HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 034 09/05/2007 2006-2008 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
DATE: September 5, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 635/Res. No. 316-07
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78-128 Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 8:30 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 316-07, reports as follows:
Resolution 316-07, transmitted by Council Member Emily Naeole via Communication
No. 635, dated August 20, 2007, urges the State Legislature and the Governor to allow voters
statewide the opporhxnity to decide on the formation oflocally-elected Boards of Education.
Your Committee heard testimony in support of the measure from one member of the public.
Council Member Emily Naeole stated that currently there is only one representative from the
Big Island on the Board of Education on Oahu. She would like the Island of Hawaii to have its
own local school board. The residents should have more input and participation involving their
children's education.
County Council Chair Pete Hoffman supports and agrees with the resolution. The State has
failed to address the issues affecting education. Disappointed that Governor Lingle had failed to
meet her commitment on the formation of separate school boards for each County, the Council
should speak much more strongly on this issue.
Council Member Dominic Yagong would like to thank Ms. Naeole for bringing this forwazd. He
feels it is the intent to inform the Governor and Legislature to let the public decide. He would
like the opportunity on asking teachers and school administrators of what their thoughts are
about locally-elected Board of Education for each County.
Council Member Angel Pilago supports the resolution. The Council needs a strong cohesive
voice in supporting parents and their children's education.
Council Member Bob Jacobson has mixed feelings on this. Different schools with a community
who have different income levels. We need to be cazeful on what we ask for. Whoever spends
the most money wins. He is torn about this appearing before the ballot.
Council Member J Yoshimoto strongly supports this and is aware of Mr. Jacobson's concerns,
which could be addressed and looked into further.
Council Member Donald Ikeda strongly supports the resolution.
Chair Brenda Ford is in support of the resolution. As a former substitute teacher, in her
experience, California school board had problems. It was the rich versus the poor. She truly
agrees each County should have its own local school board. Having our own school board is
beneficial; teacher's pay should be equal across the state.
For informational purposes, Council Member Bob Jacobson voted "kanalua times two."
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution 316-07, and recommends its adoption.
dkr
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
FORD X
HIGA X COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
HOFFMANN X INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
IKEDA X C1'~/i-~'/~- G~
JACOBSON X
NAEOLE X BRENDA J. FORD, CHAIR
PILAGO X
YAGONG X PWIRC REPORT NO. 34
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: OCT ~ 3