District 5 (Puna) communications - 19th century?

[Rob Tucker]

I had a call the other day from R.J. Hampton, Councilwoman Emily Naeole's legislative assistant. She had a polite request that I change a statement I had made on another topic - Steam Vents I think it was - where I had described a meeting in Pahoa held by Councilwoman Emily Naeole as an invitation only event.

I told her that that was my impression because I had happened to be at another Keaau meeting at which I was told she was handing out invites to the Pahoa meeting. I acquired one from her there and attended the Pahoa meeting.

Now R.J. pointed out that the District 5 office had also put up handbills about town and a notice in the Puna News. So it would appear that my description of that meeting as invitation only was incorrect.

But a larger issue remains... On several occasions I had requested that I, and FoPF which I am president of, be added to their email list for notification of district events, meetings or press releases. I was told and still am told that they do not do email notices.

Which surprises and confounds me.

So my opinion is that our District 5 council office is depending on 19th century communications methods - handbills, print and hand delivered invites to "get the word out".

I am sorry but with all due respect this is not sufficient.

I do understand and appreciate that not everyone has internet access. I do not dismiss 19th century methods, they work to a point. However the ease and reach of the internet - which very, very many residents of Puna do use daily, should not be ignored or left unused.

All who read this know how efficient and how effective emailing, especially in bulk, can be. Not taking advantage of this communication tool places us all, as citizens, at a disadvantage. Plus print and press costs cash money.

So I ask for public discussion on this matter and call for the District 5 office to join the masses here in the 21st century and add bulk emailing to their communication tool box.

Rob Tucker
www.fopf.org

[JerryCarr]

When Tiffany Edwards Hunt was the legislative assistant, I received frequent and effective emails announcing all manner of meetings and events. Why is it different now? Were the "wrong" people showing up for the meetings?

[Barbara]

Ditto Jerry. When Tiff was legislative aide, we received all kinds of information. She really educated us. Maybe RJ will step up to the plate.

[Bob Orts]

There are legal requirments as to the minimum type, location and number of meeting notices that must be posted and where. But my belief is that if an elected official is only doing the minimum as far as the notices, are they only doing the minimum as far as citizen representation?

(Council Member Naeole, please take note!)

[mikewj]

Here is the web address for a listing of Council members, phones and e-mail. Ms. Naeole has a listed e-mail address, so direct contact should be possible if you want to request being added to her meeting notification list.

http://www.co.hawaii.hi.us/council/contact_council.htm

[Rob Tucker]

I have done that. She has no email notification list.

[mikewj]

Perhaps if enough people e-mail Ms. Naeole and request that she create an e-mail notification list, she would respond to what the constituents want. Isn't that what representative government is supposed to be about? "...of the people, by the people and for the people" Maybe a gentle reminder that she works for the constituency and serves at our pleasure may not come amiss! It behooves Government officials to be at least as technologically savvy as the least of their constituents, particularly when e-mail is essentially free, instantaneous and completely trackable. If you have been following British politics, you can see the extent of hubris which arises when no-one is minding the store... The UK government is in a state of crisis because many Members of Parliament have been abusing their expense accounts while no-one apparently was watching. Let us be perfectly clear that "We the People" are the Government, and if we don't make our needs known then we deserve whatever treatment we get.

My e-mail to Ms. Naeole has been sent, and I'll keep this board apprised as to the response (or not) that I receive.

[Barbara]

From your lips to the ear of G-d.

[mikewj]

Following my post of June 8, I have as of today received NO REPLY from Ms. Naeole or her staff. I sent the message again today, so the waiting continues. Based on current performance, Ms N is not likely to receive my vote the next time she runs on the pretence of being 'my local representative'. One can but hope that her staff 'lurk' on this board, and may be shamed into a reply. Although from the current council shenanigans, shame is just a word in the dictionary to the majority of the members.