HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0816.002 1996-1998
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?
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3. The critical issue of substance abuse--its
prevention, treatment and control. Are our
education and rehabilitation programs adequate
and effective?
For various considerations, including the justification of
a four-year term for the Mayor and the best use of our
county resources, I am convinced that Bill 229 should not
be placed on the election ballot.
i
KENGO NAGASAKO
Phone number: 959-8291