The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1904-08-10

The County Act commission, having
devoted several meetings to listening
to views on county matters from
prominent citizens of all political
faiths, got down to earnest work last
night in pruning the County Act pass
ed by the legislature of 1908
A native was the only spectator pres
ent. and at the conclusion of the COM
missions pruning of the act he was
asked for his views on the subject.
After having read the statements
made here by prominent citizens" said
he, Il am very strongly in favor of
an elective Board of Supervisors. If
the supervisors were appointed it would
destroy the intent of county govern
ment.
Il confess that really don't know
anything of county government, for it
is something new to US here, but from
arguments I have heard advanced I
think it is due to us Hawaiians or as
others would like to say-.Americans'-
to give US the right of enjoying the
privileges OF Americans.
with regard to the appointive pow
er, that would give the Governor too
much power. I believe that is one of
the features not wanted-centraliza
ton of power. I think the idea of
county government is to decentralize
power. We have had enough of cen-
tralization of power.
'I go on the provision of the Organic
Act that the Boards to be appointed by
the Governor mean those Boards al
ready in existence. 1 think it means
road boards. etc. think the Board
of Supervisors must be elected to per-
fectly conform to the intent of the
Organic Act.
Il think the counties should have the
control of the schools and health mat
ters.
Would you take health matters out
OF the control of a centralized board?"
was asked of the speaker
well, I'm not sure of what is done
in the States
1.-THE conditions here are far differ
ent from those in the States said /,
Chairman Cooper. I'VE have to Crap |
pie with health matters coming from
foreign countries
well, then, believe that each |
county should look after it's own health !,
matters subject to a Territorial board. |
Il do not believe in appealing to
Congress but believe we should work !
out our own salvation here, because by
to Congress for every little
thing makes this Territory like lit
tie child always crying out for milk
and candy to Congress when it can be
had here.
Have you any fear as to an eff
eient, economic administration under
county Iaw?" was asked.
Nothing to fear about that" was
the reply.
DIVIDING THE DISTRICTS.
The Commission took up the further
of the County Act pass
ID by the Legislature of 1903. begin
ming with Chapter . concerning the
division of the counties into districts.
Mr.. Watson thought Oahu should be
divided into districts as known in the
aw. so that the description of the
boundaries should appear. The same
vas thought advisable for districts on
he other islands.
Mr.. Watson proposed that the dis
riots therein referred to shall be as
low defined and existing by law. This
vas carried unanimously.
Chapter 3. referring to the general
,owers of counties, specifying that T
Boards Of Supervisors should exercise :
he powers conferred.
Section 4, in which it was stated that
each of the several counties shall be
body cooperate and polite and have /
he powers specified in this act and I
uch other powers as are necessarily I