HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0694.005 2014-2016 •
Council
Sill 150
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Ruth A. Smith
2016 JUN 1 IHI II: 5 9
68-1909 Koi'ula Place
Waikoloa, HI 96738
June 14, 2016
TO: Hawaii County Council Members
FROM: Ruth A. Smith
RE: Testimony on Bill 150(D2), (M.Wille) Re: CDP Action Committee membership tenure.This Bill
would allow CDP Action Committee members, at their option,to remain on the Committee after their
term expires until vacant seats are filled. Additionally, the Bill would require the administration to first
fill vacant positions before filling positions occupied by members whose term has expired but who are
willing to temporarily continue to serve. Passed First vote by Council. This is final reading (June 15,
2016.
Dear Council Members:
Aloha, and thank you for considering the following testimony.
I am writing in support of passage of this legislation, as it is designed to strengthen and
perpetuate the CDP process throughout the island.
I served on the Steering Committee for the South Kohala Community Development Plan,
adopted in 2008. The Action Committees and their ability to monitor and support
implementation of these plans were the critical distinction between this plan and the many other
plans developed in the past. Without a commitment to follow-through and follow-up,planning
documents just gather dust on the shelf labelled "Good Ideas."
Recent history has shown that Action Committees struggle from time to time to fill vacancies
with a member's term expires. Frankly, it's not always easy to find people who have the time to
work as a volunteer for the community and are willing to become knowledgeable on the issues.
It's a labor of love for our island home.
When gaps occur in Action Committee's memberships, the committees' work can come to a halt
due to the lack of a quorum. If a member's term has expired and (s)he is willing to serve until
such time as another willing volunteer comes, we should allow this so that the community's
business and concerns can continue to be addressed. This revision provides for the flexibility
needed in our rural communities.
I urge you to support this logistical adjustment to the process, and show your commitment to the
CDP process in so doing.
Mahalo nui loa.
61(11
raswailcoloalib,aol.com COMM:
Ref. To: u'
(808) 896-7500 Reef. Date JUN 1 4 2016