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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> DATE: September 1, 2015 Re: Comm. No. 422/Bill No. 78 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 11:20 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 78, reports as follows: <br /> Bill No. 78, transmitted by Council Member Greggor Ilagan, via Communication No. 422, dated <br /> July 28, 2015, amends Chapter 2, Article 16, Section 2-98 of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2005 <br /> Edition, as amended), relating to travel and other expenses. <br /> On August 18, 2015, Council Member Greggor Ilagan introduced this bill with the desire to clarify <br /> exceptions. <br /> Council Member Margaret Wille commented that accountability and transparency is not being <br /> addressed and suggested postponement, then expressed her wish to bring an amendment with more <br /> accountability and transparency forward. <br /> Legislative Auditor Bonnie Nims came forward and stated that Mr. Ilagan's language has some <br /> benefit and commented that there could be some additional language of when an exception can take <br /> place and what constitutes a "clear public benefit". Ms. Nims also explained that most reasonable <br /> people understand what a clear public benefit means and they defer to management. <br /> Council Member Maile David inquired regarding the "public purpose" part of this bill and whether <br /> it should be further defined to describe or define public purposes. Ms. David further commented <br /> that public purpose is understood, and that there are checks and balances for the chair to make <br /> determinations. Ms. David then stated that if the Ms. Nims feels the bill should be vetted further <br /> based on the audit, that she will support the postponement. <br /> This measure was then postponed to the September 1, 2015, Finance Committee meeting. <br /> On September 1, 2015, Council Member Margaret Wille moved to amend this bill with the <br /> contents of Communication 422.2, and explained that this new language provides more <br /> transparency. <br /> Finance Director Deanna Sako came forward and stated that she had no objection to the amendment <br /> contained in this communication. <br /> FC Report No. 34 <br />