A. Objectives. The primary objectives of the State Banking Commissioner and the Banking Board shall be to maintain a sound banking system, to encourage a competitive banking environment and to provide convenience to the public.

B. Comments or objections. Within twenty-one (21) days after the first notice by publication as described in Section 306.2 of this title, any interested person may submit to the Commissioner written comments or objections to organization of the proposed bank, or a request for an opportunity to be heard by the Commissioner at a hearing held prior to consideration by the Board of the application for authority to organize. Any request for opportunity to be heard shall set forth reasons justifying the time and expense entailed by such hearing before the Commissioner. In the sole discretion of the Commissioner, the Commissioner may decide to permit such a hearing or may refuse the request for hearing. If the Commissioner refuses the request for hearing, the interested person may be heard at the hearing held by the Board to consider the application. In the absence of a request, the Commissioner may order a hearing to be held before the Commissioner if the Commissioner determines that it is in the public interest.