HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 238 04/06/2004 2002-2004REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: April 6, 2004 Rc: Comm. No. 518/Bill No. 236
PLACE: Council Chambers
TIME: 11:15 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 236, reports as follows:
Bill No. 236, transmitted by Council Chair James Y. Arakaki, via Communication No. 518,
dated February 18, 2004, initiates a Charter amendment to the Hawaii County Charter (2000).
relating to the Legislative Branch-Vacancy In Office.
Bill No. 236 proposes to allow the voters of a council district in the County of Hawaii to elect
their council member when a vacancy has occurred during atwo-year term. Only when a
vacancy occurs in the last ten months of a council term would the current appointment
procedures apply.
Currently, the Hawaii County Charter permits the remaining members of the county council to
appoint a successor to fill the vacancy. In order to promote an elective form of representation, to
the extent feasible, this amendment sets forth a window of time in which a special election could
be conducted.
Pursuant to Article XV. Section 15-1 (a) of the 1{awai'i County Charter, amendments or
revisions of the charter may be initiated by ordinance of the council adopted after three readings
on separate days and passed by the affirmative vote oftwo-thirds of the entire membership.
Upon adoption of the ordinance, the council shall provide that the proposed amendments or
revisions he submitted to the electors of the county for approval at the next general election.
Some members of Your Committee were concerned that this will be an additional cost to the
taxpayers.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 236 and
recommends it pass first reading.
smc
CHUNG X
SA F'ARIR X
ARAKAKI X
F,L,ARIONOFF X
HOLSCHUH X
JACOBSON X
REYNOLDS X
rLLnnc x
TYLER X
Respectfully submitted
~O TEE ON FINANCE
AARON S.Y. C NG, CHAIR
PC REPORT NO. '~-2!f8
ADOPTED: APR 9 1 911/1A
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