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August 20, 1997 ~ <br /> Julie Jacobson aO~- -------------~'--`^~~-Z-- <br /> County Council <br /> P.O. Box 900 <br /> Kurtistown, HI 96760 <br /> Phone 808-966-8831, E-mail jacobs(c~~geaorg <br /> Hawaii County Council Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> 25 Aupuni St. <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Dear Council Members, <br /> I reviewed Resolution 131-97 which establishes a policy for the Council's Independent <br /> Audit, the Mandatory Program Review, and an Expanded Research and Special Studies <br /> Program. I feel that this legislation is seriously flawed and passing it would be worse <br /> than doing nothing. Resolution 131-97 `s fundamental flaw is the abdication of County <br /> Council's powers and responsibilities to the Mayor in the audit and review process. <br /> This problem is exemplified by: <br /> 1) Funding of audits is dependent on mayoral approval. <br /> 2.) The Legislative Auditor, an appointed position, controls the whole procedure. <br /> 3. ~ Approval of an audit is decided by the Mayor. <br /> 4.) The Mayor has the power to add or remove information from an audit or review. <br /> 5.) The Mayor controls what is included in the final audit and review documents, and <br /> even whether such documents are released within the County Government. <br /> 6.) Sunshine Law requirements are circumvented, denying public senrtiny of these <br /> processes. <br /> 7.) There is no provision for the public to petition for audits and program reviews. <br /> 8.) There are numerous technical flaws within this draft that require correction. One <br /> such example is the failure to execute performance reviews within four years as provided <br /> for in the Hawaii County Charter. <br /> In summary, Resolution 131-97 is adversarial to the principle of checks and balances <br /> between the Legislative and the administrative branches of County government. This <br /> resolution doesn't provide for real critical evaluation of existing programs. It is against <br /> the best interest of the public. Thank you for your attention to my comments. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> <br /> ~~-c.c_ ~ ~ ~ <br /> v <br /> '~j~07. O'7- <br /> Julie Jacobson lyo~_~_. <br /> x« A v 17 <br /> Presented C.e~.v~-~` <br /> Rec. 301 <br /> lewf. T)ete~ <br /> 7 <br /> <br />