HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0785.021 2022-2024 P/C-tomc,
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DS Matsunaga '785
65-1536 Kawaihae Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743
dsegalmatsu@gmail.com
April 1, 2024
TO: HAWAI'I COUNTY COUNCIL- COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS -0
Chair—Council Member Cindy Evans; Vice Chair—Council Member Susan Lee Loy and
Committee Members �°�' y
Hearing: Tuesday, April 2, 2024— 1 PM
( $ _.
OPPOSITION TO HAWAI'I COUNTY COUNCIL BILL 143, '-
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.
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?
Please defer this bill, or revise it 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
representatives and discuss with them critical issues and opportunities. This bill as currently written
would further erode public trust by reducing accountability.
Mahalo,
Doris Segal Matsunaga
Waimea, Island of Hawai'i 2
Comm.
Ref.To: iSI411
Ref. Date APR - 2 2024.,