HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0455.003 2004-2006 BOB JACOBSON a Phone: (808) 961-8263
• ""~y„ Fax: (808) 961-8912
COUNC/LMEMBER Email: jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us
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HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
('oanty ofHawai'i
Hawa, Y ('aunty Building ,
25 Aupunr Street. S'uire 109
Hilo. Hawai Y 96710
October 18, 2005
To: Hawai' i County Council Chair Stacy Higa and Members -
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From: Hawai' i County Councilmember Bob Jacobson ~
Topic: Concerning Communication 455.2 and CharacterisTics OtA Healthy Committee System
Aloha Chair Higa and Members of the Hawai' i County Council,
I would ask that you consider the following input to current efforts to reorganize the County Council. The changes suggested in
Comm.455.2 disenfranchise about 45% of the residents of this island. Make no doubt about it, these recommendations sell out the
interests of voters in Puna, Ka' u, Kona and Kohala. Reorganizing leadership is one thing, but taking all power away from elected
Councilmembers is a slap in the face to all voters in Puna, Ka'u, Kona and Kohala. I oppose these rule changes. They put our
county government back into the dark ages.
Current committee rules include the following positive characteristics:
• Each Councilmember has a committee chair position unless that member declined leadership or there is a mutually acceptable
co-chair situation as with Planning. Rationale: all Councilmembers were elected and should be given the opportunity to serve
those who elected them. This rule was imposed during the initial organization of this Council and Mr. Higa agreed to this at
the time of his becoming Chair. Mr. Arakaki declined any duties at that time.
• There is full membership of all 9 Councilmembers on all committees. Rationale: voters deserve representation on alt
committees to ensure open government and open discourse.
• The committee quorum is five members. Open govemment requires this.
• All legislation should be heard at least once at full council regardless of whether a positive or negative recommendation is
made by the committee. All elected members and their voters deserve a voice.
• All legislation sent to committee chairs by members is heazd within three meetings. No individual should be allowed to
obstruct legislation.
• The Environmental Management Department was created by voters in a charter amendment It warrants having its own
committee.
Suggested Changes to existing rules:
• Committees should hear all items relating to that committee's area of concern.
• Repeal rule authored by Mrs. Isbell that limits the length of time for Councilmembers to speak to only 5 minutes per subject.
• All Councilmembers should be allowed to speak on any motion on the floor before the chair allows for cloture of debate
(calling for the question).
• Committee hearings should be required for major legislation, financial decisions contracts or rule changes unless an
emergency exists.
• All members should attend all Committee meetings if at all possible,
• Allow for testimony by citizens to be heazd on items not on the agenda. The people of this county have the right to address
the Hawai i County Council.
Comm. No. S S ~ 3_ •
District h _ U er Puna, Ka`u, and.Sourh Kona Ref. TO: t fReMr+
Hawaii C'aunty /s An EqualOpportunity Provider And Employer ^~f• irate