HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 121 08/19/1997 1996-1998 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: August 19, 1997 Re: Comm. No. 420
PLACE: Councilroom
TIME: 10:55 A.M.
Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Communication No. 420, reports as follows:
Communication No. 420, transmitted by Hawaii State Association of Counties Secretary-
Treasurer AI Smith, dated July 28, 1997, submits highlights of the Executive Committee meeting
and requests the support of Honolulu Council Resolution Nos. 97-126, CD-1 and 97-212.
Resolution No. 97-126, CD-1 states in recent U.S. and Japan air rights negotiations 40 percent of
a segment ofJapan-Ilawaii routes were eliminated which drastically reduced a growing part of
Hawaii's tourism base. Therefore, Resolution No. 97-126, CD-1 urges the U.S. Department of
Transportation to recognize Hawaii's geographic constraints and dependence on air
transportation routes for its economic viability, and asks that Hawaii be given special
consideration similar to that being granted to Guam and Alaska. The resolution further urges
Hawaii's Congressional Delegation to oppose efforts which diminish air routes to Hawaii.
Resolution No. 97-212 states the purpose of the enterprise zone program is to encourage county-
driven economic initiatives and stimulate certain types of business activity and employment in
areas where they are most needed or most appropriate. In accordance with Section 209E-4 of the
Hawaii Revised Statues, which authorizes counties to designate enterprise zones with the
approval of the governor, the City designated an enterprise zone encompassing the area from
Haleiwa to Waialua. The 1997 Legislature then approved Senate Bi1137, SD1, HD2, CD1,
which expands the county-established North Shore enterprise zone, directly contradicting the
intent and spirit of Section 2049E, HRS, by usurping county home-rule and empowering the
State to establish the boundaries of economic zones, rather than to approve them as mandated by
law.
Resolution No. 97-212 urges the Hawaii State government to comply with Section 209E-4 of the
Hawaii Revised Statutes, which authorizes counties to designate enterprise zones, with the
governor's approval.
Your Committee unanimously supported Honolulu Council's Resolution Nos. 97-126, CD-] and
97-212.
FC REPORT NO. 121
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose acid intent of Communication No. 420
and recommends its approval.
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