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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 062 2016/04/19 (2014-2016)REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: April 19, 2016 Re: Comm. No. 705,Bill No. 154 PLACE: Council Chambers Kona, Hawaii TIME: 2:30 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 154, reports as follows: Bill No. 154, transmitted by Council Member Margaret Wille, via Communication No. 705, dated February 8, 2016, initiates an amendment to Article 117, Section 3-2 of the Hawaii County Charter (2014) relating to County Council Terms. This bill amends the term for Council Members from two to four years, and the term limit from two to three consecutive terms. On March 1, 2016, Council Member Margaret Wille gave an overview of her reasons for bringing this bill forward. Ms. Wille said that with the current two-year terms there is more accountability, however, Council Members spend a good part of the year dealing with campaigns. Council Member Aaron Chung commented that he supports the concept of longer terms for various reasons, including one where vested benefits with the County would require more years. He shared that he introduced a similar charter amendment eleven years ago, for six, two-year terms. Council Member Valerie Poindexter suggested amendments to be made as to some of the testimony received. Council Member Maile David commented receiving phone calls expressing that they like the idea of four-year terms. Ms. David strongly suggested that the Charter Commission and a wide audience should fully vet this bill. Council Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi commented that a Council Member's main purpose should be to serve the public and not the number of years and terms to be served. Council Member Greggor pagan expressed that he cannot support this bill, then commented on comparisons between County and State government. Ms. Wille moved to postpone this bill to the April 19, 2016, Finance Committee meeting. The vote was taken on the motion and passed with nine ayes. On April 19, 2016, Council Member Wille moved to amend Bill 154 with Communication No. 705.6. Ms. Wille briefly explained that this amendment would allow six two-year terms, for a maximum of twelve years. FC Report No.: 62 FC -62 Page 2 April 19, 2016 Council Member Aaron Chung expressed that he supports the concept of this amendment, and commented that with longer terms Council Members would be able to contribute to the ten-year general plan review. Council Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi expressed his opinion that there should be no change in the Council terms. Council Member Valerie Poindexter expressed that there should be no more than twelve years served. Council Member Maile David expressed that it would be good for at least some of the Council Members to be involved in the general plan process and agrees with a cap of twelve years, two years at a time. Council Member Danny Paleka expressed that he would like to hear more testimony regarding term limits and caps, wants it to be up to the constituents, and wants to put a measure on the ballot that everyone can be confident about. Council Member Dru Kanuha shared that people expressed to him that a two year term is short and that a cap on terms is important. He commented that Maui's cap is ten years. Ms, Wille agrees with limiting terms so that no more than twelve years are served, and committed to making those changes by the First Reading of this bill, on May 4, 2016. The vote was taken on the motion to amend Bill 154 with the contents of Communication 705 and passed with six ayes, three noes from Council Members (lagan, Paleka and Onishi. The vote was then taken on the motion to approve Bill 154, as amended, and passed with six ayes and three noes. Pursuant to Section 15-1, of Hawaii County Charter (2014), initiation of amendments or revisions to the charter may be initiated by ordinance of the Council adopted after three readings on separate days and passed by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire membership. Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 154, as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its passage on first reading. wb — ares sons eas Ex CHU'NG DAVID - X x - EOFF --- X X - ILAGAN _ X _ KANUHA X ONISHI PALF.KA X POINDEXTER WITTE X X Respectfully submitted, COMMITTEE ON FINANCE l �G`-tu-�I�I�. KAREN EOFF, CHAIR FC REPORT NO.: 62 ADOPTED: MAY 04 2016