HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0001.013 2008-2010
Yoshimoto, J
From: dekinekind@hawaiiantel.net
Sent: Saturday, November 29, 20087:22 PM REU Iri~_l]
To: jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Three Changes You Propose 2009 OEC 1 PM 30
C'^ILi1 f ^
November 29, 2008 rL)NI u n r A I I
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Hi Jay,
I'm to understand that you are proposing three changes to the counsel meetings regarding
testimony. The public doesn't have that much individual voice left in this dear United
States of OURS and these three proposals will just tighten the already placed noose around
the neck of our freedom of speech. If these meetings take long and are grueling at times
because of so many people speaking, it is a blessing, not a hindrance. That means that
the people that elected you want you to listen to issues that are important to them. Some
may not be able to write, most are working stiffs like myself and spoken testimony is the
only way they can or have the time to express themselves. Also, to limit testimony to what
is written beforehand is stop the evolution of the democratic process where we build on
each other's revelations and insights. Putting a deadline of the day before if I've
understood it correctly, would eliminate many of the speakers. Is that what you want? To
not have to listen to them to save time and to get things done? Is that why you want
three minutes instead of four? Four is hardly enough as it is. When will it be dropped to
two minutes? Next year, five years from now? What precedence are you setting? And
regarding prohibiting Council Members from asking questions during the public comment
portion of the meeting is again stopping the gathering of information.
Gathering the Truth. It is a proven fact that unspoken agendas have been exposed by these
questions and more important information brought to light. Long meetings don't happen all
the time, but when important meetings happen they do get long. We need to validate these
efforts not stymie them. It enables the public to realize they have the power to change
things and can make a difference. Please defer to public participation instead of
expediency. In the long run you will have gathered more respect and strengthened the
exercising of our individual freedoms. You'll never know when you'll need your four
minutes instead of three, and for a counsel member to ask the right question to expose the
truth YOU want brought out .
Thanks for taking the time to read this Jay, I don't send in criticism very often, just
when it has to be done.
Aloha and Mahalo,
L.V. Kelly
Pahoa 964-0230
P.S. "You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other
man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free."
--Clarence Darrow
Camm. No.
1 Ref. ToePresaa%d Knc; /
Ref. Date OEC 1 9nna