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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-20 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz re SB 2134, SD 1 and Gilbert Keith-Agaran Relating to Training Courses on Native Hawaiian RightsHarry Kim fa 'or (ftrunig ffirr Wil Okabe Alanaging Direclor Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Afamiging Director 25 Aupun. Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C. • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 February 20, 2018 Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice -Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawail State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, 1 96813 Dear Chair Dela C z, Vice -Chair Keith-Agaran and Co ittee Me ers: R SB 2134, SO 1 Relating to Training Courses on Native Hawaiian Rights Hearin Date: 02/22/18 — 10:10 am; Conference Room 211 lam often reluctant to endorse any mandate, especially an unfunded mandate that will impact county governments. However, there are few things as important as fostering a better understanding of awaiTs First Nation, and 1 have heard great things about the OHA training course. Therefore, support the concept behind SB 2134, SD 1. However, 1think there needs to be more letail. For example, what is the time commitment that each participant ust 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 provision be made to offer the courses on the neighbor islands so that travel will not become a barrier to pa icipation. It seems to me that at least twice a year on each island, including twice in East Hawaii and twice in West Hawail, would be the minimum necessary. Finally, as lam 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? Maybe it would be better to begin by offering the courses to the targeted officials, rather than requiring participation. I know that 1 would Krongly encourage my appointees to attend, and lam confident that other Mayors would do the same. )(::untv of 1law ai' i is an !Anal Opportunity Provider and Employer. February 20, 2018 Page 2 Requiring that the course be offered, rather than mandating that it be taken, would also a dress 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 might make the course less valuable to the decision -makers hs ed in the bill. Respectfully submitted, Harry Kim Mayor, County of Hawai 1 awai‘ i is an rqual 'Opportunity Provider and Liviployer.