HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM. 081 Brilhante, W -Transmitting 2 Proposed Amendments
COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I
OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4262 (808) 961-8251 Fax (808) 961-8622
Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
Lincoln S.T. Ashida
Corporation Counsel
Katherine A. Garson
Assistant Corporation
Counsel
October 30, 2009
MEMORANDUM
TO: The Honorable Edmund Haitsuka, Chair
And Members of the County of Hawai‘i Charter Commission
c/o Hawai‘i County Clerk-Council
333 Kilauea Avenue
Ben Franklin Building, 2nd Floor
Hilo, HI 96720
FROM: William V. Brilhante, Jr.
Deputy Corporation Counsel
RE: Office of Mayor’s proposed County of Hawai‘i’s Charter Amendments
Dear Chair Haitsuka and Commission members:
Transmitted herein are proposed changes to the County of Hawai‘i Charter
proffered by the Administration. The changes are being proposed for the following
reasons:
1. Revision to the Department of Research and Development
Within this current economic environment, it has become abundantly clear that
economic sustainability, stability and viability for our island community is imperative in
order to ensure that the County is able to continue providing core County services and
functions to our citizens.
The driving force behind this proposal is for the County to provide leadership,
direction and resources to both the public and private sector through a County
Department specifically tasked with the power, duties and functions to assist, promote
and solidify the economic development and viability of our island.
Accordingly, this proposed amendment would afford the resources currently
contained within the Department of Research and Development to be reallocated to the
newly created Department of Economic Development, whose primary and core
functions would be to ensure economic vitality within the Island of Hawai‘i.
The Honorable Edmund Haitsuka, Chair
And Members of the County of Hawai‘i Charter Commission
October 30, 2009
Page 2 of 2
2. Revision to the General Provisions, Section 13-4(g) for Boards and Commissions
The County, as a whole, truly appreciates the time, efforts and dedicated service
each Board and Commission member provides. Historically; however, Board and
Commission members have been and continue to serve in a voluntary capacity.
Accordingly, this proposal will remove any conflict within the Charter regarding Board
and Commission members voluntary status with the County.
CHAPTER 8
DEPARTMENT OF [RESEARCH AND] ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Section 6-8.1. Organization.
There shall be a department of [research and] economic development consisting
of a director and the necessary staff.
(2000, Prop. 2, sec. 1.)
Section 6-8.2. Director.
The director of [research and] economic development shall be appointed by the
mayor, confirmed by the council and may be removed by the mayor. The director shall
have had a minimum of five years’ related experience.
(1979, Prop. 12; 2000. Prop. 2, sec. 1; 2000, Prop, 7, sec. 4.)
Section 6-8.3 Powers, Duties and Functions.
The director of [research and] economic development shall:
(a) Collect and develop data necessary for managerial and legislative
decision-making, and program and policy-making.
(b) Provide staff leadership for public and private development programs,
enterprises and plans, including economic, social and cultural proposals,
which enhance [improvement of the county community.] the
economic viability and well being of the county community.
(c) Coordinate informational and regulatory knowledge of all federal and state
grant-in-aid participation programs which affect the county.
(2000, Prop. 2, sec. 1.)
Article XIII, General Provisions, Section 13-4(g) is amended to read as follows:
Section 13-4. Boards and Commissions.
(g) Members shall receive no compensation but shall be reimbursed for
necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
Necessary expenses may be paid in advance as per diem allowance
which shall be established by ordinance. [Members of boards and
commissions who do not receive compensation from their employers
during the time they are serving on boards and commissions shall be
reimbursed by the county for actual work hours lost at the straight time
rate of pay of such members in their regular employment but in no case
shall be reimbursement exceed five times the state minimum wage hour
rate.]
(1979, Prop. 10; 1990, Prop. 14, sec. 1; 1996, Ord. No. 96-86, sec.2.)