HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0825.021 2004-2006
4/30/2006 11:34 AM FROM: Fax TO: 96=-8912 PAGE: 0-1 OF 001
Written Testimony from Barbara E. Scott
75-5782 Lopeka Place
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-1277
Finance Committee Meeting
May 1, 2006
Virginia Isbell, Chair
Gary Safarik, Vice Chair
James Y. Arakaki, Member
Stacy Higa, Member
Pete Hoffmann, Member
Fred C. Holschuh, M.D., Member
Donald Ikeda, Member
Bob Jacobson, Member
K. Angel Pilago, Member
IN SUPPORT OF BILL 268
AN ORDINANCE TO INITIATE A CHARTER AMENDMENT TO
ARTICLE III, SECTION 3-7, OF THE HAWAPI COUNTY CHARTER (2000)
Honorable Virginia Isbell, Chair, Gary Safarik, Vice Chair,
and Finance Committee Members:
The proposal for a Charter Amendment requiring an equal number of County Council meetings
in West Hawaii is long overdue.
The practice to make decisions in Hilo that effect West Hawaii quality of life has created an
atmosphere of alienation and disenfranchisement for the West Hawaii constituency. The
majority of West Hawaii development approvals have occurred during Hilo County Council
meetings.
West Hawaii concurrency and infrastructure deficiency issues are not easily recognized from
across a table in Hilo, and the reverse is true as well. Although Councilman Ikeda expressed
concern that East Hawaii constituents could not participate easily during meetings held in West
Hawaii; it would be a short leap for the County Council to resolve to schedule East Hawaii issues
during Hilo meetings and West Hawaii issues during Kona meetings. A County Charter
amendment to create equal access to County government proceedings does not preclude
consideration for the East Hawaii constituency.
In the interest of adjusting local government meeting protocol to meet changing island
population and development factors, it is important to let the voters decide whether this Charter
Amendment represents equal access and equal participation opportunities for island residents.
I respectfully urge Finance Committee members to support the Ordinance to initiate a County
Charter Amendment and allow voters to decide about alternating East and West Hawaii council
meeting locations.
Comm. No.
Ref. To: G,
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