HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-13 Letter to Aaron Ling Johanson re HB 1999, HD 1 Relating to Training Courses on Native Hawaiian and Hawaiian RightsHarry Kim
Oinurtfil of Paitntil
Wil Okabe
Alanaging Director
Barbara J. Kossow
L)eputy Managing Director
Offirr of f allot
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February 13, 2018
Representative Aaron Ling Johanson, Chair
Committee on Labor & Public Employment
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 309
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Johanson and Committee Members:
Re: HB 1999, HD 1 Relating to Training Courses on Native Hawaiian and Hawaiian
Rights
Hearin. Date: 02/15/18 — 10:30 am, House Conference Room 309
I am often reluctant to endorse any mandate, especially an unfunded mandate that will impact
county governments. owever, there are few things as important as fostering a better understanding of
Hawaii's First Nation, and I have heard great things about the OHA training course.
Therefore, I support the concept behind HB 1999, HDI. However, I think there needs to be more
detail. For example, what is the time commitment that each participant must make? It would seem that if
training is mandated, there should also be a mandate that the course be no more than a certain number
of hours.
I would also ask that a provision be made to offer the courses on the neighbor islands so that
travel will not become a barrier to participation. It seems to me that at least twice a year on each island
would be the minimum necessary.
Finally, as I am sure others have noted, it is not clear what happens if a "mandate" is violated.
Suppose a duly elected County Council member fails to take the training for some reason; what is the
consequence? In the beginning, would you consider offering the courses to the targeted officials, rather
than requiring participation. I know that I would strongly encourage my appointees to attend, and I am
confident that other Mayors would do the same.
Requiring that the course be offered, rather than mandating that it be taken, would also address a
concern that has been voiced about the content of the course. If the audience for the course is not
required to be there, but is attending because the course is of high quality, there would be some built-in
protection against a change in content, at some time in the future, which would make the course less
valuable to the decision makers listed in the bill.
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawaii
County of Hawail is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Ern )1