HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0785.004 2022-2024 p/acfAc
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From: Christian Kimo Alameda
Sent: Monday, April 1, 2024 11:40 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: OPPOSITION TO HI COUNTY BILL 143, SUGGESTED REVISIONS &CALL FOR ACROSS-
THE-ISLAND HYBRID TOWN HALLS TO DISCUSS WITH MORE TRANSPARENCY
TO: HAWAI'I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL
AFFAIRS
Chair—Council Member Cindy Evans; Vice Chair—Council Member Susan Lee Loy and Committee
Members
Hearing: Tuesday, April 2, 2024— 1 PM
This shift from four 2-year terms (a total of 8 consecutive years), to three 4-year terms (a total of 12
consecutive years)— plus coupling these additional years with existing terms for those re-elected in
2024 would significantly reduce the accountability of our elected Council representatives while
potentially permitting terms —for some—for as long as 16-18 years!
The President of the United States, our Governor and our County Mayor all have term limits—two 4-
year terms for a maximum total of 8 years. Why would Council members merit longer terms? What is
there about the Council's responsibility and authority that warrants this drastic change?
Therefore, I urge this bill be at the very least be revised to change terms to two 4-year terms for a
maximum total of 8 years to match term limits in place for the US President, Hawai'i Governor and
Hawai'i County Mayor. Also, amend the language to delete reference entirely to allowing an automatic
extension of current terms.
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Ref. Date f PR ® 2 2024