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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> DATE: May 31, 2011 Re: Comm. No. 215/Bill 54 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawaii <br /> TIME: 1:33 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill 54, reports as follows: <br /> Bill 54, transmitted by Finance Director Nancy Crawford via Communication 215 dated May 16, 2011, a <br /> bill for an ordinance amending two sections of Chapter 12, Article 3 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 <br /> (2005 Edition, as amended), Relating to Improvements by Assessments. <br /> The purpose of this bill is to improve efficiency and reduce costs by allowing additional options in tax <br /> assessment frequency contained in Section 12 -34 and by amending the default criteria contained in <br /> Section 12 -40, which would allow for consolidation of delinquencies for foreclosure proceedings when it <br /> is in the best interest of the County. An additional housekeeping amendment in Section 12 -40 is included <br /> to delete the reference to an obsolete section number. <br /> Director of Finance Nancy Crawford, Department of Finance Treasury Division Treasurer Mike Okumoto <br /> appeared before Your Committee. Ms. Crawford reiterated the purpose of this amendment is stated in the <br /> cover letter that 1) increasing efficiency and assist members in the improvement district(s) keeping cost at <br /> the lowest possible by allowing additional options, and 2) foreclosure period is extended to one year. <br /> Furthermore, Ms. Crawford added that although administration makes recommendations, however it is by <br /> council action that determines the annual installment amounts. <br /> Some members of Your Committee support administration offering options to prevent and assist <br /> homeowners during this economic hardship. Corporation Craig Masuda appeared before Your <br /> Committee and referred to Chapter 12 of the County code's definition section, regarding the term <br /> "assessment unit ", per Ms. Ford's inquiry. <br /> Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill 54, and recommends it pass <br /> first reading. <br /> dkr <br /> AYES NOES A &E EX Respectfully submitted, <br /> BLAS X <br /> FORD X COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> HOFFMANN X <br /> IKEDA X <br /> ONISHI X <br /> PILAGO X <br /> SMART x BRENDA FO , CHAIR <br /> YAGONG X FC REPORT NO. 68 <br /> 1 5 2 O 11 <br /> YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: JUN <br />