LIHUE — The County of Kauai will discuss a resolution that will allow the County Council to establish an investigating committee when it meets Wednesday. The resolution was introduced by Mel Rapozo, council chair, in an effort to give the
LIHUE — The County of Kauai will discuss a resolution that will allow the County Council to establish an investigating committee when it meets Wednesday.
The resolution was introduced by Mel Rapozo, council chair, in an effort to give the council the authority to order investigations of other county-related functions.
“The entire council or any authorized committee has the power to conduct investigations of the operation of any agency or function of the county and any subject upon which the council may legislate,” the resolution says.
According to the resolution, the council can only initiate an investigation by a resolution.
“The investigating committee may employ such professional, technical, clerical or other personnel as necessary for the proper performance of its duties,” the resolution continues.
The committee as a whole recommended on Feb. 15 that the resolution be approved at full council.
The council will also be considering acquiring a 6-foot drainage easement between two beachfront homes along Kukuiula Bay in Koloa.
While the county has the authority of the easement for drainage purposes, the parcel itself is owned by a private landowner.
The proposed acquisition was the request of the Open Space Commission, who said people can no longer access the beach without going onto private property.
A resolution to establish an easement was then introduced to the council.
The resolution, which was deferred in December, states: “This acquisition is necessary for a public use, purpose and interest, to wit: a public pedestrian beach access for public use and recreation.”
If approved, the county would have to go through a condemnation process to acquire the easement. The price tag is estimated at about $1 million, which includes the assessed land value and attorney fees.
The council will also discuss a resolution from the Legislature to recognize Nov. 28 as “La Ku’oko’a” to honor the independence day of the Hawaiian Kingdom. From 1843 to 1895, the Hawaiian Kingdom celebrated its independence on Nov. 28, according to the resolution.
Kauai County Council meetings start at 8:30 a.m. at the Historic County Building.
