HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 003 02/06/2007 2006-2008 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
DATE: February 6, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 103/Res. 41-07
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
TIME: 8:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred Resolution
No. 41-07, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 41-07, transmitted by Councilmember Bob Jacobson, via Communication No. 103, dated
January 19, 2007, urges Hawaii State Legislators to support publicly funded elections.
Councilmember Jacobson said that he introduced this measure to "level the playing field" so that any
citizen could run for office. He added that publicly funded elections hold politicians accountable to
community interests rather than to special interests and that no one has ever won an election in Hawaii
using public funds, except two incumbents on Oahu. Other states, such as Maine, Arizona, Oregon and
New Mexico use publicly funded elections. Councilmember Higa asked about the Hawaiian Issues
Caucus that was cited in the resolution. He had never heard of this group. Councilmember Pilago supports
election reforms and hopes Hawaii County can take the lead to support election reform. Councilmember
Naeole said we should use public money for infrastructure, not elections. Councilmember Yoshimoto said
this would represent sweeping changes but the intent is good. Councilmember Ford said that afrer being
the recipient of a nasty campaign and financing much of her own campaign, she agreed the campaign
laws need to be changed.
A motion to approve this measure received five "no" votes. Pursuant to Rule 5, Council Rules of
Procedure and Organization, five "aye" votes are required to pass a measure. Therefore, Your Committee
on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations forwards Resolution 41-07, to the Council with a
negative recommendation.
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Hues noes A&e ex Respectfully submitted,
FORD X
HtcA x COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
HOFFMANN x INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
IKEDA X
JACOBSON X
NAEOLE X
vtLACO x BRENDA FORD, HAIR
YAGONG PWIRC REPORT NO. 3
YoSHtrvtoTO X ADOPTED:
OFFICE INFORMATION ONLY
Meeting:
February 22, 2007 -Council Meeting (6`~ Session)
Action:
Adopted Resolution 41-07 and filed PWIRC-3
PWIRC Report 3 transmitted the above resolution with a "negative
recommendation" due to a vote of 4-ayes and 5-noes.
Re:
RESOLUTION 41-07/C-103/PWIRC-3