HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 026 01/21/1997 1996-1998 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: January 21, 1997 Re: Comm. No. 85
PLACE: Councilroom
TIME: 10:43 A.M.
Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 30, reports as follows:
Bill No. 30, transmitted by Board of Ethics Chair Aileen Lum, via Communication No. 85, dated
Januazy 6, 1997, amends Chapter 2, Article 15, Section 2-86 of the Hawaii County Code, relating to
informal advisory opinions.
Section 14-5(f) of the Hawaii County Charter authorizes the Board of Ethics of the County of Hawaii to
propose revisions to the County's Code of Ethics that are not inconsistent with the charter.
The proposed amendments are as follows: 1. Establish asix-year statute of limitations for the filing of a
petition alleging a violation of the Code of Ethics. 2. Allow any County Officer or employee to recover
costs and attorney fees from any person who has filed a petition deemed frivolous by the Boazd of Ethics.
3. Amend §2-86 to comply with § 13-20(b) of the Hawaii County Charter that requires all meetings of the
Boazd be open to the public unless the Board votes to hear a petition in closed session. 4. Replaces
gender specific language with gender neutral language.
Concerns were expressed by some members, that §2-86(b), paragraph (3), relating to frivolous petitions,
would hinder the public from filing complaints against their governmental officials. By so doing, the
County would potentially further compromise the ability of the public to have a voice in government.
Accordingly, Your Committee amended Bill No. 30, §2-86(b), paragraph (3).
Committee member J. Curtis Tyler also voiced concerns in regard to §2-86(a), relating to closed sessions
for the purpose of considering personal matters affecting the privacy of an individual, stating that he
believes that the language contained therein is not in accordance with the County Charter.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 30, Draft 2, and
recommends it pass first reading.
Ikc
Ayes Noes A&E F,X
Respectfully submitted
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LEITHEAD-TODD X C4l~M~TTEE ON FINANCE
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SANTANCELO X ~ , ( ~
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SMITH X
TvLER x AARON S.Y. HUNG, CHA
vAGONG X FCREPORTNO. 26
ARAKAKI, E.O.M. X ADOPTED: FFR 0 7 tom