HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-01-31 Letter to Clarence K. Nishihara re SB 2161 County Council members attending community meetingsHarry Kim
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Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy A fanaging Director
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740
(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440
January 31, 2018
Senator Clarence K. Nishihara, Chair
Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 414
onolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Nish hara and Committee Members:
Re: SB 2161 County Council members attending community meetings
Hearing Date: 02/02/18 — 3:00 pm; Conference Room 414
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of SB 2161, a bill similar o SB
2692.
Although this bill would have direct impact on the legislative branch of
government rather than administration, i think it is right for me to weigh in because of
the overall positive impact this measure would have on good governance. The
principles of "sunshine" and open government are very important, but it is possible to
inadvertently create inappropriate barriers to councilmembers' interaction with each
other and the general public, as well as those council members' ability to gain valuable
knowledge. 1 would suggest that present law is such a barrier, and that this bill offers a
suitable remedy.
I hope you will act favorably on SB 2161 or SB 2692.
R pectfully su bm itted,
44/1.,14,
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Ha ar
County 011 1awaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and ll,'1].m.ployer.