HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0785.008 2022-2024 p /GoEAc
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Patti Cook
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Box 6960,Kamuela,HI 96743 201� �R, �r
(BM)937-2833— CookshiRaol.00m ';i. _' '
April 1, 2024
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
OPPOSITION TO HAWAI'I COUNTY COUNCIL BILL 143, SUGGESTED
REVISIONS & CALL FOR ACROSS-THE-ISLAND HYBRID TOWN HALLS
TO DISCUSS WITH MORE TRANSPARENCY
Bill as drafted: INITIATES AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 3-2, OF THE HAWAII
COUNTY CHARTER( 2022 EDITION), RELATING TO COUNTY COUNCIL TERMS
Mahalo for this opportunity to comment on Bill 143. I strongly OBJECT to the bill as drafted
because it would drastically change our County of Hawai'i's Council representation —not
for the better.
As important as my lone voice in opposition is the fact that Hawai'i Island voters have
REJECTED changing our Council terms and limits numerous times—it's been on our
ballots several times and also received much thought, discussion—and opposition -during
the most recent County Charter review. Many from across Hawai'i Island came forward
during the Charter review/update process to express opposition.
So why now? This seems extremely self-serving—especially when the extension is tied to
extending current terms. Absolutely not!
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?
I do believe that the current two-year terms for County Council do not give elected Council
members the time needed to become fully oriented and able to make a contribution to
altering or otherwise improving programs and services for residents of this island. Also,
that with 2-year terms, there's compelling pressure to use the second year for fundraising
and campaigning for re-election— not focusing on the critical needs of the community. I'd
Comm. No. . S.
Ref. To: I I.re
Ref. Date APR - 2 2024
prefer thinking this isn't the case and am not pointing fingers, but this has been evident at
times.
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.
Elections are a critical opportunity for voters to review and evaluate the track record of our
elected representative and discuss with them critical issues and opportunities. Longer
terms, and fewer opportunities to engage in these conversations and— in effect— reducing
the opportunity for a "report card"-like assessment of performance (aka, an election), would
not serve the voters of our island well.
Trust and accountability are huge issues in today's complex world and contentious public
policy environment. This bill as currently written would further erode public trust by
reducing accountability.
One added request: If the council deems this a policy change worthy of further
consideration, then immediately schedule a hybrid town hall in each of the nine Council
Districts to secure direct voter feedback before finalizing the measure. Council meetings
during workdays with—to be honest—rather little public notice, are not adequate and not
pono for such an important matter impacting our community's critically important public
policy representation.
While I would prefer deferring this bill entirely—at the very least, amend the bill and then
schedule a series of hybrid town halls in each Hawai'i Council District before taking further
action.
Mahalo,
Patti Cook
Waimea, Island of Hawai'i
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