District of Puna -- drawing the lines!

2011 Redistricting Commission -- © write-matters 2011

Members from the Puna Hwy 130 corridor gathered to give testimony to the 2011 Redistricting Commission Tuesday evening, Oct. 11, 2011. The topic? Defining how to draw the lines to create 2 Puna centric districts represented by council members who would have a natural interest in their respective districts.

Testimony varied primarily in the choice of map #'s offered by the commission for review. Consensus was to keep all of Puna together! HPP had the most representation and the hew and cry was to not divide a subdivision with a line in the lava. Those who spoke either represented themselves or spoke on behalf of the largest lobbying group in Puna, 'Friends of Puna's Future' [FOPF]. Paul Cambell, acting officer for FOPF, read testimony which was submitted to the commission for consideration. Key to the testimony -- draw attention to a modified version of one of the commission's many renderings for consideration. FOPF submitted the commission's Map #40/27. This rendering of that map had been altered to reflect consensus among the parties who worked diligently with FOPF. It seemed to have unanimous support from nearly everyone who testified.

One commissioner, Jeff Melrose, was interactive with the testifiers asking questions which reflected some of the constraints and issues the commission faces in laying out the different district boundaries. One question was 'do you lay out the district based on anticipated growth or current data' and he was roundly reminded the census they are considering is the data from 2010 census. Obviously,  in 10 years that commission will deal with the anticipated growth as a reality of that census. Another question was raised when dealing with the legal size of any one district -- since the whole of Puna is approximately 45,000 residents logically the districts would be divided into 2 districts with 20,000 resident increments; The question is: what is to be done with the left over 5000 residents. Mr. Melrose's question was in response to the strong sentiment to disallow gerrymandering of district lines to allow for any other district to adopt any portion of Puna.

The room was filled with the usual faces who have become Puna activists over the decades showing up to assist in the future of Puna. It is rather disheartening to see the same self sacrificing individuals always doing the work for their community's interest. They are as committed a bunch as you can find. One new face beginning to make the rounds is 'Mikey', the man who will be the next Mayor of Hawaii Island, or so he says. [He is seated in the foreground with a blue cap on in the picture above.] Yes, as one of the last to testify he came with his musical accompaniment -- a song about revolution -- and his weapon, a "pahi ka u". A blogger's attempt to represent the weapon is at the end of this article. Mikey met with this blogger in the parking lot after his testimony to explain the instrument he waved around during his musical testimony and to listen to a little campaign speech about his Mayoral ambitions. This is Puna, after all, and no matter what lines the commission may ultimately decide upon you might take some portion of the current district out of Puna but you can't take Puna out of the residents who call Puna Moku their home.

For a copy of the testimony submitted by Friends of Puna's Future please email them. The next meeting of the commission for the Puna District residents will be held in the Kea'au Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 15th beginning at 2P.

Write-Matters © 2011

Hawaii County Building Codes - The Sequel!

WRITE-MATTERS © 2011

How much public testimony is enough? How many taxpayer dollars is enough? When is redundancy costly, ineffectual and detrimental to the tax paying folk of Hawaii County? 

It was just a year ago so many of us in the Building Industry were working through the same processes. In spring of 2010 the DPW held two public meetings, one in Hilo and one in Kona, to discuss the concerns of those who would be directly impacted by the implementation of the 'then approved' 2006 IECC. Points were all well articulated from the public attendees and except for the newly appointed Building Division head, things were well understood by the various County aficionados present. There was an organized questions and answers with everyone having their opportunity to speak their point of view. What we were told as it all concluded was 'We have heard you. We have your ideas. We will go back and discuss this.' When asked if they would consider a 'coalition' formed from some in the audience the idea was welcomed by the County reps. What happened to all of this?

Taxpayer dollars were spent initially in several County Council meetings, consequential public testimony, heads of many departments within the County's 'building' and 'planning' offices were paid to stand by for testimony and to attend the Council and Public meetings. Some during 'off' hours. One could understand the expenditures in 2010 because it was ostensibly to bring rational thinking to the implementation of a building code that reflects the different environments this island presents in residential design. Imagine the shock to the public when Building Codes, UNCHANGED, were presented to the County Council for approval 2011 and the Council voted to approve!!!! Granted, there are a couple of new council members but the majority of the Council remains the same from 2010 to 2011 and they KNOW what they requested and they KNOW what was done. Why did they not ask questions as to why the CHANGES that they clearly understood needed to be done were not manifest in the Code they voted to approve in 2011? 

As of Wednesday, August 17, the Council has voted to RESCIND its vote to approve. Instead, they want PUBLIC MEETINGS, again!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING? The Council members and Director for DPW, Warren Lee, need to sit down and have a face to face about this ridiculous waste of taxpayer dollars and time. All of the same industry professionals have taken off time, lost dollars themselves in a really recessive economy which has hit the residential construction industry hard, to testify in 2010 and AGAIN to persuade the Council to reconsider the same old bill for all the same reasons in 2011! Such a waste of valuable resources. This work has already been done. The code need only be updated to reflect the reality. This year the whole public has been shown disrespect by tax paid civil servants! It would seem a recalcitrant attitude somewhere along the line is making itself manifest at the cost of the taxpayers. I would suggest at this point the Mayor be besieged with letters of complaint. He is ultimately responsible for the way tax dollars are spent and responsible for the individuals who wield the power to comply with the Council whose clear direction last year was to 'fix' the code to bring it in line with local building needs. The SAFE ROOM was chief among the complaints and was clearly argued as fully unnecessary for East County residential. 

This blog will post the date of the East Hawaii public meeting. In the meantime, please write your council representative and make sure they understand the ramifications of a vote to accept the codes as they are currently written.

A Blogger's Salute to Commander George Kelly -- The Vet's Vet!

© Write-Matters, 2011

On  18 June 2011 the State of Hawaii honored and recognized VFW Post 3830’s Commander, George Kelly! Governor Abercrombie, Senator Daniel Inouye the Veteran’s advocate in the US Senate, Mayor Kenoi of Hawaii Island and the Legislature proclaimed June 18^th ‘George Kelly Day’. 

The individual quality of leadership is best defined in Commander Kelly. He is not sitting atop some organization barking orders, ruling with a fist or engaging in arrogance at the expense of his subordinates. What he IS doing is demonstrated in the good things Vets in the area and those who come to visit can now experience thanks in no small way to Commander Kelly. 

He commenced his second tour of duty to his country as the Post Commander in 2008 and continued until June 2011. During that time services to the Veteran have grown to include retrofitting disabled Vet’s homes with handicap access; providing transportation for disabled Veterans to medical appointments; providing aid to Vets in need; visiting Vets in the Veteran’s Home; transportation of Vets; work on Veteran’s Memorial; providing proper burial services for Veterans; providing wheel chairs and other medical equipment to Vets in need; worked with local Veterans Administration Hilo Clinic to coordinate care Vets on the Big Island, and more….

If that wasn’t a full plate, and we all know how much RED TAPE is involved no matter what is done and no matter the great cause, Commander Kelly has taken an expansive look at our Military and their families who serve abroad but may have family locally, or, Vets who are moving to Hawaii Island who can connect with an active Veteran’s Advocacy group, like VFW Post 3830. Post 3830 has adopted Company C, 1^st Battalion, 207^th Aviation Regiment based in Hilo…there are 43 soldiers from East Hawaii assigned to the Air Assault Company, brothers, sisters, friends…But, this isn’t the only adoption! VFW Post 3830 has also adopted the Civil Air Patrol Lyman Squadron, which includes their Air Rifle team! In 2009, Vets and active military  around the world found they could now stay up to the minute in the news about ‘the happenings’ with their dedicated website: www.vfwpost3830.com updated often with photos, stories, newsletters, calendar of events and activities from this very active Post.

Just when you are out of breath from so many things going on news of yet another successful event, the first annual ‘Salute to Veterans’ 5k walk! This event raised funds for expansion and improvements to the Post home, to include a commercial kitchen, showers, and a much anticipated ‘stand down program’ which will bring in doctors, dentists and a resource to assist Vets in signing them up for various services.  The goal of this annual event will be to reach $250k by 2013! The 5k was held on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at Hilo Bay and had approximately 140 participants, some from as far as away as Guam! 

As Commander George Kelly steps into yet another chapter of his life he leaves the Post in the hands of the new Commander, Vern Gawith.

Surely, these words by Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson are true of Commander, George Kelly: “The patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights, makes the most reliable soldier on earth.” ---Mahalo George for your visionary leadership, endless devotion to the Vets and your kind and gentle spirit. Thank you for being a PATRIOT!

PCDP Action Committee -- January 2011 Meeting

The meeting began on time Thursday, January 20^th. All the Committee members were present. Most of the usual suspects were also present. The District 5 secretary was there; reading something, disengaged from the meeting. In the 3 hours never saw a single note taken. Hope she wasn’t there on the taxpayer’s dime.

First order of business after public testimony and approval of Minutes was election of the new Chair and Vice Chair. Replacing Chair, Barbara Bell is Dan Taylor; replacing Vice Chair Frank Commendador, Jeffrey Krepps.

Back to the Minutes and public testimony…Written Testimony was submitted by regular attendee Stephanie B. which addressed an exception to the Minutes. There were other concerns mentioned in her testimony.

This is important to be aware of because as part of the ensuing discussion, as the evening progressed, was ‘concerns’ that were expressed once again on the best way to get ‘the public’ more engaged. The suggestion to hold these meetings at alternate locations throughout the next year was born from this discussion. As the majority of the committee members voiced a desire to engage the public one of the committee stated regarding Stephanie B.’s written testimony, ‘You have to take Stephanie with a grain of salt.’ Really? REALLY? You want the public involved so you can denigrate their actions with ‘take it with a grain of salt’? I would imagine that comment could be considered inappropriate for someone who is an agent of the Mayor. However, this seems rather typical of some who have testified about the Puna Community Development Plan at many of the public settings over the years where it has been the topic.

Moving on…Perhaps next to minimizing the impact of public written testimony the second most amazing discussion was led by Chair Dan Taylor who lamented that there seemed to be a ‘disconnect’ between the Action Committee and the County Council with regards to overlapping agendas. He seemed generally befuddled as to how the Committee might be able to get the information they needed to be aware of the Council’s thoughts regarding the implementation of the Plan. Fortunately, the Vice Chair accepted his nomination with the right attitude: He will take the initiative to find out the ‘process’ that is obviously missing in the minds and collective experience of the Committee. What a novel idea…rather than waiting for the mountain to come to them and whining about having ‘no clue’ this young Committee man decided to go to the mountain! 

Under Budget and Finance, staffing costs were once again discussed. The conversation has come up every few months. Regular attendee, Rene S. mentioned two resources she provided the Committee last year. One of them would be a possibility if the County Council decides to allow the district reps a ‘contingency fund’ this year. 3 District reps could chip in from each of their funds; the other suggestion a Federal Grant for planning groups, though it must be applied to by the County. 

The Action Committee found out –according to County Code -- they are supposed to provide an annual report. They are trying to coalesce on what to put in this report before March 2011.

A significant change they made was a CHANGE in MEETING DATE/TIME. It seemed to be at odds with many, but despite that, the meeting time was changed to the 2^nd Tuesday of each month from 3-6P. That may significantly reduce those who have altered their schedule already to make the 3^rd Thursday meeting. 

HPP had two representatives from their community who directly addressed the Committee about transportation issues. It was great to see people from a specific subdivision, that will be directly impacted by traffic issues for the distant future, become part of the process by being proactive in their own community. 

In summation: While the individual committee members are committed to what they collectively believe to be the ‘purpose’ of their committee and their self sacrifice is appreciated, it seems apparent that after a year they have clearly been ineffective in forming a game plan and making it happen. Some of that, perhaps most of that, is because of poor communication between the County on what is expected of this Committee at a Committee level. Conversely, the problem was self revealed by the Committee mid year in 2010. Instead of taking steps to find out exactly what they needed to do to be effective at their appointment they passively responded by looking around the table and shrugging their shoulders while they tried to define things they thought they may be able to accomplish. 

To his credit, Tim Tunison, with the Malam I ka ‘Aina subcommittee, has made positive progress and has documented his committee’s focus: the Biosphere/Buffer portion of the PCDP. He has been phenomenal to watch. It is a topic for which he has great passion and it is obvious in his monthly reports.  Proof of ‘where there is a will...’ To be fair, with only 9 members on the Committee and so many subcommittees and sub sub committees and little to no public participation, things are not getting done. But, when you minimize the influence of the public who wants to be involved with comments like ‘take so and so with a grain of salt’ then you do a disservice to the position to which you have been appointed.

New Year New Issues

2011 A New Year of Issues!

We have had a big and active last 12 months and this year is getting off with a bang. Pardon the pun!

Taking Issue In Puna will be keeping a vigilant eye on the following issues:

• Redistricting
• Impact fees
• The New Council
• The Budget
• The Puna Action Committee
• The Political Activists and Lobbyists

In the coming months Taking Issue In Puna will be branching out and collaborating with other blogs who are keeping an eye on all things Puna, Hawaii County, State of Hawaii and National political hot topics as they relate back to Puna.

We will try and post twice a week here to keep it fresh and informative, as news and issues arise. 

Batten down the hatches; put on your thinking caps; look for ways to sustain yourselves for what may be a bumpy couple of years!

Hasta La Vista to Enriques, Naeole and Greenwell

© 2010 All Rights reserved Write-Matters

DATE LINE: 9A-1030A, Monday, December 6th, 2010

Hawaii County Council: All but Mr. Greenwell present

Order of business: Approve 3 Resolutions thanking the departing Council members for their service.

Public Testimony: 2 Citizens; Dan Cole and Patrick Kawaaloa

Public testimony began with a scathing denunciation of Ms. Naeole by Mr. Cole. He commended both Mr. Enriques and Mr. Greenwell. Mr. Kawaaloa provided the opposing view to Mr. Cole. However, while the serious accusation bordering on criminal allegations by Mr. Cole against Ms. Naeole were eye brow raising -- perhaps it was a double whammy that Mr. Kawaaloa justified the very names people called Ms. Naeole, [like rude, crude, etc,] as absolutely appropriate behavioral traits -- or the 'Hawaiian' thing to do since 1970. It is some culturally accepted practice to act belligerent because some members of the 'host culture' believe themselves slighted. Ms. Naeole, in her inimical way,  accepted the statements by her brother man as accolades! Staying true to her narcissistic nature, she made all her comments to the other 2 outgoing members all about herself. She clearly plans to remain in the public eye. Every community has one; the character everyone knows.

Beyond the public testimony -- different sides of the same coin -- the kind words uttered by both Pete Hoffman and Brenda Ford about Kelly Greenwell were well done and tasteful. I had to agree with everything that was said that I had any knowledge of. The emotion generated by Mr. Onishi and Yoshimoto as they said their farewells to Guy Enriques was notable. Obviously there was a close bond. Mr. Yagong started the 'this is your life' parade of positive comments for Guy with straight talk on the sacrifice necessary and the toll such sacrifices take on family. Ms. Ford, spoke only about Kelly Greenwell and said nothing to either Enriques or Naeole. The silence from Ms. Ford speaks to her own personal integrity. 

The session concluded with kudos for the outgoing County Clerk, Kenneth Goodenow and the staff who had been terminated but had supported the council well.

All in all, it looked as if the prevailing opinions of who was aligned with whom was correct in the end. The strongest feelings of loss were from the 3 Hilo Council members for both Enriques and Naeole.

Another chapter in Hawaii County has ended. The installation/inauguration began later in the day and so yet another new beginning. 

That's how I saw it and so it was!

Naeole Won - Taxpayer Zero

I have reflected upon the process of a petition to the Board of Ethics. In this case, Robert v Naeole, it is believed by some to be an habitual case of ethics violations. The manner by which the ethics process proceeds left me in shear disbelief of what I heard today in the 'informal' hearing of the Board of Ethics. Today, I was mindful of a Biblical prophesy. For those readers who may be offended by the interjection of 'religion' here, please bear with me. Those of us who believe in Scripture and believe our lives should as closely as possible reflect our adherence to its principles -- as Ms. Naeole contends she does -- likely consider this: " However, the inspired utterance says definitely that in later periods of time some will fall away from the faith...speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,..." [1 Tim 4:1a-2]  Matthew Henry, an 18th century Christian writer surmises: "This respects also the hypocrisy of those who have their consciences seared with a red-hot iron, who are perfectly lost to the very first principles of virtue and moral honesty." [Commentary by Matthew Henry]

Before the reader becomes incensed at the stark and forthright implications, I cast no aspersions upon Ms. Naeole's 'faith' as a whole. Actually, I sat today saddened that in fact, there is a history of serial ethics violation charges, most of which she has managed to skate by with impunity. However, the chronic tendency to violate vs capitulation of her error has actually borne out the truth of the above scriptural principle. Fact: she could have directly acknowledged her culpability -- issued forth her 'mia culpa'-- negating the need for a petition. Yet, it appears she sought cover in the 'legal' system and not in the 'God' system. 

Taxpaying citizens 'trust' an employee of the government will work conscientiously and diligently to honor the public trust. When that trust appears to be subject to the will of 'a government agent' -- and said agent bears no responsibility for those instances where willful breach of said trust is concerned -- the public 'will' is dolefully subverted! The beauty of our government in the periodic election process allows for the public to demonstrate it's displeasure by rejection of the aberrant government agent at the election poll!

Whatever the outcome for today could have been, the people of District 5 had already spoken! They indicated in impressive numbers they were tired of the questionable leadership of Ms. Naeole. Reasons could include a list of ethical charges spanning years. Some violations appeared more a reflection of sophomoric behavioral issues, some mean spirited, others an inclination to disregard mores expressly outlined under the Code of Ethics for a government employee, agent, etc. What is the idiom? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me! The electorate chose wildly to no longer bear the shame of fools. 

To clear up a statement made in the press by Ms. Naeole's legal counsel, alluding to the fact this was some political ploy, premeditated or otherwise by myself, I declare it an erroneous conclusion and argument! In fact, evidence abounds on this site and others in the Puna Makai district, for most of 2010, I was a very present advocate for Ms. Naeole as the district representative. I spared no effort in supporting her on this very blog! I worked with her staff behind the scenes to promote her agenda at the County Council; proof being quotes in the local paper. Those who have been involved know her attorney's anemic defense is preposterous, even humorous! 

After it was over and done, my thoughts agitated that my being a novice to such proceedings left an otherwise viable case sadly less effective, I rested in my efforts, knowing I did what I could. It is now between she and the ONE who sees all, knows all, and reads the motive of the heart in all things. 

I join a cast of notable characters from our district who have gone before me through the maze of the Board of Ethics, some successfully, others not so much. I join history as part of the bizarre legacy of this council person who seems far more comfortable with notoriety than with personal integrity.

After the hearing today I happened upon a 'perspective adjustment' made by a district 6 pragmatist. I was reminded that on a national level, ethics issues involve such heinous cases as defense contractors operating in war zones having no accountability to the taxpayer for  millions of dollars. A case where one contractor was fined half of the millions missing and awarded a new contract! So, in comparison, what is verbal abuse of staff through disrespectful denunciations resulting some emotional trauma sufficient to remove themselves from the district 5 office, scene of the incident, topic of denunciation being solely campaign related; and what is the occasional email which might have only taken a few moments to type and could have been done on a break, really, in comparison? [Note sarcasm intended] Might I close with yet another Biblical principle? "“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." [Luke 16:10] 

Naeole won today's case, walked away, yet again, unscathed. But at what cost to herself in the big picture?  Those who are close to her know and she knows they know, and while they 'wink' and say 'that is Emily' their culpability in empowering her is on them.

Taxpayers no longer willing to be witness to bullying tactics nor to bear the consequences of embarrassing displays at Council meetings chose to end her opportunity to rail against the system through a democratic and resounding vote NO! 

Last item about today's Board of Ethics hearing. Mr. John Dill seemed genuinely desirous of some resolution of the matter. He was sensitive to the open scrutiny a private citizen is subject to when bringing forth such allegations. He expressed hope there would be no future cases of this type. [Electorate helped that one out.] I understood I just did not make my case sufficiently for them to act on. I want to thank the media, though I can only imagine what they will write about today, but they were there in full force. I want to thank Ms. Folina and Mr. Smith for their unsolicited and totally unexpected support. I found out afterwords they have been here, done this. And I appreciated the expertise of  corporate counsel's, Ms. Shoen. 

Blas elected to District 5

A new day for Puna Makai, or as it is known, Hawaii County's District 5. Councilman elect, Fred Blas, will be sworn in about a month from now and will carry with him the 'hopes' and 'expectations' of 57% of the voters. He campaigned, if you can say that, on being a successful businessman, someone who is fiscally responsible, or 'akamai' as they say here. He said he is pro medicinal cannabis and pro civil unions -- though specifically not for changing the definition of marriage.

Now the real challenge begins; watching how easily the councilman assimilates a point of view which may be foreign to his own, how quickly he understands a dilemma when faced with it extemporaneously during council meetings, in particular, when the public testimony is being offered. It will not take long to ascertain the answers. During discussion of different issues on any agenda for consideration will indeed provide opportunity for discourse that will either build confidence in the District 5 constituents or will give occasion for discussion among the constituents. It is a foregone conclusion however we will not be seeing the unmitigated and inappropriate outbursts that have characteristically over arched the District 5 chair for the past few years.

After the housekeeping, selecting Council support staff, County Clerk, and elect Chair and Vice and then all the committee Chair's there are a few key issues which will filter up for consideration that a few on the council will have had no previous exposure. Their opinions when expressed will tell us much as to how they availed themselves of knowledge on the key issues. Ultimately, the big issue coming up will be the 'redistricting' process. The Mayor will have to appoint the commission; the Council will need to approve them, will they be vetted? Eventually, the reports and decisions will have to be seriously reviewed and discussed before voting to except. But, perhaps the most important item approaching? Budget! Yep, even the council has to have a budget. How will they cut expenses? What will they cut? Will they look at having all meetings close circuit linked from County property so each of the council members can attend the meetings close to or in their own district. The cost of providing the close circuit coverage is already expensed into the budget. The Sheraton and all of the associated costs should be immediately stricken from the budget! Their paychecks, so many councils and boards all over the nation serve as volunteers or receive a stipend and travel expenses but do not receive a paycheck! Payment for civic service corrupts the concept of 'delegates' being chosen to serve their respective community. The half million savings that would provide would do a couple of things; it would cut the deficit and it would narrow future contenders to those who truly are moved by a desire to serve their community. 

Then, the various budget line items need to be thoroughly discussed. Here is where the communities can make a difference. If each community held their own community meeting with their district rep to discuss their concerns about the budget before the discussion by the council it would be far more representational. Speaking of community, those in District 5 have been told that the local office is being closed! How is that representational? At any rate, if the office is going to be closed, will there be monthly community meetings held so constituents can rattle off their concerns? How is moving the local office into Hilo going to help the constituents here? It would be far wiser to retain the local office which will also fit with the 'conservative' mindset that seems to be the national mandate. Locally? I think this is a big issue. Serving the whole of District 5 with a local office is simply wise.

As in all things, time will tell. This blog will keep up with the 'happenings' of Puna Makai and report them as fairly as possible here as opinion!