HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0401.023 2008-2010
Page 1 of 1
fZC--S. 20D0q
ojvim . 40
Murashige, Laura
From: rjlives@gmail.com on behalf of Rodolfo J Mendoza [rodolfoj@hawaii.edu]
Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2009 8:59 AM 20gg 25
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony for Tuesday, 16 June 2009. (1 E
~;0LJINJ yAl^JF I!
Aloha Chairman Yoshimoto, Vice-Chair Hoffman and members of the Hawaii County Council.
My name is RJ Mendoza and I am a resident of Hilo. I am currently enrolled at the University of
Hawaii. I am the sitting Chair of the Board of Media Broadcasting (BOMB), which oversees the college
radio station. I believe that this information will provide an effective analogy to my testimony in
opposition of Resolutions 200, 201 and 202.
As Chair of the BOMB, I am the liaison between the University Radio Hilo and UHH Campus Center.
In effect, I am held accountable for all issues and concerns that occur. This is a large responsibility, and
as Chair, I have the authority to delegate responsibilities to other BOMB members and create sub-
committees and appoint Chairs to them. I was put in the position of Chair at the beginning of the Spring
2009 term, and it was not a completely smooth transition. With new leadership, new ideas come in and
can cause friction and a loss sight of the common goals. This certainly did happen when I assumed the
position of Chair, and it is unfortunate that many common goals for University Radio Hilo were not
accomplished last semester.
With that in mind, I believe that since the. terms of our county council members are only for two years,
that our council positions are fine as they are. I don't see the necessity of the changes, particularly
regarding the Finance Committee Chair. With the County Budget approved, perhaps the real work will
begin. My strongest reservations is placing ANY freshman Councilman/woman as Chair of the Finance
Committee- in light of the current economic crisis facing our island, our state and our nation. While I
have no doubt in my mind that Councilman Onishi would be an excellent Finance Committee Chair,
during these uncertain economic times, an experienced hand would be the best use of resources.
I would totally support a reorganization to place Councilman Onishi as Vice-Chair of the Finance
Committee. And next term, should Councilman Onishi be re-elected perhaps this issue can be revisited,
in addition to the other proposed reorganizations of our County Council.
Mahalo for your hard work, and for the opportunity to testify.
With Aloha,
RJ Mendoza
Hilo
Comm. No. 0L23,
Ref. To: L
Ref. Date J0_LL=_
6/15/2009