HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 049 01/08/2008 2006-2008 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
DATE: January 8, 2008 Re: Comm. No. 839/Res. 439-07
PLACE: Council Chambers
Ben Franklin Bldg., 2id Floor
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
TIME: 10:59 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred
Communication 839, regarding Resolution 439-07, reports as follows:
Resolution 439-07, transmitted by Council member Bob Jacobson via Communication 839,
dated December 4, 2007 urging our State Legislators to pass HB661 HD1 with amendments that
establish comprehensive public funding for elections to Hawaii County Council. Hawaii
County Council finds that establishing and embracing a "Comprehensive Public Funding for
Elections" process for the Hawaii County Council elections is prudent and preferred as
indicated by its adoption of Resolution 41-07 on February 22, 2007; and requesting the
Legislative Research Bureau submit language to amend HB661 HD1 to accomplish this.
Council member Jacobson made a motion on December 18, 2007 to postpone consideration of
Resolution 439-07, so that he could provide HB661 HD1 to all council committee members
before the next Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting. This motion
was duly seconded and approved.
Council member Jacobson provided additional information on HB661 HD 1 to your council
committee members for review through Communication 839.1, dated December 24, 2007 and
Communication 839.2, dated January 3, 2008.
There were several members of the public in support of the proposed resolution.
Council member Jacobson encourages his colleagues to support this proposed resolution. He is
aware the use of the terminology "clean election" as addressed in several of the testimonies to be
interpreted as "clean" of influence and political action. In his opinion, improving voter turn out
and participation in government is very important.
Your council committee members discussed and commented on the proposed resolution offering
their personal views on establishing comprehensive public funding for elections. For some
council committee members, the use of "clean" or "unclean" election is uncomfortable and
offensive. Council member Jacobson responded that he chose not to use those words, and
wanted to have the vote of confidence by his colleagues and public. He also believed the use of
those words were inappropriate in legislation.
Council member Pilago added that this process offers all candidates the personal choice to utilize
public funding and feels that Hawaii County should take the lead. Publicly funded elections
would lead to systemic processes which would increase voter participation, improve election and
lead to good govermnent.
Council member Ikeda noted a grammatical error contained in the 3rd whereas paragraph, the
word "for" is used twice and requested to obtain a copy of the original HB661 HD1.
Council member Higa requested that he be provided the appropriate information in a timely
manner.
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution 439-07, 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 G,~
JACOBSON X
NAEOLE X BRENDA J. FORD, CHAIR
PILAGO X
YAGONG X PWIRC REPO_ RT NO. 49
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: JAN Z Q 2OOH