In Reference to an open letter to the people of Kaua’i from the Kaua’i Humane Society Board of Directors (Garden Island, June 23): It was refreshing to have an open letter from the board to help clarify the current controversy.
In Reference to an open letter to the people of Kaua’i from the Kaua’i Humane Society Board of Directors (Garden Island, June 23): It was refreshing to have an open letter from the board to help clarify the current controversy. Your consideration for Mrs. Hoe’s privacy is laudable, but with public funds in question, the decision appears appropriate. I agree that personnel actions taken by the board are not public fodder, but outside influences gave some justification to explain this publicly.
As you are well aware of at this time, board decisions (public or non- public) on Kaua’i and most other places will bring some criticism, a fact of board life. Your letter leaves the impression that Mrs. Hoe is totally responsible for all facets of the controversy. If this is true, your letter has some areas that need a response.
It seems to me that the board has the ultimate responsibility for the performance of the executive director. With this, some questions come to mind.
* Did the board maintain an ongoing fiscal oversight?
* Why didn’t the board have their own set of financial records to refer to?
* Did the board frequently survey veterinarians and other Humane Societies within and without the state?
Lastly, it would seem that the council should have some responsibility to verify the funds they issue are being accounted for in a proper manner.
In closing, the current board is impressive in its membership and certainly better-armed to administer and manage their charge.
Robert L. Miller, Kalaheo
