(Editor's Note: The following statement was released by Hawaii County Councilman (Dist 6 Puna, Kau, S Kona) Guy Enriques Sept 2.  We are attempting to clarify the bill number Enriques refers to when he writes: "The proposed restructuring of the County Council does not exclude anyone of power or leadership."  Will update.  RELATED: WHT suit alleges multiple council violations.)

Aloha,

Improving the working relationship between members of the County Council and improving the Council’s working relationship with the Mayor and his administration were important planks in my campaign for this office. I am living up to that commitment.

All the knowledge, years of experience and great ideas that may come from any council member may be ineffective without the kind of great working relationships we have built upon these past 8 months. The “I must work with you” relationship will bear limited fruit; the job may get done, but not as well as when a relationship is based on “How can I help?” “How can I help?” is the path to compromise and “win-win” conclusions.

A common misconception is that working together means we must all vote the same way and also that working together means we must all agree. The reality is there will always be differences of opinions, values and desires. Only hard work at building positive relationships will bring greater success in getting any job done well.

The proposed restructuring of the County Council does not exclude anyone of power or leadership. Each council member continues to head a committee and each member continues to possess only one vote. These changes still allow every council member all the rights to perform their duties in the same capacity. If there is any power to be controlled it rests solely in the seat of the Chair of the Council, but far more powerful and important is simply the vote of the Majority.

I’d like to remind people who see this as an East vs. West conflict that I represent the South side District 6, which is equally on the east and west. To those who cry this reorganization is intended as retaliation against council members who vote differently, I want them to know I despise such behavior. My actions will never be based on retaliatory behavior.

This proposed reorganization is intended to give the affected council members the opportunity to build new intergovernmental relationships by heading up different committees. My goal of improved, positive working relationships between the Council and the Mayor’s administration is crucial for us if we are to survive and thrive during these especially difficult economic times.

For the Council to be effective we must put aside what we want as individuals and make an effort to work together. I assure you I am keeping focused on what is important and that is how to best serve you, the people of the County of Hawai‘i.

-Guy Enriques

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Enriques statement on Hamakua land sale

Aloha,

After reviewing Bill 132 with the County Finance Department I am convinced that this newly proposed policy of having the Council become a watchdog over public land sales and purchases goes well beyond our role as legislators.  This bill requires the Council to become more deeply involved in areas already specifically managed by the Executive branch, the Department of Finance in particular.  The Council already has a say in whether or not sales should happen and that is good, however, to begin micro-managing the sales process goes too far. 

What I have learned during my short time as a Council member is we spend far too much time and money doing jobs that can be done more efficiently by the private sector.  The county is bound by rules and regulations of procurement and transparency that have become nearly ineffective and often financially unsound.  We must have some measure of trust and confidence among our co-workers, that most perform their jobs well and appropriately.  To encumber ourselves with these proposed additional rules and regulations will only serve to perpetuate a lack of trust within county government and continue to add unnecessary expense and procedure to the existing regulations.

Guy Enriques

Councilmember District 6

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Enriques Talk Story meetings

Aloha from the office Guy Enriques,
Our next round of talk story meetings is underway!  Come visit, if can:

• Miloli'i, meeting at the County Beach Park Pavilion Friday September 4th from 3:00-4:30 pm
  
• Pahala, meeting at the Community Center Tuesday September 8th from 6:30-8:00 pm
  
• Naalehu, meeting at the Community Center Wednesday September 9th from 6:30-8:00 pm
  

If you'd like to email us, please write to: genriques@co.hawaii.hi.us

As always, if you would like to be removed, have a change or know others who might like to be added to these email announcements, please contact our office at 961-8263

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