HomeMy WebLinkAboutPunihaole Kennedy, Cynthia
Tsuneda, Kaci
From:Cindi <cgpunihaole@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, July 15, 2026 2:29 PM
To:Council Testimony
Subject:Oppose Bill 165 Preserve the Maintenance Fund Safeguards in the Hawaii County
Charter
Aloha, Council members and Deputy Director Malia Kekai
The following components must remain in the Charter, where they can only be amended by a vote of the
people. These provisions establish the foundation for the County Code and protect the intent of the
voters. By keeping these safeguards in the Charter, future councils and administrations cannot weaken,
redirect, or eliminate these protections without public approval. They are essential to ensuring
accountability, transparency, and the long-term stewardship of public resources.
1. When deposits are made to the fund must be clearly specified (at a minimum, annually).
Without this requirement, there is no guarantee that the Maintenance Fund will be adequately
funded, placing the long-term care and maintenance of these important community assets at
risk.
2. Accounting and reporting requirements must be included so citizens can effectively monitor
how public funds are spent. Transparency builds public trust. The community deserves to know
how much money is collected, where it is spent, why it is spent, and what public benefit is being
achieved.
3. A broad outline of the decision-making process must remain in the Charter to provide a clear
framework for accountability. The Charter should expressly include oversight by the PONC
Commission and ensure that the Department of Finance and the County Council participate in
funding decisions. This structure provides checks and balances that protect the public interest.
These are not minor details. They are the safeguards that ensure the Maintenance Fund remains
transparent, accountable, and faithful to its intended purpose for generations to come. Once removed
from the Charter, these protections could be altered without direct approval from the people who
entrusted their government to manage these funds responsibly.
Mahalo for your service to our community and for carefully considering the concerns of your
constituents. We respectfully ask the County Council to uphold the principles of transparency,
accountability, and public trust by voting NO on Bill 165.
Cynthia Punihaole Kennedy
Kalaoa, North Kona, Hawaii island.
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