HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0537.055 2004-2006 Pa~c 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura
From: Diana Miller [diana411@earthlink.net)
Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2005 8:12 PM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi us
Cc: Higa, Stacy
Subject: Testimony on Resolution 207-05 22 Nov County Council Meeting
Dear Council Chair Stacy Higa and Members of the Hawaii County Council,
I am submitting this e-mail as my personal testimony on Resolution 207-05, which is on the 22 Nov 05 agenda as
" Designates the Chair and Vice-Chair of certain committees." I assume this refers to the proposed changes
announced in the 19 Nov 05 Hawaii Tribune Herald involving Councilman Jacobson, the current Chair of the
Environmental Management Committee and Councilman Hoffmann, one of the Co-chairs of the Planning
Committee.
I was recently appointed as a commissioner on the Environmental Management Commission, so I am fairly
familiar with the issues addressed by the Environmental Management Committee and the Department of
Environmental Management.
I don't fully comprehend the rationale for removing Councilman Jacobson from the Chair of the Environmental
Management Committee. The Tribune quoted Council Chair Higa as follows, " I think he was a little too biased
toward the Environmental Department." In what way was he "biased?" I cannot see fault in any of his actions.
In fact, he was the driving force behind getting some actual progress in the resolution of our solid waste dilemma.
He should be commended for his work, and not removed from his Chair position. Councilman Jacobson has
gotten things done in Environmental Management and he will continue to get things done if given the opportunity.
I think that he deserves that chance.
I am not as familiar with the specifics of the Planning Committee, but I do know that planning issues are critical
and need to be addressed with as much scrutiny as possible. I also disagree with the removal of Councilman
Hoffmann from the position as Co-chair of the Planning Committee. The Tribune quotes Council Chair Higa as
saying, "It's just too confusing. I just want one voice." It is my understanding that there have been no problems
working with two co-chairs on that committee. I am not a proponent of change for the sake of change, so if the
current structure works, then it should be kept that way. Councilman Hoffman has done a good job in the past
and should be given the opportunity to do so in the future. We need expertise and good judgement in key
positions involving planning.
Diana Mlller
PO Box 1295
Kurtistown, HI 96760
808-982-7722
diana411@earthlink net
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11 /21 /2005