HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0936.013 2004-2006
Harry Kim Dixie Kaetsu
Mayor Managing Director
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:r';;•N:+r~ Barbara Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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25 Aupuni Street, Room 215 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 • (808) 961-8211. Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103 r Kailm-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808) 329-5226 • Fax (808) 326-5663
August 21, 2006 23
The Honorable Stacy Higa, Chairperson, and rv
Members of the Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Testimony in Support of Bill 300
Dear Chairperson Higa and Council Members:
It was after a lot of thought and discussion about the issues raised by alcohol consumption at
County parks that Bill 300 was drafted and submitted to the County Council for consideration,
support and passage. It was expected that there would be opposition to this bill by some
members of the community when it was submitted. The opposition would come from people
who feel this would be an infringement of their rights to drink at public beaches and parks,
from those who feel the present laws are adequate, as well as from those concerned about our
lifestyle in Hawaii.
Through it all, it was and is a fundamental belief by this administration that the consumption
of alcohol in our parks presents more negatives than positives. This obviously is measured in
terms of the community as a whole. Unfortunately, it is known that many of the problems are
caused by a few rather than the majority. The negative impacts that result from allowing
alcohol consumption in our parks are well documented by community members, police
officers, park personnel and the prosecutor's office. The complexity of the present ordinance
on alcohol has made enforcement of it impossible for police officers.
In jurisdictions throughout the United States and Hawaii, laws have had to be implemented
regarding alcohol consumption for the good of the community as a whole, and most
important, to enable government to fulfill its mission of providing parks that are safe, clean
and healthy environments. For your information, the change that is being asked in regards to
alcohol consumption in our County parks would make our County policy consistent with the
rules and regulations of all State parks and City and County of Honolulu parks.
Perhaps the greatest message that will be sent in the passage of this bill will be the message it
will send to the children of Hawaii about what kind of behavior is acceptable.
Comm. No.'gXo-
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Ref. Dote AUG 2006
Hawaii County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
August 21, 2006
The Honorable Stacy Higa and Council Members
Page 2
I ask the County Council to support Bill 300 for all of the reasons stated by the Department of
Parks and Recreation, Police Department, and the Prosecuting Attorney.
I ask that the County Council support this on behalf of the community as a whole.
Al a,
KimU
MAYOR
cc: Patricia Engelhard, Director of Parks and Recreation
Jay Kimura, Prosecuting Attorney
Lawrence Mahuna, Police Chief