HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011_0725_Charter Agenda Packet mob
Sherman Shiraishi Members:
Chair Mary Lou Barela
Joel Guv
Patrick Stack Carol Suzawa
Vice Chair Jan Tenl3ruggencate
Ed Justus
COUNTY OF KAUAI CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA
Monday, July 25, 2011
4:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter
Mo'ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A/B
4444 Rice Street, Llhu'e, HI 96766
CALL TO ORDER
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular Open Session Minutes of May 23, 2011
BUSINESS
CRC 2011-01 Discussion and possible decision-making on proposing a Charter amendment to correct
non-substantive items as they relate to grammar, spelling and formatting errors in the
Charter. (Deferred from 5123/11 meeting)
b. Proposed amendment creating a new Section 24.04, Kaua'i County Charter, relating
to non-substantive corrections and revisions.
c. Discussion and possible decision-making on how the Commission can best achieve
a review of the Charter for recommendations to correct non-substantive items as
they relate to grammar, spelling and formatting errors in the Charter and whether to
consider budgeting for an outside editor. (ongoing)
d. Communication dated 5/25/11 from the Charter Review Commission to the County
Attorney and the County Clerk requesting their input and comments regarding their
department's manpower capacity and capability to perform the task of correcting
non-substantive items to the Kaua'i County Charter.
CRC 2011-06 Discussion and possible decision-making on proposed language to amend Charter
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Section 24.03, establishing a permanent Charter Review Commission. (Deferred from
51231`11 meeting)
a. Proposed amendment revising Section 214.03, Kaua'i County Charter, relating to
establishing a permanent Charter Review Commission.
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b. Communication dated 4/261"11 from the Charter Review Commission to Mayor
Bernard Carvalho, Jr., and Chair Jay Furtaro and Members of the County Council
An Equal Opportunity Eniployer
requesting their thoughts and comments including what the burden and cost would
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be to the County if the Charter Review Commission was made a permanent
commission by amending Section 24.03, Kaua'i County Charter.
c. Communication dated 5/19/11 from Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr., responding that
the establishment of a permanent Charter Review Commission appeared to be
premature since the Commission was only at the midpoint of its existing ten year
cycle.
d. Communication dated 7;'8,`11 from Council Chair Jay Furfaro to Commission Chair
Sherman Shiraishi via John Isobe, Administrator, Boards and Commissions
requesting Mr. Shiraishi to attend the 7,`13"11 Committee of the Whole to discuss
costs and benefits of a permanent Charter Commission.
CRC 2011-07 Discussion and possible decision-making on proposed language to amend Charter
Section 1.03, clarifying the existing Charter provisions related to the election of County
Officers.
a. Proposed amendment revising Section 1.03, Kaua'i County Charter, relating to the
election of County Officers.
b. Communication dated 515;11 from the Charter Review Commission to the County
Attorney's Office requesting recommendations for a proposed amendment to Kauai
County Charter §1.03 regarding the legality and compliance with statutes and
superior laws as provided for in Rule 4(b) of the Rules of the Kauai County Charter
Review and to make recommendations of language revisions that would provide
even greater clarity,
c. Confidential opinion dated 6119/11 from Deputy County Attorney Jennifer Winn
offering legal guidance as to the legality and compliance of a proposed charter
amendment to Kaua'i County Charter §1.03.
CRC 2011-08 Discussion and possible decision-making on proposed language to amend Charter
Article XXIX, Section 23.01, and Section 7.03 to clarify and update the existing Charter
provisions related to the salaries of certain County Officers. (Deferred from 4/25111
meeting)
a. Proposed amendments revising Article XXIX, Section 231.01, and Section 7.031
Kaua'i County Charter, relating to the salaries of County Officers.
b. Communication dated 6/17/11 from Charter Review Commission to the Salary
Commission requesting their review and comments regarding proposed language
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changes to the Kaua'i County Charter, Article X?SIX Salary Commission, Article
XXIII General Provisions and Article VII Mayor.
Charter Review Commission—July 25. 20 11 2 Pat L, c
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CRC 2011-09 Communication dated 7/131111 from the Cost Control Commission to the Charter
Review Commission requesting consideration of placing a proposed Charter
Amendment to Article XV Establishing a Department of Human Resources on the
2012 General Election Ballot.
a. Proposed amendment revising Article XV of the Kaua'i County Charter, relating to
establishing a Department of Human Services.
b. Communication dated 61/23/11 from the Civil Service Commission to the Cost
Control Commission supporting the transition to a Human Resources Department.
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c. Confidentiality waived on the communication dated 6128111 from the County
Attorney's Office to the Cost Control Commission providing legal review and
comment on the proposed Charter Amendment to Article XV.
CRC 2011-10 Discussion on Article XXVIII, Cost Control Commission, Section 28.05, Reports, as it
relates to the annual report and mandates contained therein.
CRC 2011-11 Discussion and possible decision-making on Article XXIII, General Provisions, Section
23.02 H. as it relates to eliminating term limits for board and commission members.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Meeting: Monday, August 22, 2011 at 4:00 pin in the Mo'ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A1B
ADJOURNMENT
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §92-7(a), the Commission may, when deemed necessary, hold an
executive session on any agenda item without written public notice if the executive session was not
anticipated in advance. Any such executive session shall be held pursuant to HRS §92-4 and shall be
limited to those items described in HRS §92.5(a). Discussions held in Executive Session are closed to
the public.
cc: Deputy County Attorney Jennifer Winn
PUBLIC COMMENTS and TESTIMONY
Persons wishing to offer comments are encouraged to submit written testimony at least 24-hours prior
to the meeting indicating:
I. Your name and if applicable, your position/title and organization you are representing;
2. The agenda item that you are providing comments on; and
3. Whether vou will be testifying in person or submitting written comments only, and
4. If you are unable to submit your testimony at least 24 hours prior to the meeting, please provide
10 copies of your written testimony at the meeting clearly indicating the name of the testifier-,
and
Charter Review Commission—July 2 5, 2011 3 1 P e
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5. If testimony is based on a proposed Charter amendment, list the applicable Charter provision.
While every effort will be made to copy, organize, and collate all testimony received, materials
received on the day of the meeting or improperly identified may be distributed to the members after the
meeting is concluded.
The Charter Commission rules limit the length of time allocated to persons wishing to present verbal
testimony to five (5) minutes. A speaker's time may be limited to three (3) minutes if, in the discretion
of the chairperson or presiding member, such limitation is necessary to accommodate all persons
desiring to address the Commission at the meeting.
Send written testimony to:
Charter Review Commission
Attn: Barbara Davis
Office of Boards and Commissions
4444 Rice Street, Suite 150
Uhu'e, HI 96766
E-mail:bdavi s(i�,,,kauai.,Lyo v
Phone: (808) 241-4919 Fax: (808) 241-5127
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE
If you need an alternate format or an auxiliary aid to participate, please contact the Boards and
Commissions Support Clerk at (808) 241-4919 at least five (5) working days prior to the meeting.
Charter Review Commission—July 25, 2011 4 1 is
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COUNTY OF KAUAI
Minutes of Meeting
OPEN SESSION
Board/Committee: CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION Meeting Date I May 23,2011,
Location Mo'ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A/213 Start of Meeting: 4:01 pm End of Meeting: 5:02 pin,
Present Chair Sherman Shiraishi Members: Joel Guy; Ed Justus; Carol Suzawa; Jan TenBruggencate
Also: Deputy County Attorney Jennifer Winn-, Boards & Commissions Office Staff. Support Clerk Barbara Davis, Administrator John
Isobe, Administrative Aide Paula Morikann
Excused Member: Mary Lou Barela
Absent Vice-Chair Patrick Stack
ffL- AL A
SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION
Call To Order Chair Shiraishi called the meeting to order at
4:01 pmwitl15Coinmissioners es
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_prc�_cnt
M7
Approval of Justus moved to approve the agenda as
Agenda circulated, Ms. Suzawa seconded the motion.
-------- _-Motion carried 5:0
Approval of Open Session Minutes of April 25, 2011 Ms. Suzawa moved to approve the minutes as
Minutes circulated. Mr. TenBruggencate seconded the
-motion. Motion carried 5:0
Business CRC 2011-01 Discussion and possible decision-making on proposing a
Charter amendment to correct non-substantive items as they relate to
grammar, spelling and formatting errors in the Charter(Deferred from
4/25/11 meeting)
a. Charter Review Commission press release seeking public input relating to
non-substantive changes to the Charter,
b. Proposed amendment creating a new Section 24.04, Kaua'i County
Charter, relating to non-substantive corrections and revisions.
c. Discussion and p)s sible decision-makin on how the Commission can best
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Charter Review Commission
Open Session
May 23, 2011 Page 2
SUBJECT ----,---------,--DISCUSSION ACTION
achieve review of the charter for recommendations to correct non-substantive
items as they relate to grammar, spelling and formatting errors in the Charter
and whether to consider budgeting for an outside editor.
Staff reported that no input from the public had been received as a result of
the press release, It was also pointed out that the word "nori-substantive"
may have caused confusion and concern in past elections and has now been
taken out of the proposed ballot question for that reason.
Mr. Guy said he did not feel qualified to work on grammar and would want
the Attorney involved in this.
Mr. Justus suggested rather than the County Attorney proposing an
ordinance, give the County Clerk the ability to make non-substantive changes
with the approval of the County Attorney's Office. Mr, TenBruggencate
agreed it might make sense for changes to be the collaboration of the two
offices since the County Attorney is an appointee of the Mayor and the
County Clerk is an appointee of the Council. A recess was called at 4:12 p.m.; meeting was
called back to order at 4:15 pm
Mr. Justus further suggested they get the County Clerk's opinion on placing
that responsibility with the County Clerk. Chair Shiraishi said he did not
mind getting input from both the County Clerk and the County Attorney, Mr, TenBruggencate moved to defer this item to
the June meeting and ask both the County
Attorney and the County Clerk to submit their
comments on their being the agencies to propose
changes to the charter. Ms. Suzawa seconded
the motion. Motion carried 5:0
CRC 2011-04 Discussion and possible decision-making on proposed
language to amend Charter Section 22.03.0, relating to submission
requirements for initiative and referendum petitions.
Charter Review Commission
Open Session
May 23, 2011 page 3
StJBJECT DISCUSSION
a. Proposed amendment revision Section 22.03.C, Kaua'i County Charter,
relating to submission requirements for initiative and referendum petitions.
b. Communication dated 4/26/11 from the Charter Review Commission to
the County Attorney's Office requesting recommendations for a proposed
amendment to Kaua'i County Charter §22.03 regarding the legality and
compliance with statutes and superior laws as provided for in Rule 4(b) of
the Rules of the Kaua'i County Charter Review and to make
recommendations of language revisions that would provide even greater
clarity.
c. Confidential opinion dated 5/2111, from Deputy County Attorney Jennifer
Winn olTering legal guidance as to the legality and compliance of a proposed
charter amendment to Kaua'i County Charter §22.03. Mr.Justus moved that the Commission release the
County Attorney's confidential opinion and place
it on public record. Motion died for lack of a
Chair Shiraishi pointed out that Rule 4 of the Charter Commission provides second.
the procedures by which the Commission submits any proposals for inclusion
on the ballot. This proposed amendment has gone through the first two
steps; step one being the proposal and step two the rendering of the opinion h,
E,
from the County Attorney's Office regarding legality. The third step is the
Commission's duty to reconsider the proposal and make necessary changes
and possibly approve it for inclusion on the ballot and further revisit it
anytime prior to its inclusion on the ballot. Mr. TenBruggencate moved to approve the
language as submitted. Mr. Justus seconded the
motion. Motion carried 5:0
CRC 2011-05 Discussion and possible decision-making on proposed
language to amend Charter Section 24.01.13, relating to the initiation of
—------
Charter amendments.
Charter Review Commission
Open Session
May 23, 20 11 Page 4
S U BJ Ecr DISCUSSION
ACTION
a. Proposed amendment revising Section 24.01. B, Kaua'i County Charter,
relating to the initiation of Charter amendments.
b. Communication,dated 4/26/11 from the Charter Review Commission to
the County Attorney's Office requesting recommendations for a proposed
amendment to Kaua'i County Charter §24.01 regarding the legality and
compliance with statutes and superior laws as provided for in Rule 4(b) of
the Rules of the Kauai County Charter Review and to make
recommendations of language revisions that would provide even greater
clarity.
c. Confidential opinion dated 5/2/11 from Deputy County Attorney Jennifer
Winn offering legal guidance as to the legality and compliance of a proposed
charter amendment to Kaua'i County Charter §24.01.
Chair Shiraishi stated that an opinion from the County Attorney had been
received regarding the legality of this proposed amendment. Ms. Suzawa moved to approve the language as
submitted. Mr. Justus seconded the motion.
Motion carried 5:0
CRC 2011-06 Discussion and possible decision-making on proposed
language to amend Charter Section 24.03, establishing a permanent Chat-ter
Review Commission (Deferred from 4/25/1 meeting)
a. Proposed amendment revising Section 24.03, Kauai County Charter,
relating to establishing a permanent Charter Review Commission.
b. Communication dated 4/26/11 from the Charter Review Commission to
Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr., and Chair Jay Furfaro and members of the
Cou_ty_Couneilecluesting their thoughts and comments includin what the
Charter Review Commission
Open Session
May 23, 2011 Page 5
SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION
burden and cost would be to the County if the Charter Review Commission
was made a permanent commission by amending Section 24.03, Kauai
County Charter.
Chair Shiraishi acknowledged receipt of the letter dated May 19, 2011, from
the Mayor which was circulated to the Commission. Mr. TenBruggencate
thought the Mayor did not have strong feelings one way or the other and
because this is a sufficiently momentous decision, it should be discussed in
the presence of the entire Commission. Mr. TenBruggencate moved to defer this item to
the June 27 meeting. Ms. Suzawa seconded the
motion.
Mr. Isobe informed the Commission that the County Council would like this
item to be deferred until after the Council's June 29 meeting to allow them
time to review and provide additional comments relative to this matter. Mr. TenBruggencate amended his motion to defer
this item to the July 25 meeting. Mr. Justus
seconded the motion. Motion carried 5:0
CRC 2011-07 Discussion and possible decision-making on proposed---
language to amend Charter Section 1.03, clarifying the existing Chat-ter
provisions related to the election of County Officers. (Deferred from 4/25111
meeting)
a. Proposed amendment revising Section 1.03, Kauai County Charter,
relating to the election of County Officers.
b. Review and consideration of Hawai'i Revised Statute §11-157 In case of
tie.
Mr. Justus said he would like to see this proposed amendment include a
change regarding the tic votes to reflect the Hawaii Revised Statutes and
better that would be a non-substantive change, the members
� _tbat
Charter Review Coninussion
Open Session
May 23, 2011 Page 6
---------------
DISCUSSION ACTION
felt the change would be considered substantive. Attorney Winn was not
sure if the Charter would be pre-empted by State law because the County
would have home rule pursuant to State law and this may be one of those
provisions where Charter law would trump State law. Attorney Winn said
she would prefer to have time to research this matter. Mr. TenBruggencate moved to refer this to the
County Attorney's Office for review and
specifically to research the general language of
the change and to make recommendations on the
issue of resolving tic votes,
Chair Shiraishi stated that even if the County has home rule just based on the
Commission's discussion there appears to be some aversion to having a tie
vote decided a method of chance. Mr. Justus seconded the motion,
Chair Shiraishi said even if they approve the proposed amendment as is and
refer it to the County Attorney's Office there will still be future opportunities
to discuss it, Chair Shiraishi asked if they wished to approve the proposed
amendment as is and ask for a legal opinion, Mr. TenBruggencate amended his motion to
approve the proposed amendment and refer to
the County Attorney for legality and compliance
with applicable laws with specific reference to
subsection D as it relates to H.R.S. §I 1-157.
Mr. Justus seconded the motion. Motion carried
5.0
CRC 2011-08 Discussion and possible decision-making on proposed
language to amend Charter Article XXIX, Section 23.01, and Section 7,03 to
clarify and update the existing Charter provisions related to the salaries of
certain County Officers (Deferred from 4/25/11 meeting)
a. Proposed amendments revising Article XXIX, Section 23,01, and Section
7.03, Kaua'i County Charter, relatirn-,to the salaries of County Officers.
Charter Review Commission
Open Session
May 23, 2011 Page 7
----_SUBJECT DISCUSSION
Mr. 'renBruggencate suggested they amend Mr. Justus' motion to include
everyone whose salaries would be affected. t Mr. Justus moved that the Commission request
the opinion of the Salary Commission on the
Chair Shiraishi said the last sentence of Section 29.03 currently reads that the proposed changes before making any decisions,
respective appointing authority may set the salary of an appointee at a figure
lower than the figure established by ordinance for the position and
questioned why you would pay less than the recommendation. Mr. Isobe ffir",
said the Salary Commission sets the upper ceiling and if someone were hired
with less than ideal qualifications you would start them at a lower rate and
move them up as they perform in the position. Chair Shiraishi pointed out
that §29.01 states that the Salary Commission will establish the salaries of all
councilinembers, all officers and employees; if you give the appointing
authority the power to reduce the salary are you not going against the
authority of the Salary Commission. Mr. Isobe said currently we are reading
§29.01 and §29.02 together where the Salary Commission does set the upper
limits of the salary; they then adopt the policies governing the salary setting
decisions, Mr. Justus suggested they include the language"members to
establish the salary limits of all such"with Chair Shiraishi adding
"maximum salaries". Ms. Suzawa felt that if the County Attorney would
review the proposal for legalities she might have a better understanding of
the amendment and suggested this amendment be passed on for first reading.
Mr. TenBruggencate did not think they should burden the County Attorney's
Office at this point since they have not heard from the Salary Commission
and some of the other organizations that might be impacted because there
might be considerable changes. Mr. Justus moved to defer this itern until an
opinion is received fro
Chair Shiraishi suggested massaging some of the language of the proposed m,the Salary Commission
amendment before further action is taken and suggested in Section 29,01
they insert the word maximum between the words "the" and "salaries" in the
second sentence. The last sentence in Section 29.03 should remain as part of
Charter Review Commission
Open Session
May 23, 2011 Page 8
SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION
the Section by removing the brackets and the word maximum should be
added to the last sentence between "the" and "figure". Mr. Isobe referred to
the last sentence of Section 29.03 that was just reinstated by the Commission
which allows the respective appointing authority to set the salaries. The
problem that the county ran into in the previous cycle of salary increases with
the elected officials, i.e., the Mayor, members of the County Council and the
Prosecuting Attorney, is the Mayor had wanted to take a salary reduction, or
not take the raise, but it was determined that the appointing authority for
elected officials is the voters and so it did not allow the elected officials to
take a salary less than the maximum. The purpose of removing that Section
was to allow the Salary Commission and or the elected officials the
flexibility to take a lesser salary than that established by the Salary
Commission which currently could not occur. The appointing authority is
relevant in cases where it is not an elected official. Following up on why
Section 29.05 Changes in Salary should be deleted, Mr. TenBruggencate said
this is an artifact from the days when the Council set its own salaries. They
could only change the salary for the next Council; they could not change
their own and now the Council no longer sets its own salary. Mr. Justus
wanted to include in Section 29,03 that elected officials may voluntarily take
a lower salary. Mr. Justus moved to add the word maximum to
Section 29.01, add the word maximum to the las
sentence of Section 29.03 and remove the
brackets from that same sentence and to add the
sentence Elected qfticials may voluntarily take a
lower salary to the last sentence of Section 29.03
and defer pending review and comments from
the Salary Commission. Mr. TenBruggencate
Mr. Isobe noted that the Salary Commission would probably not be meeting seconded the motion. Motion carried 5:0
_prior to the Charter Commission's next meeting.
Adjournment Mr. Gu
oved to autn the pl-Le
n
Charter Review Commission
Open Session
May 23, 2011 Page 9
SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION
p.m. Mr. Justus seconded the motion. Motion
carried 5:0
Submitted by: Reviewed and Approved by:
Barbara Davis, Support Clerk- Sherman Shiraishi, Chair
Approved as is.
Approved with amendments. See minutes of meeting.
OMNI
lq-
gmgge
Proposing A New Section 24.04 Relating to Non-substantive Corrections and
Revisions.
Findings and Purpose.
The Commission finds that the County needs the ability to correct typographical and
grammatical errors and make non-substantive format changes to the Charter resulting
from clerical mistakes or newly adopted Charter amendments.
The purpose of this amendment is to allow the County Attorney to propose corrections to
errors in spelling, grammar, gender neutral language and other format changes as well as
insert omitted words, section references, Hawaiian language diacritical marks and make
other non-substantive revisions to the Charter.
The adoption of all non-substantive corrections or revisions proposed by the County
Attorney shall be by ordinance approved by a vote of five (5) or more members of the
County Council and only upon the conclusion of a duly noticed public hearing.
Charter Amendment,
Article XXIV of the Kauai County Charter shall be amended by adding a new Section 24.04
to read as follows:
"ARTICLE XXIV
CHARTER AMENDMENT
Section 24.04. Non-substantive corrections and revisions.
A. The county attorney may propose non-substantive corrections and revisions to
the charter by ordinance.
B. In making non-substantive corrections and revisions the county attorney may:
1. Number and renumber articles, sections, and part of sections;
2. Rearrange sections;
3. Change reference numbers to be consistent with renumbered articles,
sections, and part of sections under either federal, state, or county law;
4. Substitute the proper article or section number for the terms "the preceding
section", "this article", and like terms;
Draft: 3-29-11 (New Sec.20.04-Non-substantive Charter Corrections)
CRC 2011-01 (b)
5. Delete figures where they are merely a repetition of written words;
6. Change capitalization for purposes of uniformity;
7. Correct clerical, typographical, or grammatical errors and insert omitted
words or Hawaiian language diacritical marks;
8. Change any male or female gender terms to a term which is neutral in gender
when it is clear that the provision is not applicable only to members of one sex and
without altering the sense, meaning, or effect of any charter provision;
9. Delete any provision pre-empted or superseded by either federal or state law
or any charter amendment; and
10. Incorporate other non-substantive changes as shall be necessary to provide a
uniform and consistent language style throughout the charter. In making such
revisions, the county attorney shall not alter the sense, meaning, or effect of an
article or section.
C. Prior to adoption of the ordinance, the council shall conduct a public hearing on
all proposed non-substantive corrections or revisions under consideration. A notice of the
public hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at
least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the hearing. The public hearing shall be held not
earlier than seven (7) days prior to the final reading of the ordinance.
D. The ordinance shall be adopted by a vote of five (5) or more members of the
County Council."
Note: New charter material is underscored.
Ballot Question.
Shall the County Attorney be allowed to propose an ordinance to correct typographical,
grammatical and other minor errors to the Charter that must be approved by a vote of
five (5) or more members of the County Council?
Draft: 3-29-11 (New Sec.20.04-Non-substantive Charter Corrections)
CRC 2011-01 (b)
---------------------
Ale
Sherman Shiraishi, Chair Members:
Mary Lou Barela
Patrick Stack, Vice Chair Joel Guy
Ed Justus
Jan TenBruggencate
Carol Suzawa
KAUAI COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
TO: Alfred Castillo, County Attorney
Peter Nakamura, County Clerk
Cc: Jennifer Winn, Deputy County Attorney
Gary Heu, Managing Director
FROM: Sherman Shiraishi, Chairperson
Via: John Isobe, Administrator, Office of Boards and Commiss ns
DATE: May 25, 2011
RE: Request for Comments
At its meeting on May 23, 2011, the Charter Review Commission discussed the possibility of
giving either the County Attorney's Office or the County Clerk's Office the responsibility of
correcting non-substantive changes as they relate to grammar, spelling, and formatting errors in
the County Charter.
The Commission is considering a Charter Amendment ballot question which would assign the
task of correcting non-substantive items to either the County Attorney's Office or the County
Clerk's Office. Before making its decision on which department is best able to perform this task,
the Commission would appreciate receiving your input including any comments regarding your
department's manpower capacity and capability to perform this additional responsibility.
The next Charter Review Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday,June 27, 2011.
In order to allow our office time to properly prepare for this meeting, we would
appreciate receiving your written response by June 17, 2011. If you are unable to provide
a response by the date above, or if you have any questions, please contact Paula
Morikami at 241-4922. Thank you.
Attachment: CRC X111-01 b—proposed amendment creating a new Section 24.0L4
CRC 2011-01 d
An Amendment Relating to Establishing A Permanent Charter Review
Commission.
Charter Amendment.
Article XXIV, Section 24.03 of the Kaua'i County Charter shall be amended to read as
follows:
"'ARTICLE XXIV
CHARTER AMENDMENT
Section 24.03. Charter Review. The mayor with the approval of the council shall
appoint, with appropriate staffing, a charter commission composed of seven
members who shall serve in accordance with Section 23.020 of this Charter to study
and review the operation of the county government under this charter [for a period
of ten years commencing in 2007. Thereafter, the mayor with the approval of the
council shall appoint a charter commission at ten year intervals]. In the event the
commission deems changes are necessary or desirable, the commission may
propose amendments to the existing charter or draft a new charter which shall be
submitted to the county clerk. The county clerk shall provide for the submission of
such amendments or new charter to the voters at any general or special election as
may be determined by the commission. The commission shall publish not less than
thirty (30) days before any election at least once in a newspaper of general
circulation within the county the entire text of the amendments or new charter.
A. Unless a new charter is submitted to the voters, each amendment to the
charter shall be voted on separately.
B. If a majority of the voters voting upon a charter amendment votes in favor
of it or a new charter, if a new charter is proposed, the amendment or new charter
shall become effective at the time fixed in the amendment or charter, or if no time
is fixed, thirty (30) days after its adoption by the voters. Any charter or amendment
shall be published in its entirety not more than thirty (30) days after its adoption.
Note: Charter material to be repealed is bracketed.
CRC 2011-06 a
Draft: 4-04-11 (Sec.24.01—Permanent Charter Commission)
W
Sherman Shiraishi, Chair Members:
Mary Lou Barela
Patrick Stack, Vice Chair Joel Guy
Ed Justus
Jan TenBruggencate
Carol Suzaxva
KAUAI COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho. Jr.
Chair Jay Furfaro and Members of the County Council
Cc: Gary Heu, Managing Director
Peter Nakamura, County Clerk
FROM: Sherman Shiraishi, Chairperson
Via: John Isobe, Administrator, Office of Boards & Commissions
DATE: April 26, 2011
RE: Request for Input and Comments
Amendment Proposal to the Kauai County Charter Article XXIV, §24.03
The Charter Review Commission, at its meeting on April 25, 2011, requested that the
Administration and County Council provide comments regarding the attached Charter
Amendment proposal. The Commission would like to know your thoughts and comments
including what the burden and cost would be to the County if the Charter Review Commission
was made a permanent commission.
The next Charter Review Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 23 2011.
In order to allow our office time to properly prepare for this meeting, we would
appreciate receiving your written response by May 12, 2011. If you are unable to provide
a response by the date above, or if you have any questions, please contact me. Thank
You.
CRC 2011-06 b
wfr
OF
Bernard P. Carvalho. Jr. Gary K. Heu
Mayor
Managing Director
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
County of Kauali, State of Hawaii
4444 Rice Street,Suite 235,Lihu'e, Hawai'i 96766
TEL(808)241-4900 FAX(808)241-6877
May 19,2011
Mr. Sherman Shiraishi, Chairperson and
Members of the Charter Review Commission
4444 Rice Street, Suite 150
L-ihu'e, HI 96766
Dear Chairperson Shiraishi and Members:
RE: Comments Related to Establishing A Permanent Charter Review Commission.
This letter responds to your inquiry dated April 26, 2011 seeking comments from the County
Administration regarding a proposed Charter Amendment to Establish a Permanent Charter
Review Commission.
Since the Charter Review Commission is currently only at the midpoint of its existing ten year
cycle, it appears a little premature to decide whether the Charter Review Commission should be
provided with permanent status. My hesitation is based on the following:
I. Has the Commission clearly determined and outlined the remaining work and
proposed amendments that it hopes to accomplish by 2016? If so, does this effort
require permanent status or just a predetermined time extension for completion?
2. If in 2016 the Charter Review Commission reverts back to a once every ten year
cycle, Charter amendments could still be considered via resolutions adopted by
the County Council andilor citizen initiated petitions during each ten year interval.
Assuming that the Commission can complete its work by 2016, what would be the
rationale for continuing the Commission for an indefinite period of time?
Regarding the burden and cost to the taxpayer for providing the Charter Review Commission
with permanent status, prudent decision making requires that the County weigh the cost against
the overall public need and benefit. In the near term, I would be open to considering additional
Z:�
support for the Charter Commission if you feel it is necessary to facilitate your work and would
An Equal Opportunity Emplqver CRC 2011-06 c
ask that you discuss your requirements with our Office of Boards and Commission
Administrator, John Isobe.
Given that my comments are very preliminary in nature, should the Commission desire a more
definitive response, I would be glad to discuss this matter with you in more detail.
Sine 1,y,
Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr.
Mayor
COUNTY COUNCIL or �OFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK
Jay Furfaro,Chair
JoAnn A.Yukimura,Vice Chair j Peter A.Nakamura,County Clerk
Tim Bynum Eduardo Topenio,Jr., Deputy County Clerk
Dickie Chang
KipuKai Kuali'i Telephone(808)241-4188
OF
Nadine K.Nakamura Fax (808)241-6349
Mel Rapozo Email cokcouncil,(.w—kauai,gov
Council Services Division
3371-A Wilcox Road
L-1hu'e,Kaua'i,Hawaii 96766
MEMORANDUM 2-U
July 8, 2011
B 0 A R Cj E,
TO: Jo Isobe, Administrator, Boards and Commissions
FROM: Ja urfaro, Council Chair
ATTENTION: Sherman Shiraishi, Chairman, Charter Commission
RE: Attending Committee of the Whole Meeting
Please attend the July 13, 2011 Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss costs and
benefits of the proposed Charter Amendment that would convert the Charter Commission to a
permanent body.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
cc: Gary Hen, Managing Director
Pm/Lc
D: 2012-24
CRC 2011-06 d
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
9 11
0-11 0
An Amendment Relating to the Election of County Officers.
Charter Amendment.
Article 1, Section 1.03 of the Kaua"i County Charter shall be amended to read as
follows:
ARTICLE I
THE COUNTY AND ITS GOVERNMENT
"Section 1.03. County Elections.
[A. In general. County elections shall be conducted in accordance with the
election laws of the State insofar as applicable, but all elective officers shall be
elected by nonpartisan elections. Except as otherwise provided in this charter, such
nonpartisan elections shall be held in conjunction with the primary and general
elections of the applicable year in which the terms of the mayor, council members,
or prosecuting attorney, respectively, end.
B. First nonpartisan election. To the extent possible, the first nonpartisan
election shall be held in conjunction with the primary election of the applicable
year.
1. Offices of the Mayor, Prosecuting Attorney and Council members to be
elected by districts, if any. In the case of the offices of mayor, prosecuting attorney,
or any council members to be elected by districts, the names of the two candidates
receiving the highest number of votes for these offices in the first nonpartisan
election shall be placed on the ballot for the second nonpartisan election. However,
if there is only one candidate for each of said offices, such candidate shall be
elected.
2. Office of At-Large Council Members. The candidates receiving the highest
number of votes shall be elected to fill each vacant at-large council office provided
the candidate or candidates receive at least thirty percent of all votes cast for all at-
large council offices. In the event of a tie for the last remaining at-large council
office the candidates receiving the same number of votes shall be placed on the
ballot for the second nonpartisan election.
Draft: 4-04-11 (Set.1.03—County Elections)
I CRC 2011-07 a
__J
C. Second nonpartisan election. To the extent possible, the second
nonpartisan election shall be held in conjunction with the general election for the
applicable year.
1. Offices of the Mayor, Prosecuting Attorney, and Council members to be
elected by districts, if any. Unless a candidate for mayor, prosecuting attorney, or
council members to be elected by district, if any, is elected in the first nonpartisan
election, the names of the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes for
these offices in the first nonpartisan election shall be placed on the ballot for the
second nonpartisan election. At the second nonpartisan election the candidates
receiving the highest number of votes for mayor, prosecuting attorney and district
council member, respectively, shall be elected.
2. Office of At-Large Council members.
a. If any at-large council office remains to be filled after the first nonpartisan
election, two candidates for each vacant at-large council office shall be placed on
the ballot. The names of the candidates receiving the highest number of votes cast
in the first nonpartisan election, other than the name of any candidate elected after
the first nonpartisan election, shall be placed on the ballot until a sufficient number
of candidates are on the ballot as provided in this subsection. At the second
nonpartisan election, the candidates receiving the highest number of votes for each
vacant at-large office shall be elected.
b. in the event of a tie vote in the second nonpartisan election, the winner
shall be determined by chance by a method chosen by the county clerk.
D. In any subsequent publication of the foregoing sections the term "first
nonpartisan election" and "second nonpartisan election" may be changed to
"primary election" and "general election", respectively.]
A. Nonpartisan Elections. County elections shall be conducted in accordance
with the election laws of the State insofar as applicable, but all elective coun
officers shall be elected by nonpartisan elections.
B. Offices of the Mayor and Prosecuting Attorney.
Draft: 4-04-11 (Sec.1.03—County Elections)
CRC 2011-07
X ------------
MddM
1. For the offices of mayor and prosecuting attorney, the names of the two
candidates receiving the highest number of votes for these offices in the primaa
election shall be placed on the ballot for the general election. However, if there is
only one candidate for each of said offices, such candidate shall be elected in the
primary election.
2. At the general election the candidates receiving the highest number of
votes for mayor and prosecuting attorney shall be elected.
C. Office of At-Large Council members.
1. For at-large council offices, two candidates for each vacant at-large council
office receiving the highest number of votes in the primary election shall be placed
on the ballot for the general election.
2. At the general election the candidates receiving the highest number of
votes for each vacant at-large council office shall be elected.
Q. Tie votes. In the event of tie votes for any county office in the primary or
general election, the winner shall be determined by a method of chance as
determined by the county clerk."
Note: Charter material to be repealed is bracketed. New charter material is
underscored.
Draft: 4-04-11 (Sec.1.03—County Elections)
CRC 2011-07
sm
Sherman Shiraishi Chair °° ' = ` '= # Members.
r"
Mary Lou Barela
Patrick. Stack, Vice Chair Joel Guy
Ed Justus
Jan TenBruggencate
Carol Suzaa
KAUAI COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
TO: Alfred Castillo, County Attorney
Cc: Jennifer Winn, Deputy County Attorney
Gary Heu, Managing Director
FROM: Sherman Shiraishi, Chairperson
Via: John Isobe, Administrator, Office of Boards and Commissi ns
DATE: May 25, 2011
RE: Request for Legal Guidance or Opinion
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr u u rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrsrrrrrr�
At its meeting on May 23, 2011, the members of the Charter Review Commission who were
present unanimously approved the Charter amendment proposal attached hereto as Exhibit "A"
and directed that said proposal be transmitted to the County Attorney's Office for any
recommendations regarding the legality and compliance with statutes and superior laws as
provided for in RULE 4(b) of the Rules of the Kauai County Charter Review Commission.
The Commission also requested that as part of this review, the County Attorney's Office make a
determination on whether the statutory provisions contained in HRS §I 1-157 would preempt and
supersede the language proposed in the subsection D of the proposed Charter amendment.
The next Charter Review Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 27, 2011.
In order to allow our office time to properly prepare for this meeting, we would
appreciate receiving your written response by June 17, 2011. If you are unable to provide
a response by the date above, or if you have any questions, please contact Paula
Morikami at 241-4922. Thank you.
CSC 2{ 11-07b
10 WIFF
Various Proposed Amendments Relating to Salaries of County Officers.
Article XXIX of the Kaua*i County Charter shall be amended to read as follows:
"ARTICLE XXIX
SALARY COMMISSION
Section 29.01. Organization. There shall be a Salary Commission composed of seven
members to establish the maximum salaries of all [councilmembers and all officers
and employees included in Section 3-2.1 of the Kauai County Code 1987, as
amended] elected and appointed officers as defined in Section 23.01 Q of this
Charter.
Section 29.02. Policies. The commission shall adopt and, when it deems necessary,
may change the policies governing its salary-setting decisions.
Section 29.03. Resolution. The commission's salary findings shall be adopted by
resolution of the commission and forwarded to the mayor and the council on or
before March 15 of any calendar year. [Subject to Section 29.05, the] The resolution
shall take effect without the mayor's and council's concurrence sixty days after its
adoption by the commission unless rejected by a vote of not less than five members
of the council. The council may reject either the entire resolution or any portion of
it. The respective appointing authority may set the salary of an appointee at a
figure lower than the maximum figure established by [ordinance] the salary
commission for the position. Provided however, elected officers may voluntarily
accept a salary lower than the maximum figure established by the salary
commission for their position.
Section 29.04 Rules. The commission shall establish its rules of procedures and
adopt rules and regulations pursuant to law.
Section 29.05 [Changes in Salary. No change in salary of councilmembers shall be
effective during the term in which a change is enacted or for twenty-four months
after a change is enacted, whichever is less.
Section 29.06] Administration and Operation. The mayor and council shall provide
Draft: 4-04-11 (Articles XXIX,XXIII&Vil—County Salaries)
CRC 2011-08 a
an annual appropriation sufficient to enable the commission to secure clerical or
technical assistance and pay other operational costs in the performance of its
duties."
Draft: 4-04-11 (Articles XXIX,XXIII&VII--County Salaries)
Article XXIII, Section 23.01 D of the Kaua'i County Charter shall be amended to read
as follows:
ARTICLE XXIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
"Section 23.01. Definitions.
D. The term "officer" shall include the following:
(1) Mayor, prosecuting attorney, and members of the council.
(2) Any person excluded from Chapter 76, HRS and the position
classification plan who is appointed as administrative head of any
department or agency of the county [or as a member of any board or
commission].
(3) [The first deputy] Deputies appointed by the administrative head of
any department or agency of the county who are excluded from
Chapter 76, HRS and the position classification plan.
[(4) Deputies of the county attorney.]
Article V11, Section 7.03 of the Kaua'i County Charter shall be amended to read as
follows:
ARTICLE VII
MAYOR
"Section 7.03. Compensation. The salary of the mayor shall be [$19,000.00 per
annum which shall be subject to change by the council. The salary of any incumbent
shall be reduced only in the event that a general reduction in salaries of all county
officers and employees is simultaneously effected] established in accordance with
the provisions of Article XXIX of this Charter.
Note: Charter material to be repealed is bracketed. New charter material is
underscored.
Draft: 4-04-11 (Articles XXIX,XXIII&vii—County Salaries)
A M11-11h
�z 1,
Sherman Shiraishi, Chair Members:
Mary Lou Barela
Patrick Stack, Vice Chair Joel Guy
Ed Justus
Jan TenBruggencate
Carol Suzawa
KAUAII COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
TO: Charlie King, Vice-Chair and Members of the Salary Commission
Cc: Gary Heu, Managing Director
FROM: Sherman Shiraishi, Chairperson
Via: John Isobe, Administrator, Office of Boards and Commissi
DATE: June 17, 2011
RE: Request for Review and Comments
At its meeting on May 23, 2011, the members of the Charter Review Commission who were
present unanimously approved that the Charter amendment proposal attached hereto as Exhibit
"A"be transmitted to the Salary Commission for its review and comments regarding its proposed
language changes to the County Charter, Article XXIX Salary Commission, Article XXIII
General Provisions, Article VII Mayor.
The Charter Review Commission plans on putting this proposed amendment back on a
future agenda once it receives comments from you. We look forward to hearing from
you.
If you have any questions, please contact Paula Monikami at 241-4922
Thank you.
CRC 2011-08 b
Sandi Sterker Members:
Chair Lawrence Chaffin Jr.
Brant Fuchigami
Glen Tak-enouchi
Laurie Yoshida
Dirk Apao
Vice Chair OF
COUNTY OF KAUAI COST CONTROL COMMISSION
TO: Sherman Shiraishi, Chair and Members of the Charter Review Commission
Cc: Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr.
Gary Heu, Managing Director
Alfred Castillo, County Attorney
Malcolm Fernandez, Personnel Director
Ryan De La Pena, Chair and Members of the Civil Service Commission
Jay Furfaro, Chair and Members of the County Council
FROM: Sandi Sterker, Chair, Cost Control Commission
Via: John Isobe, Administrator, Office of Boards and Commissio
DATE: July 13, 2011
SUBJECT: Request for Approval of Proposed Charter Amendment
Establishing a Department of Human Resources
The Cost Control Commission, at its meeting on Monday, July 11, 2011, approved a proposed
Charter Amendment amending Article XV Relating to Establishing a Department of Human
Resources. We are taking this means to ask that the Charter Review Commission consider
adoption of the proposed Charter Amendment and place it on the 2012 General Election ballot.
For your information, the Cost Control Commission also received comments from the Civil
Service Commission in support of the -proposal. We have also received an Opinion from the
County Attorney's Office regarding proposed amendment's legality and compliance with statutes
and superior laws. The proposed Charter Amendment and communications are attached for your
information and review.
If you have any questions, please call Paula Morikami at 241-4922.
Thank you.
Equal Opportunity Employer
CRC 2011-09
DRAFT:
Proposing A Charter Amendment to Article XV Relating to Establishing A
Department of Human Resources.
Charter Amendment.
Article XV of the Kaua! County Charter is amended to read as follows:
"ARTICLE XV
DEPARTMENT OF[PERSONNEL SERVICES] HUMAN RESOURCES
Section 15.01. Organization. There shall be a department of (personnel services) human
resources consisting of a civil service commission, a director and the necessary staff for
the purpose or establishing a system of personnel administration based upon merit
principles devoid of any bias or prejudice and [providing a systematic and equitable
classification of all positions through adequate job evaluation] -generally accepted methods
governing classification of positions and the employment, conduct, movement, and-
separation of public officers and employees.
Section 15.02. Civil Service Commission Organization. The civil service commission shall
consist of seven members who shall be in sympathy with and who shall believe in the
principles of the merit system in public employment, [or] of the members appointed, one
shall be selected from among persons employed in private industry in either skilled or
unskilled laboring positions as distinguished from executive or professional positions.
(Amended 2006)
Section 15.03. Powers and Duties. The civil service commission shall:
A. Adopt rules and regulations to carry out the civil service and compensation laws
of the State and county. Such rules and regulations shall distinguish between matter's of
policy left for the determination of the commission and matters of technique and
administration to be left for execution by the director.
B. Hear and determine appeals made by any officer or employee aggrieved by any
action of the director or by any appointing authority. Appeal from the decision of the
commission shall be as provided by law.
C. Advise the mayor and director of personnel services on problems concerning
personnel and classification administration,
D. Execute such powers and duties as may be provided by law.
Section 15.04. Director of [Personnel Servicesl Human Resources. The director of
[personnel services] human resources shall have had a minimum or five years of training
and experience in personnel administration either in public service or private business, or
CRC 2011-09` a
both, at least three years of which shall have been in a responsible administrative capacity
and shall be in sympathy with the principles of the merit system. He shall be appointed and
may be removed by the commission and come under the general supervision of the
Mayor. The director shall be the head of the department of [personnel services] human
resources and shall be responsible for the proper conduct of all administrative affairs of the
department, and for the execution of the [personnel] human resources management
program prescribed in this charter and in the ordinances and regulations authorized by this
charter.
Section 15.05. (Civil Service and Exemptions. All positions in the county, except those
exempted by law, shall be under civil service.] Human Resources Management Program,
The director of-human resources shall be responsible for the execution of the human
resources management program which shall include:
A. Classification, recruitment, selection, employMent, deployment, promotion,
evaluation, discipline, and separation of employees.
B. Labor relations and negotiations.
C. Administration of employment policies and trainings related to employee
benefits, conduct, development, and safety and iniury prevention,
D. Workers' compensation.
E. Equal employment opoortunitles.
F. Workforce coordination and planning.
G. Administration of the civil service system as prescribed by statute.
H. Other related duties as may be determined by the Mayor."
Note: Charter material to be repealed is bracketed, New charter material is underscored.
Proposed Ballot Question:
Shall the title of the Department of Personnel Services be changed to Department of
Human Resources and its existing scope of responsibilities broadened to include a
more comprehensive human resources function?
RYAN I}E LA FENA °P s Members:
CATHERINE ADAMS
CHAIR S.LANI ARANIO
0, GILRERT MAERINA
Roy MORITA y'"�+ a r JOHN LOW
VICE CHAIR ♦yr$
�j
COUNTY OF KAUA`1
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
MO`IKEHA BUILDING
c/o Department of Personnel services
Rice Street,Suite 144
LIHUIE,KAUA°{, sAWAPI %r766
- - -
Telephone($48)241-4956•Fax{848}241-6543
June 23, 2011
JUN 4 2111
Ms. Sandi Sterker, Chair
Cost Control Commission v-
County of Kauai
Office of Boards and Commissions
4444 Rice Street
t_Thu'e, HI 96766
Dear Ms. Sterker:
At its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, the Civil Service Commission
received and accepted the following communications:
1. Letter dated May 9, 2011 from the Cost Control Commission to Mayor Carvalho
regarding County Employee Training and Consolidation of Personnel Functions;
2. Letter dated May 25, 2011 from Mayor Carvalho responding to the Cost Control
Commission; and
3. Letter dated June 15, 2011 from the Cost Control Commission requesting for
comments.
This is to inform you that after some discussions, the Commission unanimously voted to
support the Mayor's recommendation in transitioning the training functions to the
Department of Personnel Services; the development of an internal task force to analyze
the feasibility and cost implications with respect to moving personnel functions and
services out of the various departments; and lastly, approves the draft amendment for a
Charter amendment to change the title of the Department of Personnel Services and
further expand the functional responsibilities of the Department.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
CRC 2011-09 b
Chair Sandi Sterker
Page 2
June 23, 2011
Thank you for allowing the Civil Service Commission the opportunity to review and
comment on your efforts in the consolidation of personnel functions.
Very truly yours,
RYAN DE LA PENA
Chairman
Cc: Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr.
Mr. Malcolm C. Fernandez, Director of Personnel Services
Mr. John Isobe, Administrator, Office of Boards and Commissions
Ms. Janine Rapozo, Risk Management Administrator
Civil Service Commission
Oii its July 11,2011,meeting the Cost ContraOF
Commission voted to waive its right to
confidentially and allow the opinion to be
publicly released. COUNTY OF KAUA'l
OFFICE OF THE COUNTY ATTORNEY
0 V It-
71;-`t CONFIDENTIAL
Attomey-Client Communication
JLL 7 2011 and/or Aftomey Work-Product
L
-3 C June 28, 2011
TO: Sandi Sterker, Chair, and Cost Control Commissioners
FROM: Jennifer S. Winn, Deputy County Attorney
SUBJECT: Request for Legal Review and Comment
Charter Amendment Department Human Resources
Our File No. 11-0529
This responds to your June 15, 2011 request for an opinion as to the legal
sufficiency of proposed amendments to Article XV of the Kauai County Charter.
This office defines "legal sufficiency" to mean the submission contains all
requisites necessary to create valid charter provisions.
A finding of "legal sufficiency" does not mean that a judge cannot or will
not declare the charter provisions void or illegal as a judge may interpret the
relevant statutes, case law and/or facts differently from the interpretation given by
this office today or the charter provisions may be applied in an unconstitutional or
in a manner that may render it susceptible to challenge.
Article V111, section 2 of the Hawaii State Constitution provides in pertinent
part:
Each political subdivision shall have the power to frame and adopt
a charter for its own self-government within such limits and under
such procedures as may be provided by general law. Such
procedures, however, shall not require the approval of a charter by
a legislative body.
Charter provisions with respect to a political subdivision's executive,
legislative and administrative structure and organization shall be
superior to statutory provisions, subject to the authority of the
legislature to enact general laws allocating and reallocating powers
and functions.
CRC 2011-09 c
ANNE&! ON
ONE-OFF,
Sandi Sterker, Chair, and Cost Control Commissioners
Page 2
June 28, 2011
Section 46-1,5(1), Hawaii Revised Statutes ("HRS"), provides that subject
to general law, "[e]ach county shall have the power to frame and adopt a charter
for its own self-government that shall establish the county executive,
administrative, and legislative structure and organization, including but not limited
to the method of appointment or election of officials, their duties, responsibilities,
and compensation, and the terms of office[.]"
General laws are those that apply uniformly throughout all political
subdivisions of the State, Bulgo v. Maui County, 50 Haw. 51, 58 (1967), or those
of "statewide concern". See Article Vill, section 6, of the Hawaii State
Constitution.
State laws on civil service and personnel — Chapter 76, HRS —are general
laws, with which the County must comply. See Hawaii Government Employees
Ass'n v. County of Maui, 59 Hawai'i 65 (1978). In Hawaii Government
Employees Ass'n, the County of Maui had charter provisions which were
"repugnant" to provisions in Chapter 76, HRS. The Court stated that
inconsistencies between the two laws rendered the county charter provisions
nugatory and state law prevailed. Id. at 87.
Specifically, in Hawaii Government Employees Ass'n, the charter vested
in the mayor rather than in the Maui County Civil Service Commission the power
to appoint and remove the county director of personnel services and further
required the director to perform such duties as may be assigned by the mayor in
addition to the duties established under the civil service laws. The Court
expressly held that "the personnel director may not be appointed and removed
from office by the mayor as provided for in [the Maui] charter." Id.1 The Court did
not address the Maui charter provision that required the director to undertake
other duties assigned by the mayor.
Therefore, it appears that county charter provisions regarding
per resources are legal provided they are not inconsistent with
Chapter 76, HRS. The first proposed amendment is to Section 15.012 which
changes the word "personnel" to "human resources" and slightly alters the
purpose of the department. These changes appear legally sufficient.
In Section 15.04, the amendment specifically provides, "He shall be
appointed and may be removed by the commission and come under the general
' Section 76-75, HRS, requires that the civil service commissions for Hawaii, Maui and Kaua'i
appoint and remove(at its pleasure)the personnel director.
2 There appears to be a typo in this version of 15-01, It should say"then ssary staff for the
purpose of establishing a system . , . " In addition, while it appears that the proposed
amendment to Section 15,02 is to fax a typo, it still does not read correctly. The proper
amendment is'the merit system in public employment(, orb Of the members appointed, one shall
^Jdl�h a
W 10000,
Sandi Sterker, Chair, and Cost Control Commissioners
Page 3
June 28, 2011
supervision of the Mayor," As noted above in Hawaii Government Employees
Ass'n, the Court only struck down the Maui charter provision that was directly
contrary to HRS, and did not address the provision that gave the mayor
supervisory power over the director. Based on this, our charter amendment
appears legally sufficient. It still gives the commission the hiring and firing
functions, which Chapter 76, HRS, requires of the neighbor islands. How the
director, or the department, is generally supervised is not covered in HRS 3
Finally, as for Section 15.05, the amendments appear legally sufficient.
They are not inconsistent with Chapter 76, HRS. Still, Section 76-1, HRS, states
in pertinent part, "it is the purpose of this chapter to require each jurisdiction to
establish and maintain a separately administered civil service system based on
the merit principle." Section 15.05 makes administering the civil service system
one of many functions required of the director. Nothing prohibits the civil service
system from being under the umbrella of a broader human resources program
and one of many jobs. Yet, in order to comply with Chapter 76, HRS, it must be
separately administered. The amendment language currently suggests that it will
with the words "as prescribed by statute." Nevertheless, you may want to
consider additional language if you believe it needs further clarification.
I have attached the charter provisions regarding personnel/human
resources of the other counties for your perusal. Please keep in mind that
Chapter 76, HRS, does not have some of the same conditions for the City and
County of Honolulu as it does for Hawaii, Maui and Kaua'i and, thus, CCH's
charter may not be an appropriate source for what Kaua'i can do in this area.
Please let me know if I can be of further help.
JENNJFER S. V\YNN
Deputy County Attorney
APPROVED:
ALFRED B. CAS LO
County Aftome JR.
,y I
3 See County of Hawai't Charter Section 7-1,6 for another method of giving the mayor supervisory
power.
The County of Hawai'i apparently tried to address having a separate civil service system via its
charter language in Section 7-1A See attached.
ARTXCLE XXVXXX
COST CONTROL COMMXSSXON
Section 28 . 05 . Reports. The commission shall prepare and advertise
a written annual report summarizing its recommendations prior to
the end of each calendar year. Thereafter, the commission may
request that any of its recommendations be drafted in ordinance
form for its introduction through the mayor. The mayor shall, with
mayor' s comments thereon and within thirty (30) working days of
receipt, submit to the council for its immediate consideration all
ordinances proposed by the commission. (Amended 1984, 1996)
CRC 2011-10
ARTICLE XXIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 23 . 02 . Boards and Commissions . The council may create such
other boards and commissions, not provided herein, by ordinance.
All boards and commissions, including those which are specifically
provided for herein, shall be organized, appointed and vested with
the power and authority as provided hereunder which are not in
conflict with the provisions of this charter.
H. No member of any board or commission shall be eligible for more
than two consecutive terms on the same board or commission or on
two different boards or commissions of the county. After the
expiration of two consecutive terms, no person shall be eligible
for appointment to any county board or commission until one year
has elapsed after such service. Any partial term of more than two
years shall be considered a term as used herein. (Amended 1976)
CRC 2011-11