COM 0816.002 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hawaii County Council Regular Meeting June 1, 1998 Chairman Arakaki and Members of the Hawaii County Council: Thank you for the opportunity to speak on Bill 229: Charter Amendment: Composition and Terms of the Hawaii County Council. I remain steadfastly opposed to Bill 229 because I find no justification for lengthening Council terms from two years to four years. In presenting Bill 229 are we saying that Council members, elected from each of nine Council districts, deserve the same four-year term as the Mayor, the head of the Executive Branch of our county government? As executive officer the Mayor exercises direct supervision over all executive agencies of the county. Among his/her many other duties and functions the Mayor is required to submit annually an operating budget, an operating program, a capital budget and a capital program to the council. A four-year term for the Mayor facilitates the successful implementation of the operating and capital programs and the planning of long term goals and objectives for the county. Moreover, as Mayor, he/she has to campaign throughout the nine Council districts of the Big Island, an enormous task and responsibility. Indeed, a four-year term for the Mayor is justified. Will Bill 229 be placed on the election ballot? The voters need to be informed first. What plans do we have for public education, and what funds have been committed? Shall we expend time, money and effort on Bill 229, OR should we use our available resources to examine the urgent issues we face today? Three pressing issues require our prompt attention. 1. The issue of a State Constitutional Convention. Should we vote YES or NO? What are the pros and cons? 2. The continuing problem of revitalizing Hawaii's economy. What should be done at both the State and County levels? UMAxL 110. 8 0L C H A x_ sei ~ Presented COJN o Rol *,t. JUN 1 19~~