Hawaii trip creates hullabaloo for county commissioners.(A SECTION)

Byline: CORY SCHOUTEN cory.schouten@heraldtribune.com

For years, local commissioners have traveled out of state for National Association of Counties conferences -- one of which is always held in Washington, D.C. Others have been in Phoenix and Milwaukee in recent years.

This year, it's in Hawaii, and that has given some commissioners pause and others headaches.

Some decided to stay away because of high airfares and because having it in Hawaii seemed extravagant. Others, who plan to attend, have decided to pick up more of the tab after fielding angry calls from taxpayers.

Manatee County Commissioner Donna Hayes said she now intends to pay …