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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS <br /> DATE: September 18, 2012 Re: Comm. No. 786/Res. No. 279-12 <br /> PLACE: West Hawai`i Civic Center <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i <br /> TIME 3:50 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Governmental Relations, to which was referred Resolution No. 279-12, <br /> reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No 279-12, transmitted by Council Member Pete Hoffmann via Communication 786, <br /> dated July 12, 2012,amends Rule No. 13, Public Statements and Testimony, by adding provisions <br /> regarding the submission of video testimony from any member of the public. <br /> Mr. Hoffmann explained that he brought this forward after a member of the public asked if video <br /> testimony would be accepted for a Planning Committee item. Mr. Hoffmann consulted with the <br /> Office of Information Practices (OW) and found that video testimony is allowable under the <br /> Sunshine Law. Video testimony would allow the public one more avenue for participating in <br /> meetings. Mr. Hoffman stated that he brought this measure forward to determine if the council is <br /> in favor of it and added that it would be limited to pre-recorded testimony of up to five <br /> individuals and would not include video-streaming type testimony. He added that it would begin <br /> in September and continue to the end of the term in December, and then allow the new council to <br /> decide if it should continue. <br /> Ms. Smart asked if video testimony would be treated like written testimony and suggested that <br /> our Information Technology(IT) Department be consulted as to the best way to store the video <br /> testimony to maintain the public record. <br /> Ms. Ford expressed concern that if five individuals were allowed to testify on one video <br /> submission that it would be inconsistent with the rule regarding oral testimony, which does not <br /> allow a person to testify on behalf of five people. She asked Mr. Hoffmann to contact OIP on <br /> that issue. Mr. Hoffmann agreed with the concerns expressed by Ms. Ford and will contact OIP. <br /> He explained that he brought the measure forward to see if councilmembers want to look at <br /> video testimony as an option and that the language can be refined. <br /> Mr. Yagong stated that any time we can expand the opportunity for the public to provide <br /> testimony is good, but added he has heard concerns from the public that it may expand the length <br /> of meetings if we do allow videos to be played during meetings. He suggested that video <br /> testimony could be considered, but it would be treated just like an email, or written testimony, <br /> and not played at the meetings. <br /> GRC Rept.No.: 19 <br />