HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 083 05/06/2008 2006-2008
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REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
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DATE: May 6, 2008 Re: Comm. 1188/Resolution 628-08 I
PLACE: Councilroom i
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78-128 Ehukai Street i
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 2:30 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
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Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Resolution 628-08, reports as follows:
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Resolution 628-08, transmitted via Communication 1188 from Councilmember K. Angel Pilago, i
dated April 24, 2008, transmitting a Resolution to place the Charter Amendment proposed by
Ordinance No. 08-1 on the 2008 General Election Ballot (relating to establishing Windward and
Leeward Planning Commissions).
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Pursuant to the requirements of section 15-1 and 15-2 of the Hawaii County Charter, Ordinance
No. 08-01 was duly adopted by the Council. Resolution 628-08 states as follows:
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• First Reading before the Council was duly held on October 17, 2007;
• Second Reading before the Council was duly held on December 5, 2007; E
• Third Reading before the Council was duly held on December 19, 2007;
• Mayor Harry Kim approved Resolution 628-08 on January 10, 2008 and Resolution 628-
08 was duly published on January 22, 2008;
• September 5, 2008 is the sixtieth calendar day prior to the next scheduled general
election; and
• September 20, 2008 is the forty-fifth day prior to the next scheduled general election.
Resolution 628-08 directs that the County Clerk of the County of Hawaii take all necessary
steps provided for in all applicable provisions of the Hawaii County Charter and the Hawaii
Revised Statutes within the prescribed time limits for placing the Charter amendment proposed
by Ordinance No. 08-01, on the 2008 General Election ballot for approval by the voters of the
County.
At the May 6, 2008 Committee on Planning meeting, public comment was presented by
Mr. Mark McNett at the Hilo Council Room.
County Clerk Jarman briefly explained the law requires that a resolution is necessary to place the
Charter Amendment establishing a Windward and a Leeward Planning Commission on the 2008
ballot. Clerk Jarman also explained that the Deputy Clerk, Corporation Counsel and herself
PC Report No. 83
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Communication 1188
Resolution 628-08
Page 2 of 2 ~f
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drafted the ballot language and that while the ballot language need not be presented to the
Council, she thought it was beneficial to do so and obtain Council input. Clerk Jarman stated
this would ensure what is placed on the ballot is an accurate reflection of what was passed by the
Council and that it is also clear to the public.
Councilmembers Jacobson and Ford expressed support and noted that the proposed ballot
question, as written, is easy to understand. Committee Chair Pilago commended Clerk Jarman's
added effort in allowing for Council input as it opens debate to the general public as well.
Councilmember Ikeda stated he does not support the contents of the charter amendment and
therefore would not be voting in favor of the resolution.
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Councilmember Yagong expressed support for creating a very transparent process which allows
the public an opportunity to provide input prior to the question being placed on the ballot.
Council Chair Hoffmann noted that the proposed language is very clear and certainly unlike what
he remembers in the past when a "yes" vote meant "no" and a "no" vote meant "yes." Council
Chair Hoffmann said this kind of clarity is long overdue. He felt the Council should have input
as to what ballot language should consists of. Councilmember Naeole stated that although she
initially did not support the charter amendment, she now feels that the people should be given the j
opportunity to decide this matter. i
With regard to blank votes, Clerk Jarman stated that Hawaii Revised Statutes provide that blank
votes are not counted. In conclusion, she expressed her desire that this new system of allowing
for Council review of ballot language be continued and noted that hereafter it is her intent to
bring ballot questions to the Council for review and comment.
Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution 628-08 and
recommends its adoption.
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and
AYES NOES A&E Ex Respectfully submitted,
FORD X
HIGA X CONMTTEE ON PLANNING
HOFFMANN X
IIKEDA X
JACOBSON X `
NAEOLE X K. ANGEL PILA , CHAIR
PILAGO X
YAGONG X PC REPORT NO. 83
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: JUN 0 3 2QOB
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