Susan,
For an issue as important as this, to progress I suggest that you attempt to have organized groups discuss the issue so that the pros and cons can become part of the public dialogue.
Then some of the concerns can be addressed in the current governance structure now. Following that the people can weigh the remaining issues and advocate with correct information.
ALOHA,
Senator XXX
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Susan McGeachy responds to Senator XXX
Aloha Senator,
We are working with a group that has been under way for many years. The public sentiment has not been there in the past, but Kona has dramatically changed over the past 10 years. The public is ready to get involved and take action.
The county council doesn’t want us to split the island because we are the majority of the revenue for this island.
The cost to implement would be another Mayor. The other services (Police, fire, water,) are already in place. The cost from Hilo budget would be transferred to the Kona budget. The cost currently is far more to Kona due to the incredible mismanagement of our county’s resources. We just had the east Hawaii councilmen take a trip to China on the tax payer’s dollar. The trash from Hilo is being trucked to Kona for dumping. We are still trying to pull out from the law suit against the Police Department for unfair hiring practices. We are pending a law suit with Hokulia for more then the county’s entire budget. We won’t need to worry about how much more it will cost when we don’t have a dime to pay after all of our law suits. Then the State is going have to step in and pay for this mess just to keep us afloat.
What would be helped? All of the children, seniors and citizens of West Hawaii (Hawi to Kau). We would be able to have the wonderful programs they offer in Hilo. We would be able to have roads, we would be able to go to county council meetings and give our input. Our taxes would be used to benefit the people that pay them.
What would be hurt? Hilo. They have enjoyed the fruits of our TAT and property taxes to do all the roads and parks in Hilo. They have great programs for the kids and seniors.
We are due to have a Mayor from Kona and more councilmen from this side of the island. That is the next huge push. We will be out in force with the next election.
#1 on the Hawaii Bill of Rights:
1. All political power of this State is inherent in the people; and the responsibility for the exercise thereof rests with the people. All government is founded on this authority.
Those elected officials that are not working toward a better Hawaii will not be voted in again. We need to clean house. We need to advise the public on all of the islands to stand up and take action.
We do have financial backers and can take the time needed to peruse this goal.
Thank you for your letter and please do respond.
Susan McGeachy
We are working with a group that has been under way for many years. The public sentiment has not been there in the past, but Kona has dramatically changed over the past 10 years. The public is ready to get involved and take action.
The county council doesn’t want us to split the island because we are the majority of the revenue for this island.
The cost to implement would be another Mayor. The other services (Police, fire, water,) are already in place. The cost from Hilo budget would be transferred to the Kona budget. The cost currently is far more to Kona due to the incredible mismanagement of our county’s resources. We just had the east Hawaii councilmen take a trip to China on the tax payer’s dollar. The trash from Hilo is being trucked to Kona for dumping. We are still trying to pull out from the law suit against the Police Department for unfair hiring practices. We are pending a law suit with Hokulia for more then the county’s entire budget. We won’t need to worry about how much more it will cost when we don’t have a dime to pay after all of our law suits. Then the State is going have to step in and pay for this mess just to keep us afloat.
What would be helped? All of the children, seniors and citizens of West Hawaii (Hawi to Kau). We would be able to have the wonderful programs they offer in Hilo. We would be able to have roads, we would be able to go to county council meetings and give our input. Our taxes would be used to benefit the people that pay them.
What would be hurt? Hilo. They have enjoyed the fruits of our TAT and property taxes to do all the roads and parks in Hilo. They have great programs for the kids and seniors.
We are due to have a Mayor from Kona and more councilmen from this side of the island. That is the next huge push. We will be out in force with the next election.
#1 on the Hawaii Bill of Rights:
1. All political power of this State is inherent in the people; and the responsibility for the exercise thereof rests with the people. All government is founded on this authority.
Those elected officials that are not working toward a better Hawaii will not be voted in again. We need to clean house. We need to advise the public on all of the islands to stand up and take action.
We do have financial backers and can take the time needed to peruse this goal.
Thank you for your letter and please do respond.
Susan McGeachy
Senator that wants to be confidential
Susan,
I have a couple of questions for you:
How far have you examined this proposal?
What are the costs to implement?
What would be helped?
What would be hurt?
Thank you for your thoughts.
ALOHA,
Senator xxx
I have a couple of questions for you:
How far have you examined this proposal?
What are the costs to implement?
What would be helped?
What would be hurt?
Thank you for your thoughts.
ALOHA,
Senator xxx
Monday, December 12, 2005
Jonathan Gaines
Three slices of pie
Splitting the island into Hilo/Kona counties is a recurring theme of residents seeking to re-balance the planning and growth issues of Hawaii Island as well as allocation of the tax revenue disbursements. This idea of splitting the island into two halves seems to chill rather than warm the cockles of our community hearts, as it seems to be divisive rather than uniting.
However, it is evident that the current one-island county system is rather unworkable and the cause of much islandwide dissatisfaction.
Perhaps this island might function efficiently if, politically, it consisted of three counties -- Hilo, Kona and Kohala.
In Kohala, we have, it seems, so little in common with either Kona or Hilo, and vice versa! More to the point, Kohala is largely a world unto itself as far as the residents are concerned. This is where our families, friends and business associates mostly are.
http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/articles/2005/12/11/opinion/your_views/letters.txt
Rarely do we drive to Hilo, much less Keaau and Pahala. Same with driving to Kona, Captain Cook and Oceanview. Except for the "big box"
shopping and multiplex movie theaters, why go? Especially now, as gas cost is ever rising, limiting much travel. We like our Waimea, Hawi-Kappau, Honoka'a, Waikoloa towns and our "Gold Coast" white sand beaches, all reachable in about a 30-40 minute drive or less.
How to slice the pie? In the fashion of the old ahupua'a, find the geographical midpoint (near the Saddle Road) and draw three lines. Then each new county can elect its own leaders, raises its own taxes, administer its schools, etc. Equally important, each county would have to devise its own planning and land use commission, disposes of its own trash, etc.
How to eat the pie? That's easy. Hilo eats Hilo slice, Kona eats Kona slice, and, (sigh of relief) Kohala eats Kohala slice!
Furthermore, as is common on the mainland, "townships" could be created to give voice at the natural centers of the new counties. As such, the people of the various township-centered communities would be electing council representatives who they know as close friends and neighbors. In some areas, three counties can collaborate as one, such as for free islandwide bus service.
Perhaps this will be food for thought and discussion.
Jonathan Gaines
Hawi
Splitting the island into Hilo/Kona counties is a recurring theme of residents seeking to re-balance the planning and growth issues of Hawaii Island as well as allocation of the tax revenue disbursements. This idea of splitting the island into two halves seems to chill rather than warm the cockles of our community hearts, as it seems to be divisive rather than uniting.
However, it is evident that the current one-island county system is rather unworkable and the cause of much islandwide dissatisfaction.
Perhaps this island might function efficiently if, politically, it consisted of three counties -- Hilo, Kona and Kohala.
In Kohala, we have, it seems, so little in common with either Kona or Hilo, and vice versa! More to the point, Kohala is largely a world unto itself as far as the residents are concerned. This is where our families, friends and business associates mostly are.
http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/articles/2005/12/11/opinion/your_views/letters.txt
Rarely do we drive to Hilo, much less Keaau and Pahala. Same with driving to Kona, Captain Cook and Oceanview. Except for the "big box"
shopping and multiplex movie theaters, why go? Especially now, as gas cost is ever rising, limiting much travel. We like our Waimea, Hawi-Kappau, Honoka'a, Waikoloa towns and our "Gold Coast" white sand beaches, all reachable in about a 30-40 minute drive or less.
How to slice the pie? In the fashion of the old ahupua'a, find the geographical midpoint (near the Saddle Road) and draw three lines. Then each new county can elect its own leaders, raises its own taxes, administer its schools, etc. Equally important, each county would have to devise its own planning and land use commission, disposes of its own trash, etc.
How to eat the pie? That's easy. Hilo eats Hilo slice, Kona eats Kona slice, and, (sigh of relief) Kohala eats Kohala slice!
Furthermore, as is common on the mainland, "townships" could be created to give voice at the natural centers of the new counties. As such, the people of the various township-centered communities would be electing council representatives who they know as close friends and neighbors. In some areas, three counties can collaborate as one, such as for free islandwide bus service.
Perhaps this will be food for thought and discussion.
Jonathan Gaines
Hawi
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Frank Wandell
Dear Susan:
I thank you for bringing up this very touchy (especially for the Democrats) , but long over due subject. Kona could be the poster child for government neglect and abuse.
The letters and responses on the blog from the politicians are disgusting. Their tired old mantra that it would cost too much is a bogus argument.
The only duplication of costs would be for a Mayor and we certainly could afford one if we were able to prevent some of our tax dollars from being siphoned off and squandered in Hilo. ( Have you ever noticed that all projects in Hilo cost an estimated million dollars or more?) Of course, this includes "planning costs" (read political payback and graft)
At one time I spoke at length to former representative Jim Wrath and he said that in the early days of Statehood or perhaps it was when we were still a territory there was a precedent of the Big Island being split into two judicial districts and this split could set a precedent for a new county division.
You may want to contact him for more insight into this situation.
His number is 937-4171, I believe.
(Jim is very outspoken and was ousted because he was a major threat to the Old Boy Democrats.)
In confidence, I attended several meetings of the former West Hawaii Committee and found them to be far less than focused nor effective. Somehow they could not stick to the subject of two counties and kept going off on tangents like the Jones act. This is why I never joined their group, as I was invited.
In my opinion, two Counties are a must for the West side in order to get any of our many problems solved. Development is not the problem, political neglect is the true cause of 99.9% of the ills messing up our quality of life along the Kona Coast. Unfortunately the Hilo politicos use every excuse they can to cloud and dodge the issues.
In spite of what "they" say, the time for two counties has come
and with the right marketing and management it can be done.
Are you thinking of forming a new PAC? A duly registered political action committee may be what it takes to focus the effort and raise the funds to shake the trees.Consistent paid marketing will both educate and raise funds to further the cause. Most Kona businesses would probably contribute to be on a advisory board of a well planned organization.
Grassroots petitions are a big part of swaying the Honolulu politicos. A few weekend at major gathering spots would probably tell the story on how receptive the general public would be.
While I must keep a low profile I would be happy to give you as much input and moral support as possible.
Sincerely
Frank Wandell
I thank you for bringing up this very touchy (especially for the Democrats) , but long over due subject. Kona could be the poster child for government neglect and abuse.
The letters and responses on the blog from the politicians are disgusting. Their tired old mantra that it would cost too much is a bogus argument.
The only duplication of costs would be for a Mayor and we certainly could afford one if we were able to prevent some of our tax dollars from being siphoned off and squandered in Hilo. ( Have you ever noticed that all projects in Hilo cost an estimated million dollars or more?) Of course, this includes "planning costs" (read political payback and graft)
At one time I spoke at length to former representative Jim Wrath and he said that in the early days of Statehood or perhaps it was when we were still a territory there was a precedent of the Big Island being split into two judicial districts and this split could set a precedent for a new county division.
You may want to contact him for more insight into this situation.
His number is 937-4171, I believe.
(Jim is very outspoken and was ousted because he was a major threat to the Old Boy Democrats.)
In confidence, I attended several meetings of the former West Hawaii Committee and found them to be far less than focused nor effective. Somehow they could not stick to the subject of two counties and kept going off on tangents like the Jones act. This is why I never joined their group, as I was invited.
In my opinion, two Counties are a must for the West side in order to get any of our many problems solved. Development is not the problem, political neglect is the true cause of 99.9% of the ills messing up our quality of life along the Kona Coast. Unfortunately the Hilo politicos use every excuse they can to cloud and dodge the issues.
In spite of what "they" say, the time for two counties has come
and with the right marketing and management it can be done.
Are you thinking of forming a new PAC? A duly registered political action committee may be what it takes to focus the effort and raise the funds to shake the trees.Consistent paid marketing will both educate and raise funds to further the cause. Most Kona businesses would probably contribute to be on a advisory board of a well planned organization.
Grassroots petitions are a big part of swaying the Honolulu politicos. A few weekend at major gathering spots would probably tell the story on how receptive the general public would be.
While I must keep a low profile I would be happy to give you as much input and moral support as possible.
Sincerely
Frank Wandell
VISBELL@co.hawaii.hi.us
Susan, There has not been a Con-Con since 1978.
If the Legislature were to pass a bill creating county separation for any island or island group, i.e., Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i, it will require a Constitutional Amendment as well.
There are numerous pros and cons but would be happy to discuss them with you at your pleasure. Virginia
If the Legislature were to pass a bill creating county separation for any island or island group, i.e., Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i, it will require a Constitutional Amendment as well.
There are numerous pros and cons but would be happy to discuss them with you at your pleasure. Virginia
Friday, December 09, 2005
Susan McGeachy asks Legislators
Dear All Oahu Legislators,
If the question was brought up today!
Is it possible for the Senate and House to vote for a second county on the Big Island?
What would be your pros and cons?
Please assist us so we know exactly how it works.
Another question is: When is the next constitutional convention (con-con) scheduled? The last con-con was in 1978. Does that mean 2008?
I appreciate everyone’s honesty. Hawaii is the last frontier and we need to grow it wisely.
http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com/
Once again Thank You for your guidance.
Mrs. Susan McGeachy
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
Kailua-Kona resident and tax payer since 1988
If the question was brought up today!
Is it possible for the Senate and House to vote for a second county on the Big Island?
What would be your pros and cons?
Please assist us so we know exactly how it works.
Another question is: When is the next constitutional convention (con-con) scheduled? The last con-con was in 1978. Does that mean 2008?
I appreciate everyone’s honesty. Hawaii is the last frontier and we need to grow it wisely.
http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com/
Once again Thank You for your guidance.
Mrs. Susan McGeachy
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
Kailua-Kona resident and tax payer since 1988
Marshall Blann Responds
Aloha Susan,
You are preaching to the choir. But we need to operate in the real world, which in this case is the world of Alice in Hiloland,aka the state of Hawaii. Now a dose of reality:
The legislature is controlled in numbers by the Democratic reps of Honolulu.
Most of them
own hotels on Oahu, have families owning them, or friends- or so I have been told by a local poli-sci prof. They do not want clean restrooms, or good anything on the outer islands, because they want the tourists to stay on Oahu and patronize family and friends. I think that you are trying to apply logic to the situation, but in reality the issues are much more convoluted- and unless we understand all the leitmotifs we may be spinning our wheels.
The Oahu reps control the state budget and politics. They do not want city incorporation, lest Oahu fragment and they will LOSE POWER. So they cannot allow it elsewhere.
And county government does not exist for the great ideals you state- and with which I agree 100%, but to provide lifetime county jobs to friends and family of the Hilo pols, while establishing a county tax code which will maximixe west Hi. and part time resident taxes and minimize Hilo taxes. Nothing is perfect, but our county govt is as nearly perfectly corrupt as is possible, even including Bush's America. Your points are well taken and logical- but that is not the basis of the county gov't. You can demand change- Mr. Arakaki will have a good laugh.
Do the people stand a chance? I hope that your actions will stir debate; I've been trying for several years and conclude that there are many out there willing to complain, scarce few willing to go beyond that point. My guess is that the state is too hard to move. Our best chance- if we could organize enough citizens willing to work- is to try to get 5 or
6 councilmembers
elected who would support our goals. This would allow many of the reforms you suggest; 6 votes can put charter changes on the ballot- which as I suggested earlier might allow some power to be shifted from Hilo to cantons on the island- with budgets. But premature to expand on that.
Anyway, I hope that you can start a movement, and will start by putting out all the realities of the problem (government) and then make a list of possible changes ranked not by desireability, but by doability- as a starting point. In any case, many thanks for trying, more power to you!
best wishes,Marshall
You are preaching to the choir. But we need to operate in the real world, which in this case is the world of Alice in Hiloland,aka the state of Hawaii. Now a dose of reality:
The legislature is controlled in numbers by the Democratic reps of Honolulu.
Most of them
own hotels on Oahu, have families owning them, or friends- or so I have been told by a local poli-sci prof. They do not want clean restrooms, or good anything on the outer islands, because they want the tourists to stay on Oahu and patronize family and friends. I think that you are trying to apply logic to the situation, but in reality the issues are much more convoluted- and unless we understand all the leitmotifs we may be spinning our wheels.
The Oahu reps control the state budget and politics. They do not want city incorporation, lest Oahu fragment and they will LOSE POWER. So they cannot allow it elsewhere.
And county government does not exist for the great ideals you state- and with which I agree 100%, but to provide lifetime county jobs to friends and family of the Hilo pols, while establishing a county tax code which will maximixe west Hi. and part time resident taxes and minimize Hilo taxes. Nothing is perfect, but our county govt is as nearly perfectly corrupt as is possible, even including Bush's America. Your points are well taken and logical- but that is not the basis of the county gov't. You can demand change- Mr. Arakaki will have a good laugh.
Do the people stand a chance? I hope that your actions will stir debate; I've been trying for several years and conclude that there are many out there willing to complain, scarce few willing to go beyond that point. My guess is that the state is too hard to move. Our best chance- if we could organize enough citizens willing to work- is to try to get 5 or
6 councilmembers
elected who would support our goals. This would allow many of the reforms you suggest; 6 votes can put charter changes on the ballot- which as I suggested earlier might allow some power to be shifted from Hilo to cantons on the island- with budgets. But premature to expand on that.
Anyway, I hope that you can start a movement, and will start by putting out all the realities of the problem (government) and then make a list of possible changes ranked not by desireability, but by doability- as a starting point. In any case, many thanks for trying, more power to you!
best wishes,Marshall
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Rev. Dennis Shields
Aloha Susan
I saw your editor letter and I have been a long time supporter of separate counties or municipalities.
However I am writing in support of the tide which raises all boats
Please view
http://hawaiihydrogen.net
I show a way to become energy self sufficient while raising 75 million a year in perpetuity for beautification of Hawaii Island.
As this is a new site I am asking folks if they can indeed open it to please let me know, as it takes a while to 'propagate' it. please let me know if you can or can not open this
Consider this as a exercise in gaining access to change via initiative, tho separate from the division of the county quest, it might parallel the methods necessary to create grass roots activism.
In that spirit, would you be interested in becoming a member of the initiative committee and helping Hawaii Island to become energy independent
[I suppose the initiative language needs to support the potential division of the county so feel free to comment]
Mahalo for your consideration.
Aloha
Rev. Dennis Shields
I saw your editor letter and I have been a long time supporter of separate counties or municipalities.
However I am writing in support of the tide which raises all boats
Please view
http://hawaiihydrogen.net
I show a way to become energy self sufficient while raising 75 million a year in perpetuity for beautification of Hawaii Island.
As this is a new site I am asking folks if they can indeed open it to please let me know, as it takes a while to 'propagate' it. please let me know if you can or can not open this
Consider this as a exercise in gaining access to change via initiative, tho separate from the division of the county quest, it might parallel the methods necessary to create grass roots activism.
In that spirit, would you be interested in becoming a member of the initiative committee and helping Hawaii Island to become energy independent
[I suppose the initiative language needs to support the potential division of the county so feel free to comment]
Mahalo for your consideration.
Aloha
Rev. Dennis Shields
Susan McGeachy responds to Marshall Blann
Dear Marshall,
You are correct. It is not how cheaply it can be done but the organization of it. It must start with a revamp on the entire government. Each department must have specific jobs descriptions with regular reviews on performance. With three counseling's you are out the door. Hiring should be legal with exact same written questions; the most qualified applicant gets the job. The nepotism must stop. Standards need to be set and maintained. We need to cut the semi autonomous organizations. Either you are the County or NOT. The Department heads are not in stone, they need to be reviewed too.
As for the Oahu legislation and Senate not wanting a West Hawaii County is beyond me. There are so many bonuses to Kona getting organized and improving their tourist cash cow. Who wants to come to Kona with the conditions our beaches and roads are in? Here are the tourists spending thousands of dollars to come to Kona on their dream vacation or honeymoon; and the public restrooms are mess. They are all under construction or falling down and the showers are turn off or broken. The tourist board advertises "Come to HAWAII". It is embarrassing how we compare as a tourist destination.
I would think Oahu would want to raise the State's standards and make Hawaii a place people want to vacation more then once. It's not about us or them. The taxes collected here really benefit the state too. It is about putting the money where it is needed. Hilo doesn't have the tourist base. Their TAT (transit accommodations tax) doesn't compare to Kona. Even United Airlines doesn't have enough business to fly into Hilo. We need to give Kona a face lift.
We have to fix each department one by one. Stop hauling garbage by the truck loads from Hilo to Kona. Hilo has huge holes they can dump their own trash in. The cost of the trucks, fuel, workers and the danger to the other vehicles on the road is totally unnecessary. That kind of thinking is why we need a separate county. We need government that is within our reach. I find driving two hours each way to a county council meeting is outrageous. No wonder we have such a mess to deal with.
We need a planning department with some foresight. All subdivions should be required to connect roads and open them prior to receiving a final finish permit.
If they say all Agriculture Land must have agriculture then so be it across the board. Not from the middle of the project and leave people who have building permits already in process to be stuck with unbuildable land. We need consistency. Not favoritism. Agriculture land covers a huge amount of subdivisions and many don't have any agricultural activity on them. The county council needs to all be together on the same page at the same time in order to make effect changes. Fighting should not be tolerated.
We need to open up ohana permits again. The people are still creating Ohana's to help them make their payments, but are the taxes being collected on them?
When we finally got the new pool in Kona I brought up charging .25 per person per day. This revenue would help to support the pool's up keep. I was told that is a crazy idea. No way.
We need to think smart and create smart. Keep the environment natural and grow it wisely.
If we don't have a radical change we will be stuck in the clog of the same wheel year after year.
Thanks for responding.
Susan McGeachy
You are correct. It is not how cheaply it can be done but the organization of it. It must start with a revamp on the entire government. Each department must have specific jobs descriptions with regular reviews on performance. With three counseling's you are out the door. Hiring should be legal with exact same written questions; the most qualified applicant gets the job. The nepotism must stop. Standards need to be set and maintained. We need to cut the semi autonomous organizations. Either you are the County or NOT. The Department heads are not in stone, they need to be reviewed too.
As for the Oahu legislation and Senate not wanting a West Hawaii County is beyond me. There are so many bonuses to Kona getting organized and improving their tourist cash cow. Who wants to come to Kona with the conditions our beaches and roads are in? Here are the tourists spending thousands of dollars to come to Kona on their dream vacation or honeymoon; and the public restrooms are mess. They are all under construction or falling down and the showers are turn off or broken. The tourist board advertises "Come to HAWAII". It is embarrassing how we compare as a tourist destination.
I would think Oahu would want to raise the State's standards and make Hawaii a place people want to vacation more then once. It's not about us or them. The taxes collected here really benefit the state too. It is about putting the money where it is needed. Hilo doesn't have the tourist base. Their TAT (transit accommodations tax) doesn't compare to Kona. Even United Airlines doesn't have enough business to fly into Hilo. We need to give Kona a face lift.
We have to fix each department one by one. Stop hauling garbage by the truck loads from Hilo to Kona. Hilo has huge holes they can dump their own trash in. The cost of the trucks, fuel, workers and the danger to the other vehicles on the road is totally unnecessary. That kind of thinking is why we need a separate county. We need government that is within our reach. I find driving two hours each way to a county council meeting is outrageous. No wonder we have such a mess to deal with.
We need a planning department with some foresight. All subdivions should be required to connect roads and open them prior to receiving a final finish permit.
If they say all Agriculture Land must have agriculture then so be it across the board. Not from the middle of the project and leave people who have building permits already in process to be stuck with unbuildable land. We need consistency. Not favoritism. Agriculture land covers a huge amount of subdivisions and many don't have any agricultural activity on them. The county council needs to all be together on the same page at the same time in order to make effect changes. Fighting should not be tolerated.
We need to open up ohana permits again. The people are still creating Ohana's to help them make their payments, but are the taxes being collected on them?
When we finally got the new pool in Kona I brought up charging .25 per person per day. This revenue would help to support the pool's up keep. I was told that is a crazy idea. No way.
We need to think smart and create smart. Keep the environment natural and grow it wisely.
If we don't have a radical change we will be stuck in the clog of the same wheel year after year.
Thanks for responding.
Susan McGeachy
Marshall Blann
The idea is not how cheaply one can govern, but how well.
The costs of division, if any, are not really relevant. Relevant is : will more effective government result.
I wonder if the county could not set up districts, each receiving part of their property taxes, with large measures of self government via charter amendment. Since this would not formally involve declaration of cities or other subdivisions, but would be a part of county government, this might be doable. Then by incrementally shifting revenues to these county organizational subdivisions, the present county government becomes redundent/ impotent. There may be enough sentiment of all the island less Hilo to do this- so it might be possible without fighting the state.
Marshall Blann
The costs of division, if any, are not really relevant. Relevant is : will more effective government result.
I wonder if the county could not set up districts, each receiving part of their property taxes, with large measures of self government via charter amendment. Since this would not formally involve declaration of cities or other subdivisions, but would be a part of county government, this might be doable. Then by incrementally shifting revenues to these county organizational subdivisions, the present county government becomes redundent/ impotent. There may be enough sentiment of all the island less Hilo to do this- so it might be possible without fighting the state.
Marshall Blann
Henry scroggin
aloha susan nice article-Don"t stress too much about our corruption from hilo. Until kona has a larger population than hilo they will always win and you are wishful thinking for a separate county. Hilo has honolulu democrats backing them too. It's like linda lingle-the people voted her in to do the things she wanted to but all the democrats aroung here refused to let anything go through but unemployment is 2.5% so the democrats are dead in the water and have no candidate to run. Harry kim might do well just because he is a good ole boy and has successfully funnelled most of konas money to hilo. This is exactly the kind of corruption the honolulu democrats would want for the state but hopefully he wont run. Honolulu doesn't care at all that harry gave no money to kona--It is a plus and shows character...Susan the closer to kona you live the better cause it will take years to make 4 lane highways as long as we have no mayor.Henry scroggin
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Wayne Carter
Susan,
I will be happy to attend your meeting. As I'm sure you realize, the democrats who run the senate and legislature in Honolulu will never relinquish their power and influence over the west side because we send them and our county reps too much money. They don't really care about us. It's all about the money and power and they control both. Remember the "golden rule" - he who has the gold will rule! They control our fate and it would take their vote to make the changes to the Hawaii constitution. They've been in power for over 30 years and they are not about to give any up. Our county reps don't have the guts to do anything about it or try to influence their democrat "parents" in Honolulu. Until we get a true 2 party system in Hawaii, we are at their mercy. To make changes must be made at the ballot box. Unfortunately, the citizens of our state who voted Linda Lingle in as governor dropped the ball when they didn't follow it up when voting for senate and legislature seats.
How ignorant was that?
I wish you much luck. Truth is, you are going to need it. Let us know when your meeting is scheduled.
Mahalo & Aloha from Paradise,
Wayne Carter
I will be happy to attend your meeting. As I'm sure you realize, the democrats who run the senate and legislature in Honolulu will never relinquish their power and influence over the west side because we send them and our county reps too much money. They don't really care about us. It's all about the money and power and they control both. Remember the "golden rule" - he who has the gold will rule! They control our fate and it would take their vote to make the changes to the Hawaii constitution. They've been in power for over 30 years and they are not about to give any up. Our county reps don't have the guts to do anything about it or try to influence their democrat "parents" in Honolulu. Until we get a true 2 party system in Hawaii, we are at their mercy. To make changes must be made at the ballot box. Unfortunately, the citizens of our state who voted Linda Lingle in as governor dropped the ball when they didn't follow it up when voting for senate and legislature seats.
How ignorant was that?
I wish you much luck. Truth is, you are going to need it. Let us know when your meeting is scheduled.
Mahalo & Aloha from Paradise,
Wayne Carter
Monday, December 05, 2005
Susan McGeachy responds to Gerald Langes WHT
Splitting the County!
I am responding to Gerald Lange's letter on splitting the county.
I believe timing is everything. In the mid 90's we weren't ready for another county. We didn't have all of the anchor stores and construction growth. We didn't have cruise ships dropping anchor. We were driving to Hilo to shop and spend money.
The jobs are now in West Hawaii and so is the population. Now we are sitting in traffic all the time and wondering maybe it is time for a new county. Two main roads for 60,000 people isn't right somehow. Maybe we need to get serious and take action.
I met with Mr. Lange today to review where they left off. A study needs to be done to see the exact cost of breaking away and maintaining our current services.
In January I would like to host a meeting at the Old Airport Pavilion and open the discussion up to the public. If you live between Hawi and Kau then you will be directly impacted by showing up and becoming involved.
"We the People" is our constitution. Where are your taxes going?
We need to work together as a team. This will never happen if you read this and do nothing. We need the whole population to step up on this one.
http://www.hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com/
You can read your elected official's comments and add your own. This is a place to share your ideas. Surprise yourself and get involved.
Susan McGeachy
Tax Payer since 1988
I am responding to Gerald Lange's letter on splitting the county.
I believe timing is everything. In the mid 90's we weren't ready for another county. We didn't have all of the anchor stores and construction growth. We didn't have cruise ships dropping anchor. We were driving to Hilo to shop and spend money.
The jobs are now in West Hawaii and so is the population. Now we are sitting in traffic all the time and wondering maybe it is time for a new county. Two main roads for 60,000 people isn't right somehow. Maybe we need to get serious and take action.
I met with Mr. Lange today to review where they left off. A study needs to be done to see the exact cost of breaking away and maintaining our current services.
In January I would like to host a meeting at the Old Airport Pavilion and open the discussion up to the public. If you live between Hawi and Kau then you will be directly impacted by showing up and becoming involved.
"We the People" is our constitution. Where are your taxes going?
We need to work together as a team. This will never happen if you read this and do nothing. We need the whole population to step up on this one.
http://www.hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com/
You can read your elected official's comments and add your own. This is a place to share your ideas. Surprise yourself and get involved.
Susan McGeachy
Tax Payer since 1988
Gerald Lange letter West Hawaii Today
Separate county
>
>
> Oahu blocks the idea
>
> This is in response to Eric Greenhutt's letter about splitting the county .
>
> He wasn't around when in the mid '90's, a group called "West Hawaii
> Committee" tried to have the island split.
>
> I have 50 bumper-stickers that read "Citizen of West Hawaii County."
> Even with the two lawyers we had, we had we couldn't get any where.
>
> The group consisted of Red Johnson, Jerry Lange, Charles Hosley, Mark
> Jernigan, Walt Decker, Frank Jung, Susan Evans, Don McIntosh, Jim
> Rath, Curtis Tyler and Paul Wahlen. With all that power we didn't get anywhere.
>
> Ohau was afraid if we did, then Kailua on Oahu would split and they
> would loose their "cash cow."
>
> We even tried to get rid of the "Jones Act."
>
> Daniel Inouye said in writing that the Jones Act preserved Hawaii's
> Merchant Marine. We all know that's all "Barbara Streisand."
>
> Ed Case told me the "Jones Act" was too heavily lobbied to remain.
>
> If you think Harry Kim is in the wrong, you should have been here with
> Gov. Yamashiro.
>
> Incidentally, our two lawyers were "pro-bono."
>
> Gerald Lange
>
> Kailua-Kona
>
>
> Oahu blocks the idea
>
> This is in response to Eric Greenhutt's letter about splitting the county .
>
> He wasn't around when in the mid '90's, a group called "West Hawaii
> Committee" tried to have the island split.
>
> I have 50 bumper-stickers that read "Citizen of West Hawaii County."
> Even with the two lawyers we had, we had we couldn't get any where.
>
> The group consisted of Red Johnson, Jerry Lange, Charles Hosley, Mark
> Jernigan, Walt Decker, Frank Jung, Susan Evans, Don McIntosh, Jim
> Rath, Curtis Tyler and Paul Wahlen. With all that power we didn't get anywhere.
>
> Ohau was afraid if we did, then Kailua on Oahu would split and they
> would loose their "cash cow."
>
> We even tried to get rid of the "Jones Act."
>
> Daniel Inouye said in writing that the Jones Act preserved Hawaii's
> Merchant Marine. We all know that's all "Barbara Streisand."
>
> Ed Case told me the "Jones Act" was too heavily lobbied to remain.
>
> If you think Harry Kim is in the wrong, you should have been here with
> Gov. Yamashiro.
>
> Incidentally, our two lawyers were "pro-bono."
>
> Gerald Lange
>
> Kailua-Kona
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Rep. Virginia Isbell responds
Susan, To add a bit of information to your e-mail:
Yes, the State Constitution allows political subdivisions; however, adding a county will require a Constitutional Amendment since each county is listed in the Constitution. There are several communities that want to be separate, listed below, so we are not alone.
As for political subdivisions: While I was in the legislature I introduced a bill for "enabling" legislation to allow political subdivisions, i.e., cities, towns and villages, to be incorporated as political entities. Although the bill was heard, the opposition was on Oahu (where all the votes are since the highest population in the state is there) even though we had support from Laie, Kailua-Oahu, and Kaneohe.
The only "city" in Hawaii is Honolulu; the island of Oahu was designated as a city prior to statehood. The purpose was to call Oahu the "City and County of Honolulu" in order to qualify for federal Community Development Block Grant monies that are distributed based on population.
Virginia
Yes, the State Constitution allows political subdivisions; however, adding a county will require a Constitutional Amendment since each county is listed in the Constitution. There are several communities that want to be separate, listed below, so we are not alone.
As for political subdivisions: While I was in the legislature I introduced a bill for "enabling" legislation to allow political subdivisions, i.e., cities, towns and villages, to be incorporated as political entities. Although the bill was heard, the opposition was on Oahu (where all the votes are since the highest population in the state is there) even though we had support from Laie, Kailua-Oahu, and Kaneohe.
The only "city" in Hawaii is Honolulu; the island of Oahu was designated as a city prior to statehood. The purpose was to call Oahu the "City and County of Honolulu" in order to qualify for federal Community Development Block Grant monies that are distributed based on population.
Virginia
Rep. Cindy Evans responds
Aloha Rep. Cindy Evans,
Thank you very much for answering the blog http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com/
I will be happy to attend the meeting in my area. I would be happy to host a meeting at the large pavilion at the old airport.
I would like to know has anyone done a financial analysis to see the exact amount of money that is currently being spent to maintain
The island of Hawaii for the county operated services (police, fire, planning dept, dept. of public works, senior programs, parks and
recreation, etc…) for Kohala, Waimea, North Kona, Kona, South Kona, and Kau?
Many elected officials feel it is too much money to split the counties. Why is that? Aren’t we paying for these services now? How do all these people
Know it would cost more if there has never been a financial study or anything to substantiate these claims?
I agree we need a majority of the public to step forward and voice their concerns. It must be a grass roots cause by the people for the people.
If a second county is truly wanted and needed then it will take time, effort, and cost. Let’s see if the public is ready to make such a commitment.
Once again thank you for being one of the few representatives to step up to the plate and address this issue. You have my vote.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Susan McGeachy
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
cc: http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com/
Thank you very much for answering the blog http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com/
I will be happy to attend the meeting in my area. I would be happy to host a meeting at the large pavilion at the old airport.
I would like to know has anyone done a financial analysis to see the exact amount of money that is currently being spent to maintain
The island of Hawaii for the county operated services (police, fire, planning dept, dept. of public works, senior programs, parks and
recreation, etc…) for Kohala, Waimea, North Kona, Kona, South Kona, and Kau?
Many elected officials feel it is too much money to split the counties. Why is that? Aren’t we paying for these services now? How do all these people
Know it would cost more if there has never been a financial study or anything to substantiate these claims?
I agree we need a majority of the public to step forward and voice their concerns. It must be a grass roots cause by the people for the people.
If a second county is truly wanted and needed then it will take time, effort, and cost. Let’s see if the public is ready to make such a commitment.
Once again thank you for being one of the few representatives to step up to the plate and address this issue. You have my vote.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Susan McGeachy
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
cc: http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com/
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