The council chairs of Hawaii’s four counties met Aug. 9 in Honolulu to discuss matters of common interest, and we pledged to continue to regularly meet.
As administrators of municipal legislative bodies, the chairs face common issues. The ongoing discussions will allow for the chairs to consult with each other while sharing stories of success and challenge.
(L-R) Kauai County Council Chair Jay Furfaro, Maui County Council Chair Gladys C. Baisa, City and County of Honolulu Chair Ernest Y. Martin and Hawaii County Council Chair J Yoshimoto
The chairs’ group is intended to supplement the existing work of the Hawaii State Association of Counties. The HSAC Executive Committee meets monthly and is composed of council members from the Hawaii County Council, Honolulu City Council, Kauai County Council and Maui County Council.
I would like to thank Honolulu City Council Chair Ernie Martin for hosting this month’s gathering of council chairs. The other attendees were Hawaii County Council Chair J Yamamoto and Kauai County Council Chair Jay Furfaro.
The council chairs have unique responsibilities and perspectives on county and state issues. Our regular discussions will help HSAC become more effective at the state legislature and ensure that the counties speak with a strong, united voice on positions we share.
The chairs exchanged views on variances in council rules, internal procedures and various policies, Sunshine Law interpretation and compliance, sister-city relationships and working with the four county mayors and HSAC in sharing the counties’ viewpoints during the 2014 State Legislative Session.
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