FoPF - Letter to Mayor Kenoi

[Rob Tucker]

FoPF - Media release; Letter to the Mayor

From: Friends of Puna’s Future, P.O. Box 1959, Pahoa, HI 96778 808-965-1555 www.fopf.org

Media Advisory: July 7, 2009

Contact: Rob Tucker 965-1555

Mayor Kenoi receives Letter of Demand from Puna

Friends of Puna’s Future (FoPF) has delivered a formal letter of demand (see attached) to the County of Hawaii administration to achieve equality in the delivery of public services to Puna.

Public records show a long term pattern of discrimination in delivery of public services in Puna and other areas of Hawaii County. FoPF looks forward to working with the County to resolve these inequities and avoid the need for filing of Federal complaints.

Copy


Friends of Puna’s Future
P.O. Box 1959, Pahoa, HI 96778 808-965-1555 www.fopf.org

Mayor Billy Kenoi July 6, 2009
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Subject: Demand for Equitable Distribution of Public Services

Aloha Mayor Kenoi,

The District of Puna has developed a population level and tax base equal to or approaching that of Hilo However, the delivery and level of county services by all departments has not occurred on an equitable basis. Puna lacks public service and infrastructure by several magnitudes compared to the Hilo and other Districts.

We respectfully demand that you, as Chief Executive of the County of Hawaii, provide public services by all county departments throughout the county on a per capita basis. We make this demand under the equal treatment under the law doctrine provided by the U.S. Constitution. This is a civil rights issue.

It is within your ability to immediately locate county personnel, especially police protection, to the Puna District to provide service on a per capita basis. We respectfully demand that you do so forthwith.

We respectfully demand that you institute planning within the 2010 budget and beyond for delivery of the necessary infrastructure to meet present and projected growth needs for at least fire, water, police, roads, ADA access and recreation.

We know you are aware of the general lack of infrastructure and public services in Puna. You spoke of it during your election campaign. It is time and we believe you are legally required to deliver pubic services on an equitable basis.

We ask for an appointment to meet with you on these topics and request that your administration provide a written response to these demands on or before August 21, 2009.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Rob Tucker, President

[JerryCarr]

Well said, Rob, and I hope you get your meeting. In the meantime, it might be worthwhile to talk to a good civil rights attorney. I am afraid the threat or reality of a massive lawsuit may be what it takes to get the County's attention.

Cheers,
Jerry

[Rob Tucker]

Aloha Jerry,

Based on prior history a lawsuit may not be necessary. A Federal Complaint, if well received by the federal government, could put at risk federal fundings that the CoH depends upon.

It was such a complaint filed several years ago that resulted in things like the CDP process and the Highway 130 advisory Group. Those efforts are the result of settlements imposed by the U.S. Government who basically told the state and county to start doing things right or lose your federal dollars.

Very interesting reading and background information is available at: www.bonniegoodell.com

Bonnie sees sustainability as a social justice issue. FoPF agrees.