HomeMy WebLinkAboutGMAC Time chg draft Ltr Mayor Roth 12.13
December 13, 2022
Mayor Mitch Roth
25 Aupuni Street Suite 2603, Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Honorable Mayor Mitch Roth,
A motion was passed in a recent Hawaii County Game Management Advisory
Commission meeting, to address the Mayor regarding changes the Mayor's Office
has made to the Hawaii County GMAC meeting times and format.
Two months ago the meetings were abruptly changed from 6-8 pm to 2-4 pm.,
zoom only. There was no public notice, no opportunity for commissioner
response, no time allowance to replace commissioners that could no longer
attend because of day job restrictions, and no fair chance for the commissioner's
to make other arrangements with day obligations and schedules.
The change to day hours/zoom only has also negatively affected public
participation. Fishers, hunters, and gatherers have daily schedules that prevent
them from attending and testifying. Kupuna and others tell us that they are not
computer savvy and that in-person attendance is a must.
Since 2014 GMAC has been meeting in the evening hours, and for years it was
held in the County Council Chambers. Evening public attendance and testimony
have been a cornerstone of the GMAC mission and meetings.
There is no understanding among GMAC commissioners and participants as to
why it was so necessary for the meetings to be changed, and would like to know
specific reasons for the new format.
GMAC would also ask, are there alternatives for in-person meetings and evening
time slots that would help us serve our mission?
Mahalo nui for your attention,
Abraham Antonio
GMAC Chairperson