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OPTIMIZING BOARDS / COMMISSIONS <br /> RECOMMENDATIONS: <br /> 1. The Cost of Government Commission should be restructured and redeployed for better <br /> results in the future or re-evaluated. Current timing of the deployment of the commission <br /> is not sufficient nor practical. <br /> 2. There needs to be access into a secretarial pool for better clerical assistance. <br /> Commissions responded that their secretarial support from the Prosecuting Attorney's <br /> Office, the Planning Department, and the Mayor's Office were not sufficient. There also <br /> needs to be more stability with Corporation Counsel representatives with the <br /> commissions.Numerous commissions reported a revolving door with attorneys who <br /> worked for their group, and guidance was not always the same from attorney to attorney. <br /> It also took time to bring new attorneys up to speed on matters that they were not familiar <br /> with. It would be more efficient to have the same attorney per commission per full term. <br /> 3. Overwhelmingly, hybrid meetings were strongly preferred. However, some commissions <br /> meet in areas where they or community members have limited internet connectivity, <br /> creating IT issues/challenges. There should be better IT support to standardize access to <br /> the internet and streaming capability from everywhere. <br /> 4. Not all appointed commissioners actively participate in or contribute to commission <br /> business. Some commissions also said they do not have equal representation and/or <br /> participation from members across the island. Although quorums are generally being met, <br /> several members miss meetings due to other commitments, travel, etc.The Mayor's <br /> Boards and Commissions Application and nomination process should put more emphasis <br /> on background and experience for desired positions and more closely examine <br /> willingness and ability to prioritize attendance and constructive participation. <br /> 5. County Code should be changed to adjust for the Transportation Commission. <br /> EVALUATION AND FINDINGS: <br /> A letter (Appendix E) was sent to all County boards and commissions with specific questions. <br /> Responses are shown in Appendix F. <br /> Cost of Government Commission (COGC) <br /> This COGC has struggled to meet its goals and objectives: <br /> • COGC started a month late, leaving only 10 months to complete its mission. <br /> • It took five months to gain a basic understanding of County organization, <br /> procedures and to develop areas to evaluate. Letters requesting feedback from <br /> depar tiuents boards and commissions were not sent out until <br /> P � July. <br /> • While several responses were timely, most were delayed or not received. <br /> • New Sunshine Law and administrative rules created unnecessary bureaucracy and <br /> delays. Contrary to most other commissions, the Mayor's office directly managed <br /> and oversaw the COGC process. Too many County staff were involved <br /> 23 <br /> 2022 Cost of Government Commission—County of Hawai'i -Final Report <br />