August 22, 2010 – Kona, Hawaii
Video by David Corrigan
A resolution seeking to find a legal bypass of the Sunshine Law was withdrawn by Kelly Greenwell, the North Kona councilman who introduced the idea at a Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 17.
Frustrated by what he sees as the constraints of the open meetings law, Greenwell wanted the committee’s approval to hire a private attorney to assess the possible overturning of the law. The law was enacted by the state legislature years ago, but the same state legislature exempted themselves from having to follow it.
Last year, the council triggered a Sunshine Law violation when it conducted a last minute re-organization, and faced legal action (later settled) by the West Hawaii Today newspaper because of it.
Greenwell’s resolution was criticized by the Big Island Press Club, and the 8th district representative gathered little to no support from fellow councilmembers. Most councilmembers recommended a resolution encouraging the state to adhere to the Sunshine Law, instead.
Greenwell withdrew his proposal.
Extended video Aug. 17 Finance Comittee regarding RES. 364-10
| GREENWELL EXPLAINS HIS RESOLUTION
Get
the Flash Player to see this player. North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell talks about what he sees as the constrictive shortfalls of the Sunshine Law, and explains his reasoning for bringing forth the resolution. |
| FINANCE COMMITTEE REJECTS RESOLUTION
Get
the Flash Player to see this player. Greenwell found no support from the Finance Committee for his proposal to investigate the overturning of the Sunshine Law. Starting with 3rd district councilman J Yoshimoto, who asked a few questions of Big Island Press Club treasurer Rod Thompson, the governing body suggested they would opposed the resolution. |
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