Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM. 104 e.� g/ �.rinaince J.acfmrd, g4. 808 322-2784 Jizeizae/i ji. ✓u eaurcv November 7,1979 Kimiaki Sakata, Chairman Hawaii County Charter Commission 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Kimiaki: I regret that I am unable to be present for the last scheduled Charter Commission meeting. Unfortunately, due to other previously committed matters, it became impossible for me to reschedule my carlm ttments. I wish to convey to you and all of my other fellow commissioners my appreciation for having had the opportunity to share an experience with all of you. Though we did not share similarly in all principles of government, we all did share in one common factor--our sincerity in pursuing the principle we each felt was best for our county. In spite of what may have been reported in the media, I feel that on the basis of what was presented to us and the budgetary limitation under which we operated, the final product of the commission was a good one. I for one feel, and I believe all of us should feel similarly, that the results of the commission represent a progressive step towards a more responsive and responsible government. I believe that the commission's work was not without error. I have noted some comments which I believe future commissions should take into consideration. I ask that said comments be filed with the minutes of the commission. I, again, wish to thank you and all of the other commissioners for having had the opportunity to share in this experience and for having had the opportunity to get to know all of you personally. I found it to be most rewarding and memorable. Gook luck to all of you and may God bless all of you. Sincerely -,72 idhard T. Ishida COMM. N,) ____/:2 .„ COMMENTS ON 1979 CHARTER COMMISSION 1. I believe that any future charter review commission should investigate into the feasibility of employing a full time salaried staff member, excluding the secretary and attorney which may remain parttime, who is familiar with the operation of a government and whose principle duties are to research and gather information for the commission, draft new proposed provisions and being responsible for the care of all re- cords so that the commission will be kept well informed on every and all subjects when discussed. 2. I believe that future commissions should conduct two sets of public hearings. The first to gather input prior to adopting any proposed changes and the second to hear remarks to proposed changes tentatively adopted by the commission. I believe if the first review commission had done this, we would have received the clear objections to the three proposals which were defeated. Also, we would not have had the problems we were faced concerning the council make up proposal. 3. Hold charter elections together with general elections. While the first charter review commission's decision to hold an off year special election so as not to detract from the importance of charter proposals, the apathetic attitude of the citizens do not warrant the county incurring the substantial cost of a special election. In spite of the media controversy experienced just prior to the special election, which brought attention of the special election to the citizens, the turnout was most disappointing.