HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0088.079 1998-2000 March 29, 1999
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii
.
Dear members of the Hawaii County Council,
1 was taken aback by Chairman James T. Arakaki's ruling at the March 17
Council meeting when he denied Council member Jacobson's courtesy request to
seek additional information on a matter of major importance that was under
discussion: the disposition of the illegally adopted Hawaii County Zoning Code.
The issue under discussion was whether to fix it then pass it, or pass it then fix it.
Being a co-plaintiff in the zoning code/Sunshine Law violation case, my input is
certainly relevant. Denying Councilwoman Jacobson's request for information
from me on this critical issue was very inappropriate and prejudicial to the
Council's ability to render a fully informed decision that could result in an ill-
considered Council action.
Out of respect for the Council, I restrained myself from objecting to this
heavy-handed ruling though I spent 4 hours driving time and waited 9 hours until
the end of the meeting to provide such information, if requested. I felt Chairman
Arakaki's statement that I had nothing else to add was presumptuous and insulting,
and denied other council members important information prior to their vote.
Cutting me off after four minutes during Public Statements is playing by the rules.
Cutting me out when relevant information is requested by a Councilperson is
making up his own rules. Would such a ruling have occurred if the speaker was
seeking approval of something the chairman favored?
I will be attending the next Council meeting when Bi11250 Draft 9 is on the
agenda. I respectfully request that if I am called for comments or to answer
questions, I will be permitted to speak.
I further request that, if such a rule doesn't already exist, you adopt one to
prevent such arbitrary and capricious behavior in the future as occurred on March
17, as it might happen to any one of you, or to one of your constituents.
Thank you very much for your favorable consideration of these requests.
Y u for tt way
e Ro stem, fo der
et There Be Sunshine," g g~ Q ~ 9
Kailua-Kona Hawaiiisland 96740 COn'n'' No.
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