
February 6, 2024
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:
Thank you for considering my testimony at the last hearing on this matter regarding the
application of the Sunshine Law to this resolution. I know it does not specifically apply, but the
intent of the law still does, and should apply to all your work while on the Council. Sunlight and
participation are the only reasonable methods of protecting the public interest.
While I have not witnessed any motions to suspend,you have indicated they occur frequently,
and I understand the rationale behind the resolution. However, by offering that motion,you
provide transparency and accountability for your actions.That motion tells the public that you
believe the amendments made at that hearing are immaterial.There is some reliance the public
may take in that action, and it provides some measure of responsibility to your constituents.To
remove that requirement just further obfuscates the rationale behind some of the Council's
decisions-at best-and prevents possible public discourse and participation in matters that
affect them -at worst.
As one council member mentioned at the last hearing,we may not know why this rule was
implemented, but it is possible it was intended to respond to an injustice by a former council
member or prevent one in the future. In a time of very reasonable public distrust due to various
cases of fraud, bribery, and corruption in other areas of government, please help heal that trust,
by making the decisions of this body- no matter how small - beyond reproach and in full
sunlight. If it's done all the time, and only takes a few minutes and one holdover hearing, isn't it
worth the time to provide the public with every opportunity to be heard?
PLEASE DO NOT PASS THIS RESOLUTION.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Wilkinson
Comm. No. ..
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Ref. Date