HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0706.011 2014-2016 PI OPECDt couNcn_.
Logi, 77o
Murashige, Laura
From: raswaikoloa@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2016 11:45 AM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: johnmueller@me.com; margaretwille@mac.com; lisayee07@gmail.com;
jeff.nisenoff@hotmail.com; billgail.hi@gmail.com; stephaniestearns16@gmail.com;
gm@wvagolf.com; Hirt, Dave
Subject: Testimony on Budget Bill 155 for June 1, 2016
Attachments: Testimony on Co Budget, 6.1.16.docx
Please include this testimony for consideration at tomorrow's Council meeting in Hilo.
Mahalo,
Ruth Smith
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Ruth A. Smith
68-1909 Koi'ula Place
Waikoloa, HI 96738
May 31, 2016
TO: Hawaii County Council Members
FROM: Ruth A. Smith A45
RE: Testimony on Bill 155 (2), County Budget for FY 2016-17, for consideration June 1, 2016
Dear Council Members:
Aloha, and thank you for considering the following testimony.
I have reviewed Bill 155 (2) and don't see a line item allocation for Planning Department staff
support on a monthly basis for the island's Community Development Plans Action Committees.
It's possible that the new positions proposed in this budget request(specifically 2 Housing &
Community Development Specialists and 2 Planners) are intended to support the CDP process.
If so, that should be recorded in the legislative notes of intent and purpose of the funding.
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."
Your inclusion of funding for Planning Department staff to support the Action Committees on a
monthly basis, including their follow-up, is most appreciated. We want to be sure that the new
mayor has the wherewithal to revitalize this democratic process with sufficient funding within
the county administration. The Action Committee volunteers can only do so much and need a
staffer to provide continuity and connectivity with the Committee members and the communities
at large.
Mahalo nui loa.
raswaiko loana,aol.com
(808) 896-7500
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