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references. Ad Hoc Committee members had the opportunity to review and score applicants' responses to the audit -related case study questions prior to the interviews. The first round of interviews took place over Zoom on September 19, 2025. Each applicant met with the Ad Hoc Committee for up to one hour, during which members asked questions designed to assess education and training, work experience, knowledge and skills, as well as interest and attitude. Ad Hoc Committee members also scored applicants based on their responses during the interview. Following deliberation, which incorporated both the case study and interview scores, the Ad Hoc Committee selected two applicants to advance to the second round. The second round of interviews for the two advancing applicants was conducted in person on October 6, 2025, at the Hawai'i County Council Chambers in Hilo. Each candidate was given one hour with the Ad Hoc Committee, consisting of a 30-minute presentation followed by a 30- minute question -and -answer session. The Ad Hoc Committee asked candidates to base their presentations on a prior audit they had conducted, addressing the audit's context, process, findings, recommendations, and impact. This format provided the Ad Hoc Committee with an opportunity to clarify information from the applications and first -round interviews, while also gaining deeper insight into each candidate's auditing style, decision -making process, and ability to communicate complex findings effectively. On October 8, 2025, one applicant was invited back for a brief in -person follow-up interview, allowing the Ad Hoc Committee to ask additional questions and gain further insight into the candidate's qualifications and approach to auditing. Based on the two rounds of interviews and this follow-up discussion, the Ad Hoc Committee unanimously recommends that the County Council appoint Ms. Clare McAdam as County Auditor for the County of Hawaii. Throughout this process, Ms. McAdam has demonstrated a strong financial background and deep expertise in internal auditing and risk management, offering concrete ideas for partnering with Hawaii County departments and agencies to strengthen its ability to serve the community. She conveyed professionalism, precision, and team -oriented leadership, with exquisite attention to detail and a commitment to identifying service gaps and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse for the benefit of our island and its people. I want to thank my fellow Council Members, James Hustace and Ashley Kierkiewicz, for their service on the Ad Hoc Committee, as well as our staff for their ongoing support in this endeavor. Special thanks to the Office of the County Clerk for facilitating this work and providing clerical, technical, and other necessary assistance. It has been my honor and privilege to lead this effort and Chair the County Auditor Ad Hoc Committee. Thank you. HGI