HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 006 02/06/2007 2006-2008 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
DATE: February 6, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 120/Res. 46-07
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. 46-07, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 46-07, transmitted by Councilmember Donald Ikeda, via Communication No. 120, dated
January 23, 2007, urges the administration to construct the West Hawaii Civic Center in a fiscally
prudent manner.
Councilmember Ikeda agrees that there is need for a West Hawaii Civic Center. He is concerned that the
project began with a cost estimate of $50 million, then it increased to $58 million; and estimates are now
at $60 million. Council members agreed that spending should be prudent. Several were surprised that any
resolution was necessary. Councilmember Higa asked Public Works Director, Bruce McClure, if the
project could be done in phases and cut back if costs increase. Councilmember Naeole expressed it was
important to use the public's money wisely as many people are homeless and having financial difficulties
in the County. Councilmember Pilago stated that a West Hawaii Civic Center is West Hawai`i's "fair
share." Currently the Hawaii County Council meets in a hotel for their west side meetings. Chairperson
Ford said that a multi-purpose civic center was needed, that the west side needs infrastructure for meeting
places which can also be used as a central area for civil defense during times of natural disasters when we
are cut off from other parts of the island
A motion to approve this measure received six "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 46-07, to the Council with a
negative recommendation.
dh
AYES NOES A&E EX
Respectfully submitted,
FORD X
xtcA x COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
ROFFMANN x INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
IKEDA X
JACOBSON X e
NAEOLE X "f~f'~L.~
PtLACO x BRENDA FO ,CHAIR
vACONC X PWIRC REPORT NO. 6
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: FEB Z 2 2007