HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0401.014 2008-2010
Testimony on Resolutions 200, 201, and 202
Hawai'i Island County Council Meeting
June 16, 2009
Nancy Redfeather
P.O. Box 906
Kealakekua, Hawai'i 96750
808-322-2801
Last night I heard President Obama speak about his "responsibility" to the people of the
United States. This responsibility entailed his dedication to protecting and preserving
democracy and free speech, and increasing "transparency" across government.
This Council has chosen another path to power. Since when do "freshman Councilmen"
get to decide a new direction for the balance of power in the Council. Can you imagine a
freshman Senator in the Congress telling Daniel Inouye that his Chairmanship of the
Ways and Means Committee is pan?
This "coup" as it is being called by the media, is certainly not orchestrated by
Councilmen Onishi and Enriques, nor Council members Naole or Greenwell, although
they have been offered new positions of power if they vote "aye". As WHT editor Reed
Flickenger put it this morning, these Resolutions "...punish opponents and reward those
who exhibit loyalty." Loyalty to what or whom I ask?
Nor are the real reasons for these divisive Resolutions, transparent to the public. Instead
we are told it is time for the bench warmers to play.
This "return of power" which includes Chairmanships of 4 of the 5 committees to the
Eastside, is in direct retaliation for Councilmembers Yagong, Hoffmann, and Ford
daring to think for themselves, and for the taxpayers of the entire island. How dare the
Chair of the Finance Committee question the wisdom of the new Mayor is budget
matters! How dare these Councilmembers speak out for transparency, and balanced,
accountable government programs, entitlements, and procedures.
Councilmen Onishi, Enriques, Ikeda, Yoshimoto, Greenwell, and Naole.....Is it "pono" to
split the island's energy, decision making power, and newly united communities in this
way, just as we are poised to work together through our CDPs, new Agriculture Plan, and
begin the planning for energy and food self-reliance in this most stressful time, just at the
beginning of the Great Downturn in our Economy?
I am thoroughly disheartened by this move to unseat our most progressive Council
Members, This decision, if you choose to make it today, will come back not only to bite
you but vastly hinder the ability of this island community to come together and move
forward on way greater issues that will soon face us here on this most isolated land mass
on the planet. Councilwoman Naole and Councilman Greenwell, please rethink your
vote today, listen carefully to the people's mana'o and vote your conscience. Mahalo
Comm. qol.lq
Ref. To:
Ref. Date JUN 16 M3