THANK YOU
The Group Leaders and their responses:
Group 1: Media: Group Leader: Jerry Lange
Adele and Roger McGee
Brian Schatz
Jennifer Troast
Group 2: Government: Group Leader: Tim Bates
Bob Jones
Tom McGeachy
Group 3 Registered Voters: Group Leader: Pamela Hicks
Cheryl King
Lonnie King
Lillian Fox
Greg De Vito
Lynn Wolfe
Group 4 Finance and Fund Raising: Group Leader: Bev Stehley
John Scribner
Todd Holdcroft
Joe Pretsch
Lee Pretsch
Group 5 Advertising and Design: Group Leader: Gary O’Brien:
The Goal was to come up with at least three names for the group.
Gerry Bushman
Chuck Clark
Dan Sabo
Todd Holdcroft
Tim Terzi
These are some ideas for the group name...
1. "W/E HAWAI'I"
2. HCC - Hawai'i Concerned Citizens
3. CAP - Community Action Program
4. CG - Common Good
5. LP - Liberty Project
6. FIN - Fix IT Now
7. Grass-Roots-Hawai'i
8. Harmony Hawai'i
9. Fresh Start
10. The Take Back Project
Group 6 Research and Development: Group Leader: Barbara Scott
John Nind
Aaron Stene
Jim Williams
Margaret Marceron
Diane Kelce
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Dave responds to meeting
Susan,
Things may look bad.....but! How about searching for a positive or two that came out of last night? How about the concept of posting minutes or a summary of the meeting on the internet thereby opening the lines of communication to lots of people who weren't there but are interested anyway. How about the thought that they could get hooked on the proceedings by reading the internet summaries and thus want to attend the next meeting in person and by reading the internet summaries be up to date on what is happening and perhaps more comfortable in attending. It's to early to get discouraged! Accentuate the positive and let your creative mind run. Who knows what might happen.
All the best,Dave Martinson
Things may look bad.....but! How about searching for a positive or two that came out of last night? How about the concept of posting minutes or a summary of the meeting on the internet thereby opening the lines of communication to lots of people who weren't there but are interested anyway. How about the thought that they could get hooked on the proceedings by reading the internet summaries and thus want to attend the next meeting in person and by reading the internet summaries be up to date on what is happening and perhaps more comfortable in attending. It's to early to get discouraged! Accentuate the positive and let your creative mind run. Who knows what might happen.
All the best,Dave Martinson
Fire Department update meeting
ALOHA,
PLEASE JOIN DARRYL OLIVEIRA, HAWAI'I COUNTY FIRE CHIEF, FOR A COMMUNITY UPDATE ON THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS IN WEST HAWAII ON:
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2006
9:30-10:00 AM
@ LIQUOR CONTROL CONFERENCE ROOM, KONA CENTER BUILDING
75-5722 HANAMA PLACE, SUITE 1107, KAILUA-KONA (Next to the Driver's License Dept.)
THE PUBLIC IS ALSO WELCOME TO ATTEND THE HAWAII COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION MEETING FOLLOWING @ 10:00.
You can call our office for directions or questions Thank-you
Karen
Karen Eoff, Aide to
Councilman K. Angel Pilago
District 8, North Kona
808-327-3642
www.angelcouncil.org
PLEASE JOIN DARRYL OLIVEIRA, HAWAI'I COUNTY FIRE CHIEF, FOR A COMMUNITY UPDATE ON THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS IN WEST HAWAII ON:
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2006
9:30-10:00 AM
@ LIQUOR CONTROL CONFERENCE ROOM, KONA CENTER BUILDING
75-5722 HANAMA PLACE, SUITE 1107, KAILUA-KONA (Next to the Driver's License Dept.)
THE PUBLIC IS ALSO WELCOME TO ATTEND THE HAWAII COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION MEETING FOLLOWING @ 10:00.
You can call our office for directions or questions Thank-you
Karen
Karen Eoff, Aide to
Councilman K. Angel Pilago
District 8, North Kona
808-327-3642
www.angelcouncil.org
Group 5 Ad/Design are akamai and thinking
Group 5 Advertising and Design: Gary O’Brien: Group Leader
The Goal was to come up with at least three names for the group.
These are some ideas for the group name...
1. "W/E HAWAI'I"
2. HCC - Hawai'i Concerned Citizens
3. CAP - Community Action Program
4. CG - Common Good
5. LP - Liberty Project
6. FIN - Fix IT Now
7. Grass-Roots-Hawai'i
8. Harmony Hawai'i
9. Fresh Start 10. The Take Back Project
Aloha Susan, I think that we need to go ahead with the process to separate West Hawaii County from East Hawaii [W/E]. If the process takes years we need to start now. I think that the people in our group are akamai and I look forward to the future with optimism. Are W/E mushrooms? W/E have to be mushrooms... Why do you think the government keeps us in the dark and feed us B.S. all the time... "W/E are Mushrooms" !!!!! Regards, Gary O'
The Goal was to come up with at least three names for the group.
These are some ideas for the group name...
1. "W/E HAWAI'I"
2. HCC - Hawai'i Concerned Citizens
3. CAP - Community Action Program
4. CG - Common Good
5. LP - Liberty Project
6. FIN - Fix IT Now
7. Grass-Roots-Hawai'i
8. Harmony Hawai'i
9. Fresh Start 10. The Take Back Project
Aloha Susan, I think that we need to go ahead with the process to separate West Hawaii County from East Hawaii [W/E]. If the process takes years we need to start now. I think that the people in our group are akamai and I look forward to the future with optimism. Are W/E mushrooms? W/E have to be mushrooms... Why do you think the government keeps us in the dark and feed us B.S. all the time... "W/E are Mushrooms" !!!!! Regards, Gary O'
Stan responds
Aloha Susan,
I was at your first meeting. I went to see Josh Green last night. My hope is that you can get more people invigorated. I was involved with a group by the acronym of "C.E.R.G. It was extremely difficult to keep people committed to the cause. Other groups that might benefit from joining forces, many times want to fight things on their own. Usually don't achieve as much that way. I applaud your efforts. I wish I thought I had a lot to lend to a group, but I see more of what is wrong than how to effect positive changes. Also I am too stressed trying to keep commitments I already have.
Josh Green did venture that it might be more productive to try and have some duplicate branches of County Govt. over here, rather than shooting for another bureaucracy that might be almost as self serving?
Best of Luck!
Stan Boren
I was at your first meeting. I went to see Josh Green last night. My hope is that you can get more people invigorated. I was involved with a group by the acronym of "C.E.R.G. It was extremely difficult to keep people committed to the cause. Other groups that might benefit from joining forces, many times want to fight things on their own. Usually don't achieve as much that way. I applaud your efforts. I wish I thought I had a lot to lend to a group, but I see more of what is wrong than how to effect positive changes. Also I am too stressed trying to keep commitments I already have.
Josh Green did venture that it might be more productive to try and have some duplicate branches of County Govt. over here, rather than shooting for another bureaucracy that might be almost as self serving?
Best of Luck!
Stan Boren
Monday, February 27, 2006
Judy responds to the meeting
While I commend your efforts and the spirit of what is being attempted, I have to say that I think it is an overwhelming undertaking to think that West Hawaii could financially become its own county. Has anyone actually done the math to consider what such an undertaking involves both logistically and financially?Perhaps an alternative could be to incorporate Kailua Kona as a city, with our own mayor and city counsel and thus be entitled to keep a portion of our tax dollars for local use and improvements, giving some measure of control of how these funds are allocated in West Hawaii. This, in my opinion, is a more attainable goal than trying to fund a whole separate county. Also, I think it is an incorrect to assume that because people don't turn out for these meetings, it means they are satisfied with the status quo - people are apathetic. Failure to attend meetings is by no means a seal of approval for what's happening with our county government.
Aloha Judy,
The math is 75% of the island’s budget is derived from the west side of this island. The actual cost to run a separate government would be far less then what we are currently getting in return for our tax dollars. A new mayor and department heads would be the additional costs. We have all of the other services in place and the cost would be transferred from the east side’s budget to the west side’s budget. The division is not brain surgery. The passing of legislation is however brain surgery.
The fact still remains we have no say over our tax dollars. Four County Council meetings on the west side for the year seams’ a little unfair somehow. It should be equal seeing as we supply most of the taxes/revenue.
Attending the meetings is the only way to make changes in accountability of our government. By doing nothing means acceptance of the problems we are facing.
Take a look back into the blog and see what the Senators and other elected officials have to say on the matter. http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Susan McGeachy
Aloha Judy,
The math is 75% of the island’s budget is derived from the west side of this island. The actual cost to run a separate government would be far less then what we are currently getting in return for our tax dollars. A new mayor and department heads would be the additional costs. We have all of the other services in place and the cost would be transferred from the east side’s budget to the west side’s budget. The division is not brain surgery. The passing of legislation is however brain surgery.
The fact still remains we have no say over our tax dollars. Four County Council meetings on the west side for the year seams’ a little unfair somehow. It should be equal seeing as we supply most of the taxes/revenue.
Attending the meetings is the only way to make changes in accountability of our government. By doing nothing means acceptance of the problems we are facing.
Take a look back into the blog and see what the Senators and other elected officials have to say on the matter. http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Susan McGeachy
Aaron responds to the meeting
Susan,
I was a bit disappointed too with the turnout. I was expecting more people to show up. I believe its getting to the point it is put or shut up time for those folks who find it so easy to complain. But not willing to change things. I commend you for your efforts.
Aaron Stene
I was a bit disappointed too with the turnout. I was expecting more people to show up. I believe its getting to the point it is put or shut up time for those folks who find it so easy to complain. But not willing to change things. I commend you for your efforts.
Aaron Stene
Poor turn our "WHY"
Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Tax Payers,
I stated in the paper some time ago that I would host a meeting. Last month I hosted a public meeting addressing the split of the County and accountability for our current government. There were about 150 people. There was a lot of enthusiasm for another meeting and to get organized as a group.
Last night we had our second meeting and only 50 people turned out and 15 left because they didn’t want to participate. This was sad and shocking at the same time.
It is so easy for people to complain but when it comes down to actually taking part we just have a small group that is willing to commit to helping out.
Why should I waste my time trying to better our situation and account for our tax dollars? Are people really happy with the situation? Or is it the battered wife syndrome? Been beat for so many years that it’s ok?
If you want me to continue with the meetings and the group; then people will need to come forward and get involved. We will need financial help making ads for the paper.
We need people to get involved in a group and participate in improving their own government. I am willing to go one more meeting and if the same enthusiasm isn’t there again; then it shows me people are satisfied with the Government we have, and there is no need for accountability.
If you want to get into a group let me know. mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
If you want to make a donation let me know.
To those of you who came out; Thank you very much for your support.
We do have six groups established. Some only have a few people. Each group needs at least 10 to 15 people in order to be effective.
I would like to hear from you.
Pros or Cons.
I will post it on the Blog: http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com
Respectfully,
Susan McGeachy
73-1145 Ahulani St.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
I stated in the paper some time ago that I would host a meeting. Last month I hosted a public meeting addressing the split of the County and accountability for our current government. There were about 150 people. There was a lot of enthusiasm for another meeting and to get organized as a group.
Last night we had our second meeting and only 50 people turned out and 15 left because they didn’t want to participate. This was sad and shocking at the same time.
It is so easy for people to complain but when it comes down to actually taking part we just have a small group that is willing to commit to helping out.
Why should I waste my time trying to better our situation and account for our tax dollars? Are people really happy with the situation? Or is it the battered wife syndrome? Been beat for so many years that it’s ok?
If you want me to continue with the meetings and the group; then people will need to come forward and get involved. We will need financial help making ads for the paper.
We need people to get involved in a group and participate in improving their own government. I am willing to go one more meeting and if the same enthusiasm isn’t there again; then it shows me people are satisfied with the Government we have, and there is no need for accountability.
If you want to get into a group let me know. mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
If you want to make a donation let me know.
To those of you who came out; Thank you very much for your support.
We do have six groups established. Some only have a few people. Each group needs at least 10 to 15 people in order to be effective.
I would like to hear from you.
Pros or Cons.
I will post it on the Blog: http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com
Respectfully,
Susan McGeachy
73-1145 Ahulani St.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Susan Testifies for Kona Coastview Roads
To: Chairman Higa and Council members
Re: Bill 212 Testimony
In 1963 these roads were dedicated to the County of Hawaii. Over the past 20 years and three attempts we finally have an Improvement District installing a new water system.
We the homeowners are paying for the majority of the project. The remainder is being paid for by a grant from UDSA Urban Development. Each property owner is paying approximately $10,000.00 for a new water system, meter and hook ups.
By the time the system is in the roads will be on their final legs. The heavy equipment up and down the roads, the trenching from the pipes being laid, and the rain under mining the sides of the roads has literally destroyed the roads.
The roads have been maintained by a shovel of asphalt in the wholes every few months or so. This will be the first resurfacing this road has had in 43 years.
These roads will be used by residents of Coastview, Wonderview, Highlands, and Palisades and other surrounding subdivisions. The roads will become a main thorough fair once the cross streets are opened.
Once the system is finished.
Then the cross roads will need to be opened.
Then the resurfacing to complete the entire project.
If the road resurfacing is done prior to the cross roads being opened then the traffic will be traveling at top speeds down (the new smooth) roads, and will become a traffic hazard.
This project will become the prototype for all future water improvement districts.
Please help us complete this project with the resurfacing of the Coastview/ Wonderview roads.
Thank you for an opportunity to submit my testimony.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Susan McGeachy
Homeowner since 1988 in Coastview
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
Re: Bill 212 Testimony
In 1963 these roads were dedicated to the County of Hawaii. Over the past 20 years and three attempts we finally have an Improvement District installing a new water system.
We the homeowners are paying for the majority of the project. The remainder is being paid for by a grant from UDSA Urban Development. Each property owner is paying approximately $10,000.00 for a new water system, meter and hook ups.
By the time the system is in the roads will be on their final legs. The heavy equipment up and down the roads, the trenching from the pipes being laid, and the rain under mining the sides of the roads has literally destroyed the roads.
The roads have been maintained by a shovel of asphalt in the wholes every few months or so. This will be the first resurfacing this road has had in 43 years.
These roads will be used by residents of Coastview, Wonderview, Highlands, and Palisades and other surrounding subdivisions. The roads will become a main thorough fair once the cross streets are opened.
Once the system is finished.
Then the cross roads will need to be opened.
Then the resurfacing to complete the entire project.
If the road resurfacing is done prior to the cross roads being opened then the traffic will be traveling at top speeds down (the new smooth) roads, and will become a traffic hazard.
This project will become the prototype for all future water improvement districts.
Please help us complete this project with the resurfacing of the Coastview/ Wonderview roads.
Thank you for an opportunity to submit my testimony.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Susan McGeachy
Homeowner since 1988 in Coastview
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
Department of Health responds.
Hi Susan,
My staff met with Mike Dworsky last week regarding Hilo L.F. The land fill height was at 188 feet. The land fill maximum height is 196 feet. Mike estimates that the 8 feet of air space left will last them 5 to 6 weeks. The county plans to fill on the side slopes of the landfill in order to extend the operation at Hilo for 3 to possibly 4 years.
Sorry for the delay in responding to you (we are very busy with the legislature right now). If you have any further questions, please call me at 586-4226.
Steven Chang
Program Manager
Dept. of Health Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch
Aloha Steve,
Thank you for responding. Is the County considering another landfill site in Hilo?
The sort station they want to build sorts some of the trash but what about the remainder of the trash? Is there a plan?
Thank you again.
Susan McGeachy
My staff met with Mike Dworsky last week regarding Hilo L.F. The land fill height was at 188 feet. The land fill maximum height is 196 feet. Mike estimates that the 8 feet of air space left will last them 5 to 6 weeks. The county plans to fill on the side slopes of the landfill in order to extend the operation at Hilo for 3 to possibly 4 years.
Sorry for the delay in responding to you (we are very busy with the legislature right now). If you have any further questions, please call me at 586-4226.
Steven Chang
Program Manager
Dept. of Health Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch
Aloha Steve,
Thank you for responding. Is the County considering another landfill site in Hilo?
The sort station they want to build sorts some of the trash but what about the remainder of the trash? Is there a plan?
Thank you again.
Susan McGeachy
Monday, February 20, 2006
Allan Kaneshiro to Mayor Kim
Aloha Mayor Kim:
After all these years how can your administration and the County Counsel
of Hawaii come up with your solution to Hilo's trash problem; truck
trash from East Hawaii to West Hawaii? We don't want your trash! East
Hawaii has ample land and sites to relocate a dump site in East Hawaii
at a lower cost rather than trucking all that smelly stuff through
Kohala and on to the already congested Queen K highway.
This new effort to solve the trash problem will cost in the millions and
contrary to your thought that this movement of trash is a temporary one
I'd bet a Million that this would not be the case. We in West Hawaii
have seen too much of the ineptness of our local government to solve
it's logistical and financial problem by abusing and draining income
from us to support capital improvements in East Hawaii and give us
little but more development and more congestion and miles and miles of
backed up traffic all day long and seven days a week.
We need from you, the County Counsel, and the government in Honolulu to
see the plight we are in - too much crime, congested highways, lack of
public transportation, lack of schools, poorly designed vehicular
traffic controls, too much development without adequate infrastructure,
and finally poor government concern and action when developers fail to
follow through as promised and the tab is passed on to the tax payer.
Visitors and residences are calling for a solution to this neglectful
attitude and are disturbed to the point of calling for a separate
county, West Hawaii! I know this effort will be blocked by all in power
and I know if a separate county is achieved it will be a long time from
now so, what are you doing to speed up the inter island ferry? I wish to
leave this once paradise island for greener pastures on another – we pay
the most for everything, pay the highest in taxes of all the islands and
any state in US and get too little of anything positive.
Mahalo,
Allan Kaneshiro
Kailua-Kona
After all these years how can your administration and the County Counsel
of Hawaii come up with your solution to Hilo's trash problem; truck
trash from East Hawaii to West Hawaii? We don't want your trash! East
Hawaii has ample land and sites to relocate a dump site in East Hawaii
at a lower cost rather than trucking all that smelly stuff through
Kohala and on to the already congested Queen K highway.
This new effort to solve the trash problem will cost in the millions and
contrary to your thought that this movement of trash is a temporary one
I'd bet a Million that this would not be the case. We in West Hawaii
have seen too much of the ineptness of our local government to solve
it's logistical and financial problem by abusing and draining income
from us to support capital improvements in East Hawaii and give us
little but more development and more congestion and miles and miles of
backed up traffic all day long and seven days a week.
We need from you, the County Counsel, and the government in Honolulu to
see the plight we are in - too much crime, congested highways, lack of
public transportation, lack of schools, poorly designed vehicular
traffic controls, too much development without adequate infrastructure,
and finally poor government concern and action when developers fail to
follow through as promised and the tab is passed on to the tax payer.
Visitors and residences are calling for a solution to this neglectful
attitude and are disturbed to the point of calling for a separate
county, West Hawaii! I know this effort will be blocked by all in power
and I know if a separate county is achieved it will be a long time from
now so, what are you doing to speed up the inter island ferry? I wish to
leave this once paradise island for greener pastures on another – we pay
the most for everything, pay the highest in taxes of all the islands and
any state in US and get too little of anything positive.
Mahalo,
Allan Kaneshiro
Kailua-Kona
Friday, February 17, 2006
County splitting on the Mainland
I have no idea if you knew me then, or the incident.
We almost split the County....
We owned the local Intermountain News in Burney, California.
Our rugged hilly portion of the county was ignored by the government... that is, until we started running little notes regarding the possibility of splitting off from the county.
Though, rural in nature, we had the huge tax bases from the major ranches in the area, including one owned by Hearst.
Well, we got our roads paved, we got more permanent staffing for our small Sheriff's sub-station, our schools got more upkeep and general funding and we got a representative to come to our area meetings..
The benefits were certainly worth the effort.
The bottom line is, that when we took a straw vote, via the newspapers ballots, we almost had the votes to split the county. We were most surprised at the number of people that lived in Redding that voted for/with us.
Another effort to split the county came to Santa Barbara, California. The North Count was ignored until the people figured out that they also had the major tax base.
With this information, the people of Santa Maria, Orcutt and Guadalupe and surrounding municipalities got a Very nice government complex, county council meetings are held there every other scheduled meeting and an entire litany of benefits, that before the 'Split the county effort' , only Santa Barbara people received.
In my estimation, both those areas will eventually be split as it will be here on the Big Island, the demographics will be the main issue.
The one thing the Californians have, is honest councilmen with plenty of Sunshine and oversight.
We almost split the County....
We owned the local Intermountain News in Burney, California.
Our rugged hilly portion of the county was ignored by the government... that is, until we started running little notes regarding the possibility of splitting off from the county.
Though, rural in nature, we had the huge tax bases from the major ranches in the area, including one owned by Hearst.
Well, we got our roads paved, we got more permanent staffing for our small Sheriff's sub-station, our schools got more upkeep and general funding and we got a representative to come to our area meetings..
The benefits were certainly worth the effort.
The bottom line is, that when we took a straw vote, via the newspapers ballots, we almost had the votes to split the county. We were most surprised at the number of people that lived in Redding that voted for/with us.
Another effort to split the county came to Santa Barbara, California. The North Count was ignored until the people figured out that they also had the major tax base.
With this information, the people of Santa Maria, Orcutt and Guadalupe and surrounding municipalities got a Very nice government complex, county council meetings are held there every other scheduled meeting and an entire litany of benefits, that before the 'Split the county effort' , only Santa Barbara people received.
In my estimation, both those areas will eventually be split as it will be here on the Big Island, the demographics will be the main issue.
The one thing the Californians have, is honest councilmen with plenty of Sunshine and oversight.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
West Hawaii Today-Sort Station
HILO -- The Hawaii County Council gave in to the mayor Wednesday and provided additional funding for a proposed East Hawaii Regional Sort Station project.Council members voted 7-2 to add $1.1 million in capital funds for the sort station -- $6.2 million was previously appropriated. Dissenters included James Arakaki and Donald Ikeda, of Hilo.The funding approval comes after months of struggle between the administration and council members over public funding of the sort station and over the true purpose of its first phase, deemed "a reload facility."Some council members believe it will merely serve as a super transfer station for East Hawaii's trash to be gathered for hauling to Puuanahulu in North Kona once the Hilo landfill reaches maximum capacity.The approval also comes despite Bio Energy Hawaii pitching an offer to build a sort station, handle the Hilo landfill and set up a waste-to-energy facility at its own expense.Council members heard from Waimea resident Ted Dahl, who expressed anger at the possibility of East Hawaii's trash being hauled to Puuanahulu once the Hilo landfill closes.Mayor Harry Kim was dumbfounded that Dahl could feel that way.Kim noted he has received a lot of e-mails lately asking that trash not be trucked to the Kona landfill.
"There is a lot of anger out there and I don't understand some of them, why there is so much anger," Kim said. "It's not just frustration, but anger and hostility."Kim then reiterated to council members what he has been saying all along: East Hawaii's trash will not be hauled to Puuanahulu under his watch. His administration is actively pursuing an extension on the life of the Hilo landfill set to reach maximum capacity in March.He addressed South Kona Councilwoman Virginia Isbell specifically, telling her he is pursuing other alternatives should the landfill not receive a Department of Health (DOH) extension, including hauling East Hawaii's estimated 230 tons per day to Washington state.The mayor acknowledged that the county's Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (ISWMP) states that shipping to Puuanahulu would be done in the interim between the time the Hilo landfill closes and a waste reduction technology is available. But he maintained that shipping to Kona won't be necessary."I accept responsibility for what I'm saying. Because of that, interim shipping to Kona is no longer necessary," Kim said, adding it is in the ISWMP because it was written "before we pursued other things."Hamakua Councilman Fred Holschuh said his legislative staff looked into shipping East Hawaii's trash to the mainland and was informed the federal Environmental Protection Agency won't allow it until at least 2007.Isbell then recalled a June letter from DOH expressing alarm that the county had not taken the necessary steps to implement its ISWMP and questioning its intention to expand the life of the landfill by steepening its slopes, saying there are "minimal opportunities for expansion."Kim said his administration has had "constant and very personal" communication with DOH officials since that letter and he is confident DOH will approve an extension on the landfill's life."We would never mislead you or the public," Kim said.Isbell said council members "may decide to take over if you don't get something going." She said she doesn't like the idea of steepening the slopes of the landfill and she knows there are options out there for handling East Hawaii's solid waste."You've put us between a rock and a hard place, and you're going to have to figure out how to remove that rock," Isbell said, adding, "It's difficult to talk about," but the sort station should actually have been referred to in the ISWMP as a "reload station" because "it is meant to haul to Kona."North Kona Councilman Angel Pilago, whose district Puuanahulu landfill lies in, defended the mayor, saying that East Hawaii's trash problem is "all our problem and all our responsibility. It doesn't fall on one person." He added that he is one council member who supports the sort station.Council Chairman Stacy Higa countered saying he wasn't going to be as "forgiving and optimistic" as some of his colleagues."With all due respect, Barbara, your department has put too much emphasis on recycling," Higa said, referring to Barbara Bell, the Department of Environmental Management head. "I would have (voted) no if for sure we could ship off-island tomorrow."
"There is a lot of anger out there and I don't understand some of them, why there is so much anger," Kim said. "It's not just frustration, but anger and hostility."Kim then reiterated to council members what he has been saying all along: East Hawaii's trash will not be hauled to Puuanahulu under his watch. His administration is actively pursuing an extension on the life of the Hilo landfill set to reach maximum capacity in March.He addressed South Kona Councilwoman Virginia Isbell specifically, telling her he is pursuing other alternatives should the landfill not receive a Department of Health (DOH) extension, including hauling East Hawaii's estimated 230 tons per day to Washington state.The mayor acknowledged that the county's Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (ISWMP) states that shipping to Puuanahulu would be done in the interim between the time the Hilo landfill closes and a waste reduction technology is available. But he maintained that shipping to Kona won't be necessary."I accept responsibility for what I'm saying. Because of that, interim shipping to Kona is no longer necessary," Kim said, adding it is in the ISWMP because it was written "before we pursued other things."Hamakua Councilman Fred Holschuh said his legislative staff looked into shipping East Hawaii's trash to the mainland and was informed the federal Environmental Protection Agency won't allow it until at least 2007.Isbell then recalled a June letter from DOH expressing alarm that the county had not taken the necessary steps to implement its ISWMP and questioning its intention to expand the life of the landfill by steepening its slopes, saying there are "minimal opportunities for expansion."Kim said his administration has had "constant and very personal" communication with DOH officials since that letter and he is confident DOH will approve an extension on the landfill's life."We would never mislead you or the public," Kim said.Isbell said council members "may decide to take over if you don't get something going." She said she doesn't like the idea of steepening the slopes of the landfill and she knows there are options out there for handling East Hawaii's solid waste."You've put us between a rock and a hard place, and you're going to have to figure out how to remove that rock," Isbell said, adding, "It's difficult to talk about," but the sort station should actually have been referred to in the ISWMP as a "reload station" because "it is meant to haul to Kona."North Kona Councilman Angel Pilago, whose district Puuanahulu landfill lies in, defended the mayor, saying that East Hawaii's trash problem is "all our problem and all our responsibility. It doesn't fall on one person." He added that he is one council member who supports the sort station.Council Chairman Stacy Higa countered saying he wasn't going to be as "forgiving and optimistic" as some of his colleagues."With all due respect, Barbara, your department has put too much emphasis on recycling," Higa said, referring to Barbara Bell, the Department of Environmental Management head. "I would have (voted) no if for sure we could ship off-island tomorrow."
Susan contacts Honululu DOH
Aloha Pete,
Bio-Energy may or may not be the answer but; paying to have our trash shipped to Washington State doesn’t sound like a cost efficient plan for the tax payers. What about other options like the Glover quarry in Hilo (a giant hole)? This is the “Big” Island you would think the county could find a location for the trash here on island other then Kona’s backyard.
I called the Department of Health today and spoke with Steve Chang, He seems to think the near capacity Hilo Landfill will be putting in an application for redesign to extend the life of the landfill for approx. 3 years. Creating a steeper slope and using more land. The second step would be a 3 year contract to ship the trash to Washington State. After which time the County must look at new technologies or fill the Kona Landfill. He is going to email me more details and I will post them.
The information I had regarding the landfill came for the Town meeting on 2/13/06 via Virginia Isbell. The information she had should have been what the rest of the council had too. Everyone I speak to has a totally different story. Hopefully DOH will clear the air. It would be really nice if the public was up to speed on the process.
Please read today’s paper. The full disclosure is right there or maybe not!
Thank you for responding. It shows you are concerned.
Aloha, Susan
Bio-Energy may or may not be the answer but; paying to have our trash shipped to Washington State doesn’t sound like a cost efficient plan for the tax payers. What about other options like the Glover quarry in Hilo (a giant hole)? This is the “Big” Island you would think the county could find a location for the trash here on island other then Kona’s backyard.
I called the Department of Health today and spoke with Steve Chang, He seems to think the near capacity Hilo Landfill will be putting in an application for redesign to extend the life of the landfill for approx. 3 years. Creating a steeper slope and using more land. The second step would be a 3 year contract to ship the trash to Washington State. After which time the County must look at new technologies or fill the Kona Landfill. He is going to email me more details and I will post them.
The information I had regarding the landfill came for the Town meeting on 2/13/06 via Virginia Isbell. The information she had should have been what the rest of the council had too. Everyone I speak to has a totally different story. Hopefully DOH will clear the air. It would be really nice if the public was up to speed on the process.
Please read today’s paper. The full disclosure is right there or maybe not!
Thank you for responding. It shows you are concerned.
Aloha, Susan
Rep. Pete Hoffman responds to Trash
Susan: I don't know where you got this info, but I don't think its accurate.
The landfill in Hilo will close on/about 1 April if the Dept. of Health does not grant an extension. The County believes they will get that extension. Nothing will happen in two weeks.
The supposed system from Bio-Energy Pacific Waste is just that, smoke and mirrors. No sane or sensible individual in charge of spending our tax money would ever agree to a contract with these guys at this time. I certainly won't. They will not bid on the request for proposal because they have nothing to show. They have good publicity but no functional commercial system at this time and no figures or other data to present.
I've heard the Mayor for more than a year. While I do not agree with him on all issues, I do not believe he wants to ship trash to Kona and everything he's tried to do over the past year would indicate that.
Pete Hoffmann
The landfill in Hilo will close on/about 1 April if the Dept. of Health does not grant an extension. The County believes they will get that extension. Nothing will happen in two weeks.
The supposed system from Bio-Energy Pacific Waste is just that, smoke and mirrors. No sane or sensible individual in charge of spending our tax money would ever agree to a contract with these guys at this time. I certainly won't. They will not bid on the request for proposal because they have nothing to show. They have good publicity but no functional commercial system at this time and no figures or other data to present.
I've heard the Mayor for more than a year. While I do not agree with him on all issues, I do not believe he wants to ship trash to Kona and everything he's tried to do over the past year would indicate that.
Pete Hoffmann
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Mayor got the message- HB403 Bill State Legislature
Aloha Peter,
Thank you for your support. The massive calls and emails to the mayor have truly been a great message. I think he knows that the people of Kona are not going to sit still for Hilo's trash.
One guy wrote and said if the trash comes from Hilo then he is going to round up a bunch of people and take his trash to the Mayor's house.
I told him that isn't the answer. We need to see what the Department of Health has to say about the life of the Hilo dump.
On a brighter note: Last year a bill for political subdivision was introduced by Rep. Helene Hale. Under State Legislature bill number HB403. If anyone knows anything about this please contact me. I have written to Rep. Helene Hale for more information.
Thank you again,
Susan
Thank you for your support. The massive calls and emails to the mayor have truly been a great message. I think he knows that the people of Kona are not going to sit still for Hilo's trash.
One guy wrote and said if the trash comes from Hilo then he is going to round up a bunch of people and take his trash to the Mayor's house.
I told him that isn't the answer. We need to see what the Department of Health has to say about the life of the Hilo dump.
On a brighter note: Last year a bill for political subdivision was introduced by Rep. Helene Hale. Under State Legislature bill number HB403. If anyone knows anything about this please contact me. I have written to Rep. Helene Hale for more information.
Thank you again,
Susan
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
West Hawaii Today articles on the Hilo Land Fill
Feb. 3 WHT:Higa also addressed several questions on the stalled vote to fund a new sort station adjacent to the Hilo landfill. Wednesday the council delayed a vote on additional funding needed for the station for two weeks, leaving some residents confused over the status of the project.Higa explained that he voted to delay the vote until the Feb. 15 meeting to ensure there would be enough votes for it to pass."We did not have the six votes to pass and I refuse to let this bill pass by," Higa said. "My vote will be yes (to build the station) because I think we're at a point that we need this."But Higa also made sure to emphatically state that he is against hauling any trash from East Hawaii to West Hawaii by passing huge trucks through Waimea."I'm totally against trucking the trash to Kona," Higa said. "I don't want one truck coming through here. I told the mayor, if one truck goes to Kona, it's on him. Don't blame the council."
Feb 9 WHT:HILO -- The county is prepared to spend millions of taxpayer dollars on a super transfer station in Hilo, despite an offer from a private firm to address East Hawaii's trash problem at its own expense.Bio Energy Hawaii -- a partnership between Pacific Waste and Georgia-based Ferco Enterprises and Allied Energy Services -- has offered to redesign and close the Hilo landfill, build a waste processing facility, a bio-mass gasifier, a waste-to-energy plant and an ethanol production facility here.The company claims it would save the county the $13 million expense to close the Hilo landfill, the cost to build a sort station, and the projected cost to ship East Hawaii's waste to the Puuanahulu landfill once the landfill reaches capacity.Both Mayor Harry Kim and County Council Chairman Stacy Higa, of Hilo, said they have encouraged BEH to participate in the request-for-proposal (RFP) process under way for a waste reduction technology.But BEH representatives have said -- and BEH project manager Guy Kaniho confirmed again Wednesday -- that they do not plan to participate in that process that requires, by Feb. 17, the submittal of technical, management and financial qualifications to permit, design, build and operate a waste reduction facility in East Hawaii.Higa, noting he has reviewed BEH's proposal, said, "It's viable. They have a great proposal and there's an RFP that's out there right now I would hope they would answer and try to qualify for.""At this point, I have difficulty understanding with all procurement laws in place, how the county can negotiate with one vendor. I like their proposal. I really do, but we have to follow the procedures to get them into a position to help our county," Higa said.Kim also said he reviewed BEH's proposal and he pointed to a Jan. 18 response to Kaniho stating, "There is no legal way to accept an unsolicited proposal such as you present" and encouraging BEH to participate in the RFP process for a waste reduction technology.
Kaniho said Wednesday the RFP, as BEH understands it, "does not address what the county needs, as far as a resolution to waste disposal for a lot of reasons, some of which I can't go into right now."He said BEH is preparing a letter detailing why BEH believes the RFP is deficient in addressing "landfill needs -- which we believe is the real issue."Kim said he plans to meet with Pacific Waste Chief Executive Officer Kosti Shirvanian next week, after telling Shirvanian he couldn't speak to him privately if BEH will be participating in the RFP process and Shirvanian telling him BEH won't be.Kim said he told Shirvanian "we have hundreds of questions for everything you stated" and "if (BEH representatives) are serious about their offer, they must be specific and not speak in generalities. I can't review a proposal with generalities. If I did that, it would be the most fiscally irresponsible thing to the taxpayers of Hawaii Island, and it would be legally wrong. I am bound to abide by procurement laws.""I don't believe the taxpayers of this island believe that a private company would give $40 million with no strings attached. The question is, how do you pay for it?" Kim said. "Besides the money, I have a serious obligation to question the proposal. It's a new technology never used anywhere in the world. Something entirely new for Hawaii Island and for East Hawaii. Naturally, we are going to question it."Higa said he believes council has done everything they can as policy makers "to entertain and educate ourselves about all the available technologies" at the same they abide by procurement laws."There are emergency provisions, but my understanding is we don't have an emergency because we have another permitted landfill on the island," Higa said. "That is why I would hope that BEH goes through the process. If their proposal is as good as I believe it is, I am hoping the process will allow them to rise to the top. That's the process that has been set up. Everybody comes to the county and says they want to help us, but then again we have procurement laws."Next week the County Council decides whether to provide an additional $1.1 million for the proposed East Hawaii Regional Sort Station, for which $6.2 million has already been appropriated.Higa feels like council members' "backs are to the walls" because, if the Department of Health doesn't approve an extension on the life of the landfill, "there is no alternative other than to truck to Kona. It's a reality, a fact of life.""I'm of the mindset to approve the reload facility (sort station) for nine trucks to go to Kona daily, rather than 90," Higa said."I don't want any trucks going to Kona, but DOH might say 'you have no extension, sorry, you have another landfill and it may not be politically correct, but you have to ship to Kona,'" Higa said.He said he would prefer East Hawaii's trash be shipped to a mainland landfill until a waste reduction technology is in place.Kim said the county may be able to prepare a bid -- separate from an RFP -- that calls for quotes to ship trash off-island.
Feb 9 WHT:HILO -- The county is prepared to spend millions of taxpayer dollars on a super transfer station in Hilo, despite an offer from a private firm to address East Hawaii's trash problem at its own expense.Bio Energy Hawaii -- a partnership between Pacific Waste and Georgia-based Ferco Enterprises and Allied Energy Services -- has offered to redesign and close the Hilo landfill, build a waste processing facility, a bio-mass gasifier, a waste-to-energy plant and an ethanol production facility here.The company claims it would save the county the $13 million expense to close the Hilo landfill, the cost to build a sort station, and the projected cost to ship East Hawaii's waste to the Puuanahulu landfill once the landfill reaches capacity.Both Mayor Harry Kim and County Council Chairman Stacy Higa, of Hilo, said they have encouraged BEH to participate in the request-for-proposal (RFP) process under way for a waste reduction technology.But BEH representatives have said -- and BEH project manager Guy Kaniho confirmed again Wednesday -- that they do not plan to participate in that process that requires, by Feb. 17, the submittal of technical, management and financial qualifications to permit, design, build and operate a waste reduction facility in East Hawaii.Higa, noting he has reviewed BEH's proposal, said, "It's viable. They have a great proposal and there's an RFP that's out there right now I would hope they would answer and try to qualify for.""At this point, I have difficulty understanding with all procurement laws in place, how the county can negotiate with one vendor. I like their proposal. I really do, but we have to follow the procedures to get them into a position to help our county," Higa said.Kim also said he reviewed BEH's proposal and he pointed to a Jan. 18 response to Kaniho stating, "There is no legal way to accept an unsolicited proposal such as you present" and encouraging BEH to participate in the RFP process for a waste reduction technology.
Kaniho said Wednesday the RFP, as BEH understands it, "does not address what the county needs, as far as a resolution to waste disposal for a lot of reasons, some of which I can't go into right now."He said BEH is preparing a letter detailing why BEH believes the RFP is deficient in addressing "landfill needs -- which we believe is the real issue."Kim said he plans to meet with Pacific Waste Chief Executive Officer Kosti Shirvanian next week, after telling Shirvanian he couldn't speak to him privately if BEH will be participating in the RFP process and Shirvanian telling him BEH won't be.Kim said he told Shirvanian "we have hundreds of questions for everything you stated" and "if (BEH representatives) are serious about their offer, they must be specific and not speak in generalities. I can't review a proposal with generalities. If I did that, it would be the most fiscally irresponsible thing to the taxpayers of Hawaii Island, and it would be legally wrong. I am bound to abide by procurement laws.""I don't believe the taxpayers of this island believe that a private company would give $40 million with no strings attached. The question is, how do you pay for it?" Kim said. "Besides the money, I have a serious obligation to question the proposal. It's a new technology never used anywhere in the world. Something entirely new for Hawaii Island and for East Hawaii. Naturally, we are going to question it."Higa said he believes council has done everything they can as policy makers "to entertain and educate ourselves about all the available technologies" at the same they abide by procurement laws."There are emergency provisions, but my understanding is we don't have an emergency because we have another permitted landfill on the island," Higa said. "That is why I would hope that BEH goes through the process. If their proposal is as good as I believe it is, I am hoping the process will allow them to rise to the top. That's the process that has been set up. Everybody comes to the county and says they want to help us, but then again we have procurement laws."Next week the County Council decides whether to provide an additional $1.1 million for the proposed East Hawaii Regional Sort Station, for which $6.2 million has already been appropriated.Higa feels like council members' "backs are to the walls" because, if the Department of Health doesn't approve an extension on the life of the landfill, "there is no alternative other than to truck to Kona. It's a reality, a fact of life.""I'm of the mindset to approve the reload facility (sort station) for nine trucks to go to Kona daily, rather than 90," Higa said."I don't want any trucks going to Kona, but DOH might say 'you have no extension, sorry, you have another landfill and it may not be politically correct, but you have to ship to Kona,'" Higa said.He said he would prefer East Hawaii's trash be shipped to a mainland landfill until a waste reduction technology is in place.Kim said the county may be able to prepare a bid -- separate from an RFP -- that calls for quotes to ship trash off-island.
Mayor Kim's response- same letter four times over
Please be assured that the County of Hawai‘i is pursuing many different options for dealing with East Hawai‘i’s rubbish in both the long term and the short term. We have committed publicly that trucking of East Hawai‘i trash to West Hawai‘i is not under consideration. What we are doing includes:
· Application for extension of the life of the Hilo Landfill by steepening the slopes. This application has been submitted to the Department of Health and we expect that it will be approved in several months. In the meantime, pending approval, we have informed the Department of Health that we are already proceeding to do preliminary work to steepen the slopes. For your information, an engineering study has been completed by an outside engineering firm that demonstrates that this action is feasible and safe. We expect this approval to gain at least two more years of life and as much as four more years.
· Construction of a reload facility that will replace the Hilo Transfer Station with a plain tipping floor to accept trash from both commercial and residential sources. This will be a “plain vanilla” facility that can eventually be used as the front end for a waste reduction facility or for shipping trash off-island. While the Hilo landfill is still operating, the trash from the reload facility (after some recycling off the floor) can be trucked to the Hilo landfill. Since it can be adapted for different uses, having this reload facility on line can shorten the time it will take to implement other options.
· Reviewing the possibility of shipping East Hawai‘i trash off island. Two different companies have approached the County to ship trash to landfills on the mainland. This may be feasible, and it is under serious consideration for the short term or interim period until a waste reduction facility can be put in place.
· Pursuing a waste reduction facility to handle East Hawai‘i’s trash. The Stage 1 Request for Proposals was issued at the end of December. We are working very hard to enter into a contract to construct and operate such a facility. With the permitting requirements and construction time, this is several years away, which is why it is so critical to extend the life of the landfill and have an interim method such as off-island shipment under consideration.
Under state procurement laws, a specific process must be followed for proposals to be considered. Unsolicited proposals cannot be considered or accepted. We have encouraged companies interested in making a proposal to the County to participate in the ongoing Request for Proposals process so their proposals can be accepted.
The bottom line is that there will be no shipment of trash to Kona. I hope this information is useful in helping you understand that we are pursuing many different options, and that trucking to Pu’uanahulu is not under consideration.
Aloha,
Harry Kim
· Application for extension of the life of the Hilo Landfill by steepening the slopes. This application has been submitted to the Department of Health and we expect that it will be approved in several months. In the meantime, pending approval, we have informed the Department of Health that we are already proceeding to do preliminary work to steepen the slopes. For your information, an engineering study has been completed by an outside engineering firm that demonstrates that this action is feasible and safe. We expect this approval to gain at least two more years of life and as much as four more years.
· Construction of a reload facility that will replace the Hilo Transfer Station with a plain tipping floor to accept trash from both commercial and residential sources. This will be a “plain vanilla” facility that can eventually be used as the front end for a waste reduction facility or for shipping trash off-island. While the Hilo landfill is still operating, the trash from the reload facility (after some recycling off the floor) can be trucked to the Hilo landfill. Since it can be adapted for different uses, having this reload facility on line can shorten the time it will take to implement other options.
· Reviewing the possibility of shipping East Hawai‘i trash off island. Two different companies have approached the County to ship trash to landfills on the mainland. This may be feasible, and it is under serious consideration for the short term or interim period until a waste reduction facility can be put in place.
· Pursuing a waste reduction facility to handle East Hawai‘i’s trash. The Stage 1 Request for Proposals was issued at the end of December. We are working very hard to enter into a contract to construct and operate such a facility. With the permitting requirements and construction time, this is several years away, which is why it is so critical to extend the life of the landfill and have an interim method such as off-island shipment under consideration.
Under state procurement laws, a specific process must be followed for proposals to be considered. Unsolicited proposals cannot be considered or accepted. We have encouraged companies interested in making a proposal to the County to participate in the ongoing Request for Proposals process so their proposals can be accepted.
The bottom line is that there will be no shipment of trash to Kona. I hope this information is useful in helping you understand that we are pursuing many different options, and that trucking to Pu’uanahulu is not under consideration.
Aloha,
Harry Kim
Letters to the Mayor:
Dear Mayor Kim,
While I have supported you on numerous issues, I urge you to reconsider your position on the trash / landfill issue. I see no good reason for the taxpayers to finance a sort station when a private company has offered an option that will cost us taxpayers little to nothing.
I also urge you to adopt the Alii Parkway realignment as it currently stands and not step backwards by doing another study. There is no time. We need immediate action. I am also very disappointed to hear that Bruce McClure claimed Kona drivers " suck ". That is completely inappropriate and fuels the discontention that the west side of our county has with the east.
I am confident that you have the best intentions for the entire county and hope that you will make the right decisions.
With aloha, Charles Lipps Jr. / Holualoa
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Mayor Kim:
The west side of the Big Island does not need nor deserve the accumulated trash from the east side of the island! Do whatever is necessary to keep more trucks off our congested cross-island roads! Do whatever it takes to keep out-of-area trash out of our local trash site in the makai Waikoloa area!
Our roads are already congested. They are taking a continual beating (resulting in pot holes and torn road surfaces) from the quarry trucks and cement trucks coming onto them from both Waikoloa Road and Mamalahoa Highway. We implore you to take advantage of the technology that would keep Hilo trash in Hilo!
Should you continue to pursue that route of transporting Hilo trash to Waikoloa, I can only surmise that 1) you like our tax monies, and 2) you give us garbage for it! Sounds like you really do not give a hoot for your west side constituency and that literally stinks!
The issue is not simply resolved but surely there must be a "kinder and gentler" resolution than what we are currently hearing from the County Administrative offices!
Mahalo for efforts on behalf of ALL those who call the Big Island home.
Regards, Marjorie Mrasek
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hon. Mayor,
This is my plea for you to stop this gigantic ball from continuing to roll in the direction of Kona. Please find some way to keep your trash on the Hilo side. There is a wonderful offer that will not cost the taxpayer a cent, and that is with the Bio Energy-Pacific Waste Company. Turning waste to fuel makes the most sense for us here in Hawaii, and to wean us off of oil. Please reconsider this proposal.
Chuck Clark
Kailua Kona, HI
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
NO HILO TRASH TRUCKED TO KONA! YOU PROMISED THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN AT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON IN JANUARY AT KING KAM HOTEL.I REALIZE THIS IS AN INHERITED PROBLEM FROM THE LAST ADMINISTRATION, BUT LET'S HAVE A SOLUTION THAT WORKS FOR BOTH SIDES OF THE ISLAND.SINCERELY,JUDITH
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Mr. Kim,
>
> I understand that there was a bid from Bio Energy-Pacific Waste to take
> over and recycle the Hilo trash into fuel. There will not be any cost to
the
> taxpayers.
>
> I also understand that you want an expensive sort station built by the tax
> payers to sort the trash and then send it to Kona.
>
> Please be sensible and look into the Bio Energy-Pacific Waste bid as the
> logical alternative to trucking trash to Kona.
>
> Also, you guys have soooooooooooooooooooooooooo much land over there that
> it's hard to believe you can't find a new place for your trash.
>
> I'd be interested in your comments.
>
>
> Warmest Aloha & Regards,
>
> Robert W. Avallone
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> Sir:
>>
>> The impending importation or your garbage to my side of the island
>> is indeed the ONLY significant accomplishment of your term.
>>
>> How curious, you take your tax money income from us and ship us
>> garbage in return! Does there seem to be anything wrong with that
>> picture Mr. Mayor?
>>
>> I vote and I have watched your actions (I submit INACTION is a more
>> appropriate choice of words) and those of the county council very
>> very carefully since moving here.
> >
>> Respectfully,
>> L.T. King MD
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
While I have supported you on numerous issues, I urge you to reconsider your position on the trash / landfill issue. I see no good reason for the taxpayers to finance a sort station when a private company has offered an option that will cost us taxpayers little to nothing.
I also urge you to adopt the Alii Parkway realignment as it currently stands and not step backwards by doing another study. There is no time. We need immediate action. I am also very disappointed to hear that Bruce McClure claimed Kona drivers " suck ". That is completely inappropriate and fuels the discontention that the west side of our county has with the east.
I am confident that you have the best intentions for the entire county and hope that you will make the right decisions.
With aloha, Charles Lipps Jr. / Holualoa
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Mayor Kim:
The west side of the Big Island does not need nor deserve the accumulated trash from the east side of the island! Do whatever is necessary to keep more trucks off our congested cross-island roads! Do whatever it takes to keep out-of-area trash out of our local trash site in the makai Waikoloa area!
Our roads are already congested. They are taking a continual beating (resulting in pot holes and torn road surfaces) from the quarry trucks and cement trucks coming onto them from both Waikoloa Road and Mamalahoa Highway. We implore you to take advantage of the technology that would keep Hilo trash in Hilo!
Should you continue to pursue that route of transporting Hilo trash to Waikoloa, I can only surmise that 1) you like our tax monies, and 2) you give us garbage for it! Sounds like you really do not give a hoot for your west side constituency and that literally stinks!
The issue is not simply resolved but surely there must be a "kinder and gentler" resolution than what we are currently hearing from the County Administrative offices!
Mahalo for efforts on behalf of ALL those who call the Big Island home.
Regards, Marjorie Mrasek
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hon. Mayor,
This is my plea for you to stop this gigantic ball from continuing to roll in the direction of Kona. Please find some way to keep your trash on the Hilo side. There is a wonderful offer that will not cost the taxpayer a cent, and that is with the Bio Energy-Pacific Waste Company. Turning waste to fuel makes the most sense for us here in Hawaii, and to wean us off of oil. Please reconsider this proposal.
Chuck Clark
Kailua Kona, HI
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
NO HILO TRASH TRUCKED TO KONA! YOU PROMISED THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN AT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON IN JANUARY AT KING KAM HOTEL.I REALIZE THIS IS AN INHERITED PROBLEM FROM THE LAST ADMINISTRATION, BUT LET'S HAVE A SOLUTION THAT WORKS FOR BOTH SIDES OF THE ISLAND.SINCERELY,JUDITH
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Mr. Kim,
>
> I understand that there was a bid from Bio Energy-Pacific Waste to take
> over and recycle the Hilo trash into fuel. There will not be any cost to
the
> taxpayers.
>
> I also understand that you want an expensive sort station built by the tax
> payers to sort the trash and then send it to Kona.
>
> Please be sensible and look into the Bio Energy-Pacific Waste bid as the
> logical alternative to trucking trash to Kona.
>
> Also, you guys have soooooooooooooooooooooooooo much land over there that
> it's hard to believe you can't find a new place for your trash.
>
> I'd be interested in your comments.
>
>
> Warmest Aloha & Regards,
>
> Robert W. Avallone
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> Sir:
>>
>> The impending importation or your garbage to my side of the island
>> is indeed the ONLY significant accomplishment of your term.
>>
>> How curious, you take your tax money income from us and ship us
>> garbage in return! Does there seem to be anything wrong with that
>> picture Mr. Mayor?
>>
>> I vote and I have watched your actions (I submit INACTION is a more
>> appropriate choice of words) and those of the county council very
>> very carefully since moving here.
> >
>> Respectfully,
>> L.T. King MD
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hilo Dump near Capacity
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is our first call to the public for help. The dump in Hilo is nearing capacity. There is probably one to two feet to go before it is required to be closed. At this point the trash will begin trucking to Kona. It is expected to happen over the next two weeks.
There was a bid from Bio Energy-Pacific Waste to take it over and recycle the trash into fuel. There will not be any cost to the taxpayers.
The Mayor wants an expensive sort station built by the tax payers to sort the trash and then send it to Kona.
We need everyone you know to call the Mayor and flood him with complaints.
Mayor’s office
961-8211
329-5226
961-6553
326-5663
cohmayor@co.hawaii.hi.us
Thank you for your help.
Susan McGeachy
This is our first call to the public for help. The dump in Hilo is nearing capacity. There is probably one to two feet to go before it is required to be closed. At this point the trash will begin trucking to Kona. It is expected to happen over the next two weeks.
There was a bid from Bio Energy-Pacific Waste to take it over and recycle the trash into fuel. There will not be any cost to the taxpayers.
The Mayor wants an expensive sort station built by the tax payers to sort the trash and then send it to Kona.
We need everyone you know to call the Mayor and flood him with complaints.
Mayor’s office
961-8211
329-5226
961-6553
326-5663
cohmayor@co.hawaii.hi.us
Thank you for your help.
Susan McGeachy
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Voters Registration Group is underway.
Susan, I would be happy to volunteer to be on the voter registration committee. I suspect you are already aware of the information below, but it might be a good idea to publicize it to the group in case others want to sign up to take the required class to register voters. There are other locations outside of Kailua listed for the voter registration class. These can be found by going to the county website or on the weekly county newsletter. I am signed up to take the class on March 2 which should be held if at least 10 people sign up to take it.
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Kealakehe Intermediate School
(Cafeteria)
74-5062 Onipa’a St.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
March 2, 2006
May 23, 2006
Aloha Cheryl,
Thank you very much for your offer. The Voters registration group is now under way.
Hopefully we can fill both classes.
People helping people makes things happen.
Thanks again,
Susan
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Kealakehe Intermediate School
(Cafeteria)
74-5062 Onipa’a St.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
March 2, 2006
May 23, 2006
Aloha Cheryl,
Thank you very much for your offer. The Voters registration group is now under way.
Hopefully we can fill both classes.
People helping people makes things happen.
Thanks again,
Susan
Friday, February 10, 2006
Freedom of Speech
Susan,
I do not believe that item 1 is effective as it will cause us to loose many.
I do not believe they will steal our meetings, rather enhance it.
Signs are part of our first ammendment rights, Freedom of Speech.
I would rather have these people with us. It is because of these people and their well earned council bashing is the truth that the council has set up and taken notice.
It is the feeling of a lot of the people that attended the meeting, we must keep this faction as these are part of our group. When people stood up and spoke about the council, it is reality. The council got what they deserved. It is after all, what got the attention of the council members.
What better way to quell the Split the County/Better Government than to have the people that have real and valid complaints be quieted and split off.
Think carefully~
Rickie
Aloha Rickie,
I found when the newspapers wrote up the meeting; The thunder was stolen by the signs and alternate groups. This process is going to be designed so that you can speak your peace but don’t take away from the meeting’s goals. Bashing the people is not productive, but addressing the issues is.
The roar of the crowd must now be turned toward productivity and the anger will change to ownership in the process and system changes.
Freedom of Speech can be achieved without anger signs.
If people can not get beyond that then it is their choice. I have to go with the professional approach in order to maintain structure and integrity of this group.
Thank you for your comments.
Aloha, Susan
I do not believe that item 1 is effective as it will cause us to loose many.
I do not believe they will steal our meetings, rather enhance it.
Signs are part of our first ammendment rights, Freedom of Speech.
I would rather have these people with us. It is because of these people and their well earned council bashing is the truth that the council has set up and taken notice.
It is the feeling of a lot of the people that attended the meeting, we must keep this faction as these are part of our group. When people stood up and spoke about the council, it is reality. The council got what they deserved. It is after all, what got the attention of the council members.
What better way to quell the Split the County/Better Government than to have the people that have real and valid complaints be quieted and split off.
Think carefully~
Rickie
Aloha Rickie,
I found when the newspapers wrote up the meeting; The thunder was stolen by the signs and alternate groups. This process is going to be designed so that you can speak your peace but don’t take away from the meeting’s goals. Bashing the people is not productive, but addressing the issues is.
The roar of the crowd must now be turned toward productivity and the anger will change to ownership in the process and system changes.
Freedom of Speech can be achieved without anger signs.
If people can not get beyond that then it is their choice. I have to go with the professional approach in order to maintain structure and integrity of this group.
Thank you for your comments.
Aloha, Susan
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Laying out the Standards
Laying out the standards for
“Citizens for Better Government”
The first meeting was to air our grips. This was accomplished. Now we need to organize as a team. We all have to be working with the same goals in order to be successful.
As per many requests I will lay down the guidelines and rules.
There will be no signs or bashing of any council members. This group is to better government and not squash it. We have to set the example. We need facts and then action. No other alternative groups will be allowed to take away from your meeting.
The people wanting to be Team Leaders will be interviewed by the group. The group will select the Team Leader they feel will be the most productive. If the group is not satisfied with the Team Leader they can vote them out. It will be the democratic process of majority rules.
Respecting others opinions is a requirement. Everyone gets a chance to share and all ideas should be considered. The group will decide what path we need to take.
The Goal of this group is to work as a team to get better government for the tax payers of this island. The process will include the pursuit of a separate county and equal return on our tax dollars. This process will be achieved by the six groups. Each group will have a monthly goal. The first step is awareness and then action.
Thank you for all of your support. This can only happen if you take part.
Constitution of Hawaii: Bill of Rights.
”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”
Susan McGeachy
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com
“Citizens for Better Government”
The first meeting was to air our grips. This was accomplished. Now we need to organize as a team. We all have to be working with the same goals in order to be successful.
As per many requests I will lay down the guidelines and rules.
There will be no signs or bashing of any council members. This group is to better government and not squash it. We have to set the example. We need facts and then action. No other alternative groups will be allowed to take away from your meeting.
The people wanting to be Team Leaders will be interviewed by the group. The group will select the Team Leader they feel will be the most productive. If the group is not satisfied with the Team Leader they can vote them out. It will be the democratic process of majority rules.
Respecting others opinions is a requirement. Everyone gets a chance to share and all ideas should be considered. The group will decide what path we need to take.
The Goal of this group is to work as a team to get better government for the tax payers of this island. The process will include the pursuit of a separate county and equal return on our tax dollars. This process will be achieved by the six groups. Each group will have a monthly goal. The first step is awareness and then action.
Thank you for all of your support. This can only happen if you take part.
Constitution of Hawaii: Bill of Rights.
”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”
Susan McGeachy
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
West Hawaii Today -No organized letter writing!
Susan, Please be aware that letters resulting from an organized letter-writing campaign (see below) will not be published. We have long held this policy — regardless of our position on any particular issue. Regards Reed Flickinger Editor West Hawaii Today
Tim Bates responds
Aloha Susan
I know you feel that splitting the county is a good idea. But remember, that means double the govt workers and the cost of government. Plus it will take years to accomplish.
If you can give up your real estate salary in favor of a paltry Mayor's purse, maybe you would be more effective running for office. You seem to be able to organize the voters well enough.
The West Side of Hawaii voted for Pilago, Isbell, and Jacobson. We are getting what we deserve by voting for those 3 morons. Can you imagine if the outcome would have been Rathman, Rosner, and Bates (me). I only got 267 votes after slamming Bob Jacobson in EVERY SINGLE DEBATE. The voters are a big part of the problem.
Face it. We live on an island where liberalism reigns supreme. As long as that is the case, we should expect that government will be inept. At Hawaiithreads.com there is a message I wrote in one of the forums about splitting the county. I have pasted it below.
Aloha
Tim Bates
(from Hawaii Threads)
I am a West Hawaii Resident in South Kona. I ran for county council last go round against Bob Jacobson. Alas, the voters voted, and are getting what they want from Mr. Jacobson. Right? An evicted vice-chair who left his onions in his wife's purse.Other voters voted for Virginia Isbell over Joe Rosner. Rosner was clearly the best candidate in that race. I'm sure those Kona voters love the way Ms. Isbell sides with the Hilo Cartel. Right? A council person courting the Hilo vote so she can become Mayor.Still other North Kona voters voted for Angel Pilago over Jim Rathman. Angel has been instrumental in fostering the politics of "no". I'm so glad that North Kona voters are getting what they want. Right? A Pine-Trees activist trying to prevent his children from ever owning a home in West Hawaii.3 winning candidates from the West Side. 3 complete idiots imho.You can be dead certain that I won't be tossing my hat into the ring again anytime soon. At least not until the some of these old baby booming, liberal, dingbats start to die off.Listen to the youth. You might learn something.As far as splitting the county in two, I guess it's a wonderful idea that we have MORE govt workers. Brilliant !! A brief review of the fall of the Roman Empire would tell you that the more govt workers you have, the more likely your system will implode upon itself, and FAIL.Susan McGeachy is a fine woman. I know her personally. But she would be much more effective running for Mayor, than splitting the county.What say you Susan? Being Mayor, you might expect an enormous pay cut from your current real estate income. But money doesnt really matter in the face of altruism.I pray that Kelly Greenwell goes for it again. He was the best choice last time in the mayor's race also. West Hawaii Voters - LISTEN UP !!! You so don't get it that it's laughable. I know this is true. I am speaking from a "candidates" point of view.AlohaTim Bates
I know you feel that splitting the county is a good idea. But remember, that means double the govt workers and the cost of government. Plus it will take years to accomplish.
If you can give up your real estate salary in favor of a paltry Mayor's purse, maybe you would be more effective running for office. You seem to be able to organize the voters well enough.
The West Side of Hawaii voted for Pilago, Isbell, and Jacobson. We are getting what we deserve by voting for those 3 morons. Can you imagine if the outcome would have been Rathman, Rosner, and Bates (me). I only got 267 votes after slamming Bob Jacobson in EVERY SINGLE DEBATE. The voters are a big part of the problem.
Face it. We live on an island where liberalism reigns supreme. As long as that is the case, we should expect that government will be inept. At Hawaiithreads.com there is a message I wrote in one of the forums about splitting the county. I have pasted it below.
Aloha
Tim Bates
(from Hawaii Threads)
I am a West Hawaii Resident in South Kona. I ran for county council last go round against Bob Jacobson. Alas, the voters voted, and are getting what they want from Mr. Jacobson. Right? An evicted vice-chair who left his onions in his wife's purse.Other voters voted for Virginia Isbell over Joe Rosner. Rosner was clearly the best candidate in that race. I'm sure those Kona voters love the way Ms. Isbell sides with the Hilo Cartel. Right? A council person courting the Hilo vote so she can become Mayor.Still other North Kona voters voted for Angel Pilago over Jim Rathman. Angel has been instrumental in fostering the politics of "no". I'm so glad that North Kona voters are getting what they want. Right? A Pine-Trees activist trying to prevent his children from ever owning a home in West Hawaii.3 winning candidates from the West Side. 3 complete idiots imho.You can be dead certain that I won't be tossing my hat into the ring again anytime soon. At least not until the some of these old baby booming, liberal, dingbats start to die off.Listen to the youth. You might learn something.As far as splitting the county in two, I guess it's a wonderful idea that we have MORE govt workers. Brilliant !! A brief review of the fall of the Roman Empire would tell you that the more govt workers you have, the more likely your system will implode upon itself, and FAIL.Susan McGeachy is a fine woman. I know her personally. But she would be much more effective running for Mayor, than splitting the county.What say you Susan? Being Mayor, you might expect an enormous pay cut from your current real estate income. But money doesnt really matter in the face of altruism.I pray that Kelly Greenwell goes for it again. He was the best choice last time in the mayor's race also. West Hawaii Voters - LISTEN UP !!! You so don't get it that it's laughable. I know this is true. I am speaking from a "candidates" point of view.AlohaTim Bates
Lonnie King responds
Hi Susan:
Looks good to me.
I have printed off a copy of the County Charter and have made an initial read through it. There are some areas that need a much closer look and probably an update/modification to tighten the accountability of the leadership in various positions, ESPECIALLY THE VARIOUS DIRECTORS AND THE MAYOR'S MONITORING OF THEIR PERFORMANCE (or lack of it).
I have located the State Constitution and will download it next.
I noticed in the letters to the editor today that it looks like Mr. McClure not only has an overly active mouth but that he hasn't been doing his job either - at least that part of his job concerning illegal signs.
Regards your breakdown below, while all are very important I somehow feel that it is the Government Watchdogs that will pack the most effective "punch." I am of the opinion that the group's functions should also include monitoring how the various Directors are performing as well; it is obvious to me that their boss, the mayor, is NOT doing so.
Cheers,
Lonnie
Looks good to me.
I have printed off a copy of the County Charter and have made an initial read through it. There are some areas that need a much closer look and probably an update/modification to tighten the accountability of the leadership in various positions, ESPECIALLY THE VARIOUS DIRECTORS AND THE MAYOR'S MONITORING OF THEIR PERFORMANCE (or lack of it).
I have located the State Constitution and will download it next.
I noticed in the letters to the editor today that it looks like Mr. McClure not only has an overly active mouth but that he hasn't been doing his job either - at least that part of his job concerning illegal signs.
Regards your breakdown below, while all are very important I somehow feel that it is the Government Watchdogs that will pack the most effective "punch." I am of the opinion that the group's functions should also include monitoring how the various Directors are performing as well; it is obvious to me that their boss, the mayor, is NOT doing so.
Cheers,
Lonnie
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Oahu exploring a new county
Aloha Susan,
I came across your name in an article this week regarding creating a new county on the Big Island. I live on the North Shore of Oahu and a number of friends and neighbors have been exploring that very issue.
I was wondering if you and the group you are working with would be willing to share information, issues etc with us?
In the interest of full disclosure... I am running for the state house this year and feel that issues like closer governance need to be integrated in the vision of our community ( and yours). As a fellow businessowner, we need smaller, more transparent government!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Mahalo,
Jeffrey Kalani Alameida, CFP®
Aloha Jeffrey,
Thank you for your correspondence. Yes we would like to get as many islands on board as possible. I already had an attorney from Honolulu want to get on the mailing list.
You can track our progress by reading the blog: http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com
We will continually up date this blog daily. If you start at the bottom you will see the letter from Speaker of the House Calvin K. Say. The top of the blog is most recent.
Please join us in organizing. The more people we have the easier it will be.
This is a long road and it takes a lot of work.
I added your name to our email list. You can see the agenda for February's meeting. If you have any questions or comments please email me.
Welcome aboard.
Aloha,
Susan McGeachy
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
http://hawaiicountissues.blogspot.com
I came across your name in an article this week regarding creating a new county on the Big Island. I live on the North Shore of Oahu and a number of friends and neighbors have been exploring that very issue.
I was wondering if you and the group you are working with would be willing to share information, issues etc with us?
In the interest of full disclosure... I am running for the state house this year and feel that issues like closer governance need to be integrated in the vision of our community ( and yours). As a fellow businessowner, we need smaller, more transparent government!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Mahalo,
Jeffrey Kalani Alameida, CFP®
Aloha Jeffrey,
Thank you for your correspondence. Yes we would like to get as many islands on board as possible. I already had an attorney from Honolulu want to get on the mailing list.
You can track our progress by reading the blog: http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com
We will continually up date this blog daily. If you start at the bottom you will see the letter from Speaker of the House Calvin K. Say. The top of the blog is most recent.
Please join us in organizing. The more people we have the easier it will be.
This is a long road and it takes a lot of work.
I added your name to our email list. You can see the agenda for February's meeting. If you have any questions or comments please email me.
Welcome aboard.
Aloha,
Susan McGeachy
mcgeachy@hawaii.rr.com
http://hawaiicountissues.blogspot.com
Senator Paul Whalen on two Counties
Aloha Mrs. Susan McGeachy:
Thank you for writing to me about creating a second county on the Big Island. I appreciate your interest in the political process.
I have attempted to introduce legislation to create a second county on the Big Island. For my part, I understand that the development of the Big Island is indeed a fragile process and the Kona side of the island warrants individual attention. Unfortunately, my efforts to achieve our goal have been to no avail thus far. I will continue to pursue the issue in future sessions.
You inquired about the date of the next constitutional convention.
There is no measure requiring a constitutional convention be held periodically. Instead, the State Constitution requires the legislature to ask the public every ten years via ballot whether they would like a constitutional convention to be held. If voters decide they would like a constitutional convention, representatives are voted onto the constitutional convention committee at the next set of elections. These elected representatives, with input from the public, write suggested amendments to the state constitution. At the following set of elections, voters decide which amendments to the state constitution will be adopted.
Another avenue to getting a constitutional convention is for the legislature to pass a resolution to put a constitutional convention option on the next voting ballot. The resolution must pass in the Senate and the House and be signed by the Governor in order for action to be taken. Last session, Senate Concurrent Resolution 55 was written to put a constitutional convention on the ballot but died in committee without action being taken.
Thank you for your continued involvement in our community. I hope this information is helpful. I share in your desire to improve Hawaii for all its residents.
Mahalo,
Paul Whalen
State Senator, 3rd District
Thank you for writing to me about creating a second county on the Big Island. I appreciate your interest in the political process.
I have attempted to introduce legislation to create a second county on the Big Island. For my part, I understand that the development of the Big Island is indeed a fragile process and the Kona side of the island warrants individual attention. Unfortunately, my efforts to achieve our goal have been to no avail thus far. I will continue to pursue the issue in future sessions.
You inquired about the date of the next constitutional convention.
There is no measure requiring a constitutional convention be held periodically. Instead, the State Constitution requires the legislature to ask the public every ten years via ballot whether they would like a constitutional convention to be held. If voters decide they would like a constitutional convention, representatives are voted onto the constitutional convention committee at the next set of elections. These elected representatives, with input from the public, write suggested amendments to the state constitution. At the following set of elections, voters decide which amendments to the state constitution will be adopted.
Another avenue to getting a constitutional convention is for the legislature to pass a resolution to put a constitutional convention option on the next voting ballot. The resolution must pass in the Senate and the House and be signed by the Governor in order for action to be taken. Last session, Senate Concurrent Resolution 55 was written to put a constitutional convention on the ballot but died in committee without action being taken.
Thank you for your continued involvement in our community. I hope this information is helpful. I share in your desire to improve Hawaii for all its residents.
Mahalo,
Paul Whalen
State Senator, 3rd District
Barbara Clay responds
Aloha Susan, I congratulate you and thank you for the work you are doing. Yes, I support the division of the county.
I hope you will not be influenced by naysayers. What did not work in California can work in Hawaii. What did work in California may not work in Hawaii. It takes vision, hard work and committment but it can happen. I have written to the council members stating my position and why I have made it.
Our elected councilmen and women did not show up be- cause they are scared for a good reason. Just doing nothing is a positive vote for the status Quo whether it be our council persons or local citizens.
I hope we can keep a sense of humor about all this. I noticed many participants said some things that made us laugh. Good for them. I will be at the next meeting and have told many people about it.
One suggestion I have is perhaps to hire a "West Hawaii PI" in order to get report cards on candidates and present councilpersons. As suggested a thorough look into job descriptions of councilpersons to see if they are indeed not following proper procedure. One thing I would like to know is how much developers are contributing to campaign funds or just plain payoffs. Also, a review of how much nepotism is really going on. How about why construction costs twice as much in West Hawaii as it does in East Hawaii? Could it be that transportation costs are included both to and from Hilo?
Many people do not know that all the taxes collected in Kona for rental cars are syphoned into Hilo. I would like to see a fact finding guy (can use any fancy title) to investigate how the government in Hilo is cheating us and making it public. No one volunteered at the meeting and I can see why. Our West Hawaii Today and the Journal have been our best investigators up to now, but they need help. How about getting to the bottom of why Lako Street connection has been postponed for 6 years or so and the developer is still jerking around the council. I do not know these things but I would like to know. If 100 persons committed to paying $35.00 each month maybe someone from our group would take the job. Just an idea. Mahalo for all you do.
Sincerely
Barbara Clay
I hope you will not be influenced by naysayers. What did not work in California can work in Hawaii. What did work in California may not work in Hawaii. It takes vision, hard work and committment but it can happen. I have written to the council members stating my position and why I have made it.
Our elected councilmen and women did not show up be- cause they are scared for a good reason. Just doing nothing is a positive vote for the status Quo whether it be our council persons or local citizens.
I hope we can keep a sense of humor about all this. I noticed many participants said some things that made us laugh. Good for them. I will be at the next meeting and have told many people about it.
One suggestion I have is perhaps to hire a "West Hawaii PI" in order to get report cards on candidates and present councilpersons. As suggested a thorough look into job descriptions of councilpersons to see if they are indeed not following proper procedure. One thing I would like to know is how much developers are contributing to campaign funds or just plain payoffs. Also, a review of how much nepotism is really going on. How about why construction costs twice as much in West Hawaii as it does in East Hawaii? Could it be that transportation costs are included both to and from Hilo?
Many people do not know that all the taxes collected in Kona for rental cars are syphoned into Hilo. I would like to see a fact finding guy (can use any fancy title) to investigate how the government in Hilo is cheating us and making it public. No one volunteered at the meeting and I can see why. Our West Hawaii Today and the Journal have been our best investigators up to now, but they need help. How about getting to the bottom of why Lako Street connection has been postponed for 6 years or so and the developer is still jerking around the council. I do not know these things but I would like to know. If 100 persons committed to paying $35.00 each month maybe someone from our group would take the job. Just an idea. Mahalo for all you do.
Sincerely
Barbara Clay
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Agenda For February Meeting
Any ideas or input please let me know.
Agenda: February Meeting
We are searching for a great idea for a show stopper, in order to get attention.
One person in each group will be the group leader and one person will be the scribe to take notes on their group and maintain minutes of each meeting. The group leader will report back to the entire group at the monthly meetings.
Groups:
1. Media-This group will track what the media puts out and write letters to the editors on all islands to bring attention to our cause.
2. Government Watchdogs- The goal of this group is to read and track everything the county council/ etc. is doing. They will organize the presences of our group at the county council meetings.
3. Registered Voters- This group will order Wiki Wiki voters registration applications and organize sites to set up tables to register voters.
4. Finance and fund raising- This group will be in charge of the money and fund raising efforts to keep this group alive.
5. Advertising and design- This group will come up with three names/ logos for our group to pick from. They will create the ads or posters for the meetings or events we want the public to be aware of.
6. Research and Development- This group will search for data. Ie. How much each district is receiving in property taxes for the past year. How many people voted by district. What are the other islands doing and how can we join together.
Agenda: February Meeting
We are searching for a great idea for a show stopper, in order to get attention.
One person in each group will be the group leader and one person will be the scribe to take notes on their group and maintain minutes of each meeting. The group leader will report back to the entire group at the monthly meetings.
Groups:
1. Media-This group will track what the media puts out and write letters to the editors on all islands to bring attention to our cause.
2. Government Watchdogs- The goal of this group is to read and track everything the county council/ etc. is doing. They will organize the presences of our group at the county council meetings.
3. Registered Voters- This group will order Wiki Wiki voters registration applications and organize sites to set up tables to register voters.
4. Finance and fund raising- This group will be in charge of the money and fund raising efforts to keep this group alive.
5. Advertising and design- This group will come up with three names/ logos for our group to pick from. They will create the ads or posters for the meetings or events we want the public to be aware of.
6. Research and Development- This group will search for data. Ie. How much each district is receiving in property taxes for the past year. How many people voted by district. What are the other islands doing and how can we join together.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Richard B.Leander, Jr., C.P.A. responds
Dear Susan,
Again, this must be an effort at three levels. First, your level of a new county or city. Second, we must force the powers that be to more appropriately send our funds today by sitting on their laps as they make these decisions. Third, we must suggest the hard and permanent betterments to our infrastructure; instead of the quick fixes of the past. This third point applies to private, quasi public and public entities. We, as these previously cited three arenas are all sinners. We must clean up our act also.
Sincerely,
Richard B. Leander, Jr., C.P.A.
Again, this must be an effort at three levels. First, your level of a new county or city. Second, we must force the powers that be to more appropriately send our funds today by sitting on their laps as they make these decisions. Third, we must suggest the hard and permanent betterments to our infrastructure; instead of the quick fixes of the past. This third point applies to private, quasi public and public entities. We, as these previously cited three arenas are all sinners. We must clean up our act also.
Sincerely,
Richard B. Leander, Jr., C.P.A.
Vicki Kalman responds
Hey Susan,
Just brainstorming—
I used to be a member of California Women Lawyers. About 15 or 20 years ago, CWL noticed that part of the problem for women litigators in the courtroom was the absence of women judges. So they created a mentoring program. They actively recruited women with an interest in serving as judges, helped them get the right training and other opportunities, helped them understand how to get on the governor’s short list for appointments, etc. Two decades later, there are lots of women on the bench and more coming. The atmosphere in the courtroom has improved noticeably, and TV drama routinely shows women as both judges and successful litigators. This is a long way of suggesting that the shortest route to improving local government may be to train our own to be more effective as decision makers. No doubt there is a model somewhere so that we wouldn’t have to reinvent. In fact, isn’t the Chamber promoting just such a program??? Too often it seems people start down the path of political leadership and then, once there, are so disappointed by their inability to impact the status quo. They need decision making tools and the knowledge they have community support so they can make the tough decisions on our behalf.
Also, on transportation—I note the county is looking at changing some parking in the Kainaliu area. I would urge they consider park and ride stations all along the route from Nahalehu to Kona so that the bus can serve more people and that we could have van pools. Same in Kohala.
Meetings: Big meetings can be good, but probably at some point, smaller working groups that meet and report to the body of the whole with a series of single issue “white papers” would be effective to advancing the common body of knowledge, etc.
Mahalo for organizing this meeting,
Vicki Kalman
Just brainstorming—
I used to be a member of California Women Lawyers. About 15 or 20 years ago, CWL noticed that part of the problem for women litigators in the courtroom was the absence of women judges. So they created a mentoring program. They actively recruited women with an interest in serving as judges, helped them get the right training and other opportunities, helped them understand how to get on the governor’s short list for appointments, etc. Two decades later, there are lots of women on the bench and more coming. The atmosphere in the courtroom has improved noticeably, and TV drama routinely shows women as both judges and successful litigators. This is a long way of suggesting that the shortest route to improving local government may be to train our own to be more effective as decision makers. No doubt there is a model somewhere so that we wouldn’t have to reinvent. In fact, isn’t the Chamber promoting just such a program??? Too often it seems people start down the path of political leadership and then, once there, are so disappointed by their inability to impact the status quo. They need decision making tools and the knowledge they have community support so they can make the tough decisions on our behalf.
Also, on transportation—I note the county is looking at changing some parking in the Kainaliu area. I would urge they consider park and ride stations all along the route from Nahalehu to Kona so that the bus can serve more people and that we could have van pools. Same in Kohala.
Meetings: Big meetings can be good, but probably at some point, smaller working groups that meet and report to the body of the whole with a series of single issue “white papers” would be effective to advancing the common body of knowledge, etc.
Mahalo for organizing this meeting,
Vicki Kalman
Dear Susan,
Please publish a snailmail address where I can send a donation to help you defray the cost of postage and PR that you have had to incur yourself. If you have a paypal account set up, that would be even faster. You can set up the account, link it to your email address and people could send their donations there. Of course, then you have time to set up a checking account for that money or spend it all online.
Thanks, Peter Wu
Aloha Peter,
Thank you for your response. I am trying to get a non-profit set up so I can take donations.
In the mean time.
Susan McGeachy
73-1145 Ahulani St.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Please publish a snailmail address where I can send a donation to help you defray the cost of postage and PR that you have had to incur yourself. If you have a paypal account set up, that would be even faster. You can set up the account, link it to your email address and people could send their donations there. Of course, then you have time to set up a checking account for that money or spend it all online.
Thanks, Peter Wu
Aloha Peter,
Thank you for your response. I am trying to get a non-profit set up so I can take donations.
In the mean time.
Susan McGeachy
73-1145 Ahulani St.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Rickie responds
Susan, Thank You! very much for everything you have done...
Neighbors I have spoken with, are also up in arms about the no faith vote of the Island politicians.
I expect we will have a huge increase in the number of people who will want to join us.
I have been on the telephone, with the mayors office, and his council, Lincoln Ashida's office.
I explained that we , my neighbors in Waikoloa have no faith that we can get fair representation from Bruce Mc Clure and he should be terminated immediately!
I love that we had so many letters to the Editor...
I usually telephone these people and thank them for their letters~
Rickie
Neighbors I have spoken with, are also up in arms about the no faith vote of the Island politicians.
I expect we will have a huge increase in the number of people who will want to join us.
I have been on the telephone, with the mayors office, and his council, Lincoln Ashida's office.
I explained that we , my neighbors in Waikoloa have no faith that we can get fair representation from Bruce Mc Clure and he should be terminated immediately!
I love that we had so many letters to the Editor...
I usually telephone these people and thank them for their letters~
Rickie
Peter Wu responds to meeting
Hi Susan,Thanks again for being initiating the meeting to discuss whether or not to split the County. While I feel that is a good idea, I do not doubt that those on the East Side would use whatever trick, dirty or not, to prevent that from happening becaus they realize, it would cut off 73% of their operating funds if the County were split. I also feel that the estimate of 5 years is extremely optimistic given how long it has taken to implement the Alii Drive passthru. Something like over 20 years on the drawing boards
Something like a media event, say a re-enactment of the Boston Tea Party to make the point that we are being taxed without representation (especially if we could get national coverage) would be more effective than years of effort to split the County. This might embarrass the council members in Hilo and pressure them into spending more on the West Side. Short of that, incorporating Kailua-Kona would be easier than splitting the County.
The most important observations and suggestions made were by Pete Hoffman and Jeff Turner. Pete mentioned that he was elected with 2/3rds of the vote in his district and that only something like 39% of the voters turned out. That meant about 15% of the eligible voters got him into office. That means an organized group, that could get out 15% of the voters on one issue or to back a single candidate would be a force to be reckoned with. And, as Jeff Turner pointed out, it comes down to getting organized, supporting the candidates that are sympathetic to our needs, giving them money and getting them voted into office. Of course, we are up against well-funded campaigns from those who are paid for by developers but that is NOT insurmountable, given the small turnout in local elections. We can make a difference if we are organized and support a common agenda.
Unlike what one gentleman said, who used to be a mayor and said that we can never please everyone, I feel that we can find a few common causes and rally around them. The two main themes that need immediate attention are the lack of roads and lack of spending on infrastructure on the West Side. We can all agree on that and push for a budget that spends at least 50% of the County budget on roads and infrastructure in West Hawaii.
Looking forward to the next meeting and identifying the candidates that support our needs. Hell, we could probably generate our own candidate from the people in attendance and come up with our own organization or politcal party. Something with a catchy acronym like West Hawai Action Committee (WHAC) or Kona Renters and Voters (KRAV).
A hui ho, Peter Wu
Something like a media event, say a re-enactment of the Boston Tea Party to make the point that we are being taxed without representation (especially if we could get national coverage) would be more effective than years of effort to split the County. This might embarrass the council members in Hilo and pressure them into spending more on the West Side. Short of that, incorporating Kailua-Kona would be easier than splitting the County.
The most important observations and suggestions made were by Pete Hoffman and Jeff Turner. Pete mentioned that he was elected with 2/3rds of the vote in his district and that only something like 39% of the voters turned out. That meant about 15% of the eligible voters got him into office. That means an organized group, that could get out 15% of the voters on one issue or to back a single candidate would be a force to be reckoned with. And, as Jeff Turner pointed out, it comes down to getting organized, supporting the candidates that are sympathetic to our needs, giving them money and getting them voted into office. Of course, we are up against well-funded campaigns from those who are paid for by developers but that is NOT insurmountable, given the small turnout in local elections. We can make a difference if we are organized and support a common agenda.
Unlike what one gentleman said, who used to be a mayor and said that we can never please everyone, I feel that we can find a few common causes and rally around them. The two main themes that need immediate attention are the lack of roads and lack of spending on infrastructure on the West Side. We can all agree on that and push for a budget that spends at least 50% of the County budget on roads and infrastructure in West Hawaii.
Looking forward to the next meeting and identifying the candidates that support our needs. Hell, we could probably generate our own candidate from the people in attendance and come up with our own organization or politcal party. Something with a catchy acronym like West Hawai Action Committee (WHAC) or Kona Renters and Voters (KRAV).
A hui ho, Peter Wu
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