Meeting at Hualalai Academy July 21, 2009

West Hawaii County Meeting 072109
AGENDA:
The Goal: Countywide Fairness and Transparency
Addressing your greatest concerns. This list is the most commented items submitted for discussion.
Intro: Susan McGeachy and her history.
WHY ARE WE HERE? ARE YOU MAD AS HELL AND CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE?
WHY DO WE NEED TO SPLIT THE COUNTY? WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
WHAT ARE OUR OPTIONS? ADVANTAGES? OR DISADVANTAGES?
Splitting the County:
The Legislature is empowered with determining county boundaries by the State Constitution, including the formation of new counties. It would take a standard bill, passed by the State House and State Senate, then signed by the Governor, to create a new West Hawaii County. Any chairperson of a committee that the bill is referred to is capable of KILLING it. It would be a GREAT challenge to pass a bill BUT not necessarily impossible, depending on our community’s involvement in the process.
We need people to write letters to ALL of our elected Officials asking the State Planning Commission (via resolution, letter or law at the State Level) to immediately convene a work group to provide a countywide poll on the formation of a West Hawaii county and advise us on the potential costs, benefits and feasibility of creating a new county.
Through a Constitutional Convention (which come about only once a decade), and is still subject to the State House and State Senate. It has been 30 years since our last Constitutional Convention.
Charter Amendment to give limited local government to Municipalities such as “Kona Town”? More than likely East Hawaii dominated council would block such an effort. Can we put it on the Ballot? Would require 20% of register voters countywide and a majority vote on Election Day.
What about a County Manager for the east side and a County Manager for the west side. They would be given a budget based on their population and taxes collected. These positions would be hired based on qualifications with an annual review process. NOT appointed by any political process. These Managers would be required to track federal and state and county projects in their areas. The County Manager should review each department monthly to ensure our tax dollars are going where they are supposed be me going.
Can West Hawaii put their taxes into an escrow account or quit paying taxes until we receive fair and equitable treatment? Not really. No one wants to risk their credit or property.
Contractors bidding for County or State projects must have a performance/ completion clause or steep financial penalties should occur. Contractors that are over budget and over time frame should NOT be allowed to continue to bid for job with the tax payer’s money. Roads and infrastructure MUST be completed FIRST. No finals should be given without all obligations being met first.

Can we form a Political Action Group: Yes, We can combine our efforts with groups around the island that are suffering from the same poor Management and unfair treatment? 6.5 districts are all suffering from, and complaining of the same short end of the stick. We must join forces and become the majority, not let the 2.5 minority of districts in Hilo call all the shots.
Getting Basic Services: Fire, Police, health centers: Working together under an island wide group we can work together to address issues as they come up. We could create a group with a mission statement of Island wide citizens group to empower communities to fight for fair treatment, accountability, and transparency and to support those candidates for office who will work to achieve those goals. Power in numbers!
Please sign up on our mailing/ emailing list. westhawaiicounty@gmail.com
Q & A as time allows.