HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0785.017 2022-2024 P/caol✓Ac
bill (U S
Gretchen H. Klungness '785
P.O. Box 364, Mountain View, HI 96771
District 5
(808) 896-9972 - Gretchen12447@hotmail.com
counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
TO: COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Chair—Council Member Cindy Evans
Vice Chair— Susan Lee Loy
Committee Members
RE: OPPOSITION TO BILL 143 - INITIATES AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, '
SECTION 3- 2, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CHARTER(2022 EDITION), RELATING TOt - ±
COUNTY COUNCIL TERMS -- r
Hearing: Tues., April 2, 2024— 1PM '°
I appreciate the opportunity to provide my testimony in opposition to Bill 143 relating to the terms
for County Council members. .
This shift from four 2-year terms (a total of 8 consecutive years), to three 4-year terms (a total of 12
consecutive years)would drastically reduce the accountability of our elected Council representative.
I endorse extending the terms from 2 years to 4 years, but a 12-year term is excessive. It makes no
sense to allow County Council members to have longer terms that the President of the United
States, the Governor and Lt. Governor of the State of Hawaii, and the Mayor of the County of
Hawai'i!
Elections are a critical opportunity for voters to review and examine the record of their elected
representative and discuss with them critical issues and opportunities. Longer terms, and fewer
opportunities to engage in these conversations and "report card" would not serve the voters of this
island at all well.
Please defer this bill.
Gretchen H. Klungness
Mountain View, Hawaii
(District 5)
Comm. No. `1•
Ref. To:
Ref. Date APR - a ago.