Although long overdue, we applaud the county for finally implementing its plan to stream government meetings live online. The move will drastically improve the community’s ability to access public information — not exactly our local elected leaders’ forte. We were
Although long overdue, we applaud the county for finally implementing its plan to stream government meetings live online.
The move will drastically improve the community’s ability to access public information — not exactly our local elected leaders’ forte.
We were encouraged to learn in Tuesday’s announcement that the initiative will also enable residents to search archived meetings by agenda item or keyword. We trust the technical difficulties some residents experienced Wednesday will be fully resolved by the next meeting.
As we have editorialized in the past, an informed citizenry benefits everyone. Keeping constituents in the dark serves no one well at the end of the day.
Under the new Kaua‘i County Council chair’s leadership, we hope to see quick action on a related government transparency goal to phase in expanded document availability on the county website.
We are not sure exactly why the council thinks developing this critical — and similarly overdue — expansion needs to wait until after receiving the administration’s recommendation at its upcoming furlough review but we will continue to hold those accountable for its implementation.
Time is not a luxury most island families have in a world that requires working two to three jobs just to make ends meet. Putting some of the key government meetings online — including the council, Planning and Police commissions — lets community members become better informed when it’s most convenient in their busy schedules.
We hope the county doesn’t drop the ball when some of the most important sessions are being held, particularly the budget process. These crucial council meetings — traditionally blacked out — are when our elected representatives decide how to appropriate millions of taxpayer dollars. Last year’s capital improvements budget was $100.6 million and the operating budget was $147.03 million. Ensuring these discussions reach the eyes and ears of all who are interested via the world wide web is simply a must.
We encourage concerned community members to log in to the county website at www.kauai.gov/webcastmeetings to check out this new endeavor. Rest assured, The Garden Island will continue to diligently report county proceedings to ensure the community is well informed.
In the meantime, we remain cautiously optimistic about the future direction of the county in regards to government transparency.
