HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM. 227 Adams, K - CA-16February 16, 2010
CA-16
Honorable Chair Haitsuka and Members,
I am writing in opposition to CA-16, which would amend the method of citizen initiated
amendments and revisions to the charter for the following reasons: it is too convoluted and
confusing and the charter is meant to be a broad document.
First, the language from Article XI is much too convoluted and confusing. To put this
simply, read the current provisions of Article XV and the language contained in Article XI and
determine which one is easier to read and make sense of. There is simply too much detail and
procedures in Article XI. This brings me to my second point:
The charter is meant to be a broad document. The finer details of what the charter authorizes
is meant to be made through ordinances or administrative rules. The charter is simply supposed to
say "ok, the citizens are authorized to petition the county for a charter amendment by collecting a
certain number of signatures." And from there, the details are to be worked out at the agency
level. There is simply too much detail for a charter provision in this amendment.
Therefore, I oppose CA-16 and strongly urge the charter commission to reject this proposal in any
form.
Ken Adams
Hawaii County