COM 0717.002 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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"+y~ Lincoln S.T. Ashida ~ • Corporation Counsel Harry Kim Mayor Gerald Takase j.r Assistant Corporation yh•':'w;.?. Counsel COUNTY OF HAWAII OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325 Hlb, Hawaii 98720-4282 • (808) 961-8251 Fax (808)981-8822 February 27, 2006 Emailed on 2-27-06: no hard copv will follow Honorable Dixie Kaetsu Managing Director, County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni St. Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Ms. Kaetsu: RE: Corporation Counsel report on recommendations by 2002 Cost of Government Commission Pursuant to your request, the following report is submitted in response to recommendations made by the 2002 Cost of Government Commission (recommendations of the Commission are reproduced below in bold print): 1. The Office should continue to refine its risk management program in order to further reduce the risks of litigation, and continue its efforts to add staff and resources In order to more effectively provide preventive legal services to County agencies. Rationale: The cliche, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," is especially apt with respect to the provision of legal services. Awareness of the legal issues associated with various activities and situations can significantly reduce the County's risk exposure. By assigning an attorney to serve as the "primary" counsel for each County agency, the Office fosters greater reliance on legal advice before actions are taken, thereby minimizing exposure to risk and maximizing monetary savings. The recommendation has been implemented. The Corporation Counsel spearheaded and coordinated an effort by all County departments to review the County's existing risk management program. As a result of this effort, the County created a Risk Management Division in the Department of Finance. We are happy to report this position was recently filled, Nawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider