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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> DATE: September 3, 2019 Re: Comm. No. 414/Res.No. 260-19 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo,Hawaii <br /> TIME: 2:50 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 260-19, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 260-19,transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako,via Communication No. 414 <br /> dated August 14, 2019, abolishes an electronics technician position and creates a traffic technician <br /> position within the Department of Public Works' Traffic Division. <br /> This resolution requests a personnel adjustment in order to provide technical expertise for the increasing <br /> number of signalized intersections with evolving equipment as well as consistent maintenance, traffic <br /> studies, and investigations. <br /> Director of Public Works (DPW)David Yamamoto explained DPW is abolishing a position because it is <br /> no longer fulfilling the duties needed by the traffic division. DPW now requires a position that will <br /> fulfill the needs of the traffic division and the updated equipment. Mr.Yamamoto stated the electrician <br /> position belongs to the UPW and would not give concurrence to abolish the position or transfer the <br /> position to another union. Mr. Yamamoto said the position will be created within HGEA and is <br /> necessary because traffic signals are aging and are being replaced with new updated equipment requiring <br /> creation of a new position in order to fulfill the duties required to maintain the new system. <br /> Council Member Herbert"Tim"Richards, III asked if a new person will be hired for this position. <br /> Mr. Yamamoto stated the position will be advertised and the selection process will be made so that the <br /> appropriate higher skill level for such a position can be achieved. Mr. Richards asked what the <br /> difference in pay would be and Mr. Yamamoto stated he did not have those figures but will provide it to <br /> the council by communication pursuant to Mr. Richards's request. <br /> Mr. Richards asked if having this one position will take care of all of the County signals or is it a <br /> position to oversee people. Mr. Yamamoto stated that the position will oversee some of the current staff <br /> as well as expertise of the position itself. <br /> Council Member Rebecca Villegas recalled a previous conversation of improving the traffic flow on the <br /> west side by utilizing new technologies and asked if this person will be trained in this type of <br /> technology. Mr. Yamamoto confirmed that the person in this position will be able to perform the <br /> synchronization and have the expertise to make the adjustments as equipment is upgraded. <br /> FC Report No.49 <br />