More than Seat Warmers Needed

WATCHDOG © 2011

Members, please block out 9A to Noon on your calendar and plan to attend and participate at the next Regular Board Meeting, Saturday, April 9. The Agenda has been set and released and it is full and active. Topics of interest abound for all members keenly interested in all things relative to your investment/s. Seat warmers will inevitably attend and they are important as observers and fellow historians, but active [participating] Membership will reap the kind of future they see for their community.

You should be able to review or retrieve the April Agenda at the new 'ocean view' website: hawaiianshores.org. 

The Board has allowed for comments about Agenda Items by Members. It would be prudent to expect a time allowance for this section and for each speaker. The Board Meeting  is a business meeting for the business of the Association and it is a generous provision to allow time for members to address Agenda Items. It would show respect for this offer to listen to Members for Members to come prepared. *[see note]

Agenda Items that may be of interest:

• Resolution on accounting issues with former HSCA attorney [Aug 2007-Jan 2008]
• Videotaping
• May Meeting Format
• Committee Reports

A number of questions have been generated regarding the clearing down at the ocean front parcels. Members who have been down to observe the excavation have seen more than they expected; these members have shared their concerns with their neighbors and friends. This discussion item would be best brought up during the 'Agenda Item Discussion by Members' section referencing the 'Ocean Park' Committee; ostensibly the committee who has oversight for monitoring the excavation and replanting projects.

See you there!

* NOTE: While the Board is offering to allow Members to address items on the Agenda during a specific portion of the meeting, please bear in mind, HRS 421J-5 allows Members to participate in any deliberation or discussion...Please be aware: The Board may consider this 'opportunity to comment' on Agenda Items as your 'only' opportunity to participate in deliberation and discussion. During any motion to curtail concurrent discussion Members should have an opportunity to speak in defense of their right to active participation. 

Government Agencies allow for 'public testimony' on Agenda Items before the agency gets down to business. However, the public has full access to the supporting documentation for any Agenda Item they may wish to address giving them time to formulate an opinion and make a statement of conviction/opinion based on data. It is not the case in this instance. The Planned Community Association is governed -- in part -- by all that is contained in Hawaii Revised Statutes 421J. There is of course proviso for the Directors to disallow participation. It was a practice by some HSCA Boards until January 2007. The Board must balance its need to accomplish its business in a timely fashion and its need to entertain the concerns of Members. It is not an easy task and when you have an active agenda, which in and of itself will take time to manage, having input from Members during each discussion extends the time spent on matters. The Board should be applauded for trying to strike a balance but cautioned to not deny 'informed' discussion which can only happen with knowledge of the various agenda items.