HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0158.013 2024-2026From: Debbie Ward
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2025 8:49 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Finance Department budget testimony
Aloha, Hawaii County Council chair and members,
My name is Deborah Ward, from the district of Puna (mauka). I am offering testimony today to address the budget of the
Finance Department.
I would like to urge the Council to consider the salaries of the staff members assigned to duties related to the Public
Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission. The work of the staff is highly sensitive, demanding and requires
careful oversight. The land acquisitions and maintenance of PONC properties takes ongoing diligence and diplomacy.
The County's property manager is overburdened, and the commission currently has no secretary due to the shockingly
low salary allocated by the budget. Ajob description outlined in the county charter has not been filled, likely due to poor
compensation for this demanding work. Additionally, PONC is the only commission unable to conduct online meetings to
address public testimony and to accommodate commissioners with lengthy commutes to meetings. Commissioners have
been told that the staff is not available to manage the zoom meetings.
For this reason, I ask that the County Council and the administration consider the importance of the Commission and
the effort it takes to accomplish the goals of the County. Please find a way to address the salaries and staffing so that we
can protect our cultural and natural resources for the families of our future!
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify.
Deborah Ward