HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0487.002 2008-2010Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura
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From: Regina Tom [regina.tom@hotmail.com] ~ ~~ `~~ ~~' ~~, 4~
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Sent: Sunday, August 30, 2009 9:24 PM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us -~ ~ ~ .,%~ b lj'j;~'E~
Subject: Finance Committee: Testimony in Opposition to Bills 131 and 132
Aloha Chair Yagong and Members of the Committee on Finance,
I am writing in opposition to Bills 131 and 132.
First, I oppose Bill 131 because it removes budgetary oversight to the Office of the
Legislative Auditor. There has been so much discussion, especially from Ms. Ford, about
accountability of public funds and how departments have been spending them. This is a
hypocritical proposal by Ms. Ford since it removes Council budgetary oversight to an office that
oversees how money is spent. It effectively removes the checks and balances that should be in
place to prevent fiscal abuse by the Legislative Auditor. Additionally, this proposal would bind the
hands of the County in the event that funds need to be reallocated by the County: The purpose of
the Council approving the budget is so that inefficient programs can be cut, and efficient programs
can be funded. This removes that purpose and starts the County down a slippery slope to pre-
allocating county funds.
Second, I oppose Bill 132 for the simple fact that it appears to violate the doctrine of
separation of powers. The separation of powers is a basic tenant of our democratic society and
our system of government. Here, the bill hopes to remove the executive power of approving
contracts from the executive branch and place them in the legislative branch. Here, the Council is
looking to implement a law and make them the body that executes the law. That would fly in the
face of one of the basic tenants of our country and democracy. Also, the bill asks that the Council
approves the intended use of the property. This is too great a burden on the buyer since their
plans can change and they can lawfully use the land in any manner they choose so long as it
conforms with their zoning designation and other laws. This bill is hugely flawed and must be
given a negative recommendation by the Committee.
In summary, I urge the Committee to vote against Bills 131 and 132 for the reasons stated above.
Mahalo,
Regina Tom
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8/31 /2009