HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0686.000 2000-2002
From: Te Fax: 9618912 Page 2 of 2, Wednesday, 7uly J3, 2002 06pm
~ I [ 1~--~
July 3.2002
Honorable Bobby Jean Leithead- Todd
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Our June 27, 20021etter to you concerning Bill 305 Code of Ethics
Dear Councilwoman Leithead-Todd:
We have been advised to request that the above-referenced correspondence be forwarded
to the Chair of the County Council by you for assignment to the proper committee.
Could you please forward our request and if for any reason you cannot do so, could you
please let us know?
Sincerely
7~'t,0'Yt~~ R ct~v
Thomas Russi
Christine Paul
73-4422 HoloHolo St.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-9307
c: Hawaii County Councilmembers
Board of Ethics
Comm. No.
File No.
Ref. To•
K~f. Date JUL 5 2002
Ec~_.n: T~ Fax: !3618912 Page 2 of 3, Thursday, June 27, 20J2 1: ZBpm
June 27, 2002
Honorable Bobby Jean Leithead- Todd
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Bill 305 Code of Ethics
Dear Councilwoman Leithead-Todd:
As we explained to you today by telephone and in regards to the above-mentioned bill, we
have some concerns we would ask for you to consider.
As you know, Bi11305, (Draft 3), will amend the Code of Ethics in the Hawaii County
Code to follow the State Ethics. However, it will eliminate Section 2-85 Conduct of
officers and employees. We feel that Section 2-85 should be reinstated completely
including and most important, (a) (3) "All persons shall be treated in a courteous, fair
and impartial manner." As you also know, we feel very strongly about this particular
section being reinstated into Bill 305 before it is considered. Because of our personal
experiences with the County of Hawaii, it is sometimes the only avenue we have to hold
our government accountable. We also believe that courteous, fair and impartial treatment
should be the cornerstone for any government agency.
For these reasons we would ask that you:
1. Amend Bill 305 to include Conduct of officers and employees: Officers
and employees of the County, while discharging their duties and dealing
with the public, shall adhere to the following precepts:
All persons shall be treated in a courteous, fair and impartial manner
into Section 2-83 Fair Treatment of Draft 3.
or
2. If you move forward with Bi11305, Draft 3 as it is, with no changes, that a
vile be adopted by the Board of Ethics to make it mandatory for the Board to
include in their "Rules of Practice and Procedure" a copy of that part of the
County Charter that covers the Board of Ethics so that the public understands
their rights under the County Code and the County Charter as far as fair
treatment. In other words, because this bill cannot change Article XIV of the
Fr°a: ^.o Eax: 9618912 Page ? of a, Thursday, June Z7, ZOD2 L LBpm
Honorable Bobby Jean Leithead- Todd
County of Hawaii
lone 27, 2002
Page 2
Hawaii County Charter entitled, "Code of Ethics." we feel it is important that
the general public be aware of their right to fair treatment when appearing in
front of the Board of Ethics.
Thank you very much for introducing a more stringent Code of Ethics. Because these
changes are so important, eve are wondering why this Bill has been sitting with the Board
of Ethics for 2 years? Can you please keep us informed on your decision about our above-
mentioned request`s Thank you.
Sincerely
7~ R
Ch.~i~wt.~ ~'cucL
Thomas Rossi
Christine Paul
73-4422 HoloHolo St.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-9307
c: Hawaii County Councilmembers
Board of Ethics