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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND <br /> INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS <br /> DATE: March 11, 2008 Re: Comm. No. 1067Bi11262 <br /> PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa <br /> 78-128 Ehukai Street <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br /> TIME: 9:30 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred <br /> Communication No. 1067, regarding Bill 262, reports as Follows: <br /> Bi11262, transmitted by Council member Brenda J. Ford via Communication 1067 proposing an <br /> Ordinance to Initiate an Amendment to Article III, Legislative Branch, County Council, of the <br /> Hawaii County Charter (2000), To Reorganize the Office of the County Clerk and County <br /> Council by Establishing an Independent Audit Function within the Legislative Branch Through <br /> the Office of the Legislative Auditor. <br /> Committee Chair Brenda J. Ford relinquished her seat to Vice-Chair Dominic Yagong. <br /> Council member Ford stated the purpose of this ordinance is to reorganize the office of the <br /> County Clerk and County Council by establishing an independent audit function within the <br /> legislative branch through the office of the legislative auditor. Since there is a growing demand <br /> for accountability in government by taxpayers, voters and the public as a whole, this is especially <br /> critical if an audit of the County Council is needed. Establishing a level of independence for the <br /> legislative auditor allows the auditing function to move forward impartially and fairly. She seeks <br /> the support of her colleagues on this proposed bill. <br /> There was no public testimony presented on this proposed bill. <br /> <br /> Legislator Auditor Colleen Shrandt explained the use of the "Government Auditing Standards" <br /> <br /> which is currently being used by her office since becoming the auditor. Council member Ford <br /> <br /> refers to Communication 1067, referencing the selected pages from the "Government Auditing <br /> Standards (July 2007 Revision)" manual which covers some of the issues proposed in this <br /> <br /> legislation. <br /> <br /> Discussion and comments among your committee members such as: 1) Who does the <br /> independent legislative auditor report to as they remain under the County Clerks Office? 2) As <br /> defined in the Government Auditing Standard manual, what does the professional peer review <br /> group do? 3) How will this benefit the Council? Ms. Shrandt explained the peer review group <br /> <br /> would conducts an inspection every three to four years using the Government Auditing Standard. <br /> PW1RC RPT NO. 63 <br /> <br />