2019-COH - Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

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For the Future Public Safety — A high priority for the department to seek funding to implement a body worn camera system to assist our officers in the field was achieved as the budget for FY 24 approved in June 2019 authorized funding for the purchase of the cameras as well as for hiring personnel to oversee the project. Additionally, and again working with the Fire Department and Department of Public Works, we continue to press forward for a combined Fire and Police Dispatch Center and hope it can be realized as a Capital Improvement Project during the upcoming Fiscal Year. The department continues to seek funding to perform necessary repairs and maintenance to the Public Safety Complex, which is the main police facility for the department, as well as a co -located site (partnering with the Fire Department) to serve as the main Puna District Station in the Kea'au area, in lieu of the current Pahoa substation, which is overcrowded and not centrally located. The Fire Department continues to build towards being the leader of all hazard mitigation response and prevention. Utilizing innovative approaches, the department shall 1) institute a succession plan for critical chief officer positions; 2) implement a grant writing and oversight team to effectively continue its success in receiving grant awards; 3) continue the expansion of its Community Paramedicine Program, 4) continue the expansion of its Ocean Safety Rescue Water Craft program, and 5) increase the emergency communication and interface between public safety organizations with the relocation of its emergency dispatch center to a public safety co -located dispatch center site. Public Works - DPW is currently working on the following County and Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) projects: The Kalaniana`ole Avenue Reconstruction project (Kanoelehua Avenue to Kuhio Street) is valued at $18.4 million. The project is in collaboration with the State Department of Transportation (DDT) and includes multi -use accessibility and the enhancement of roadway capacity, operations and safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. The work involves the widening of Kalaniana`ole Avenue to add for a concrete curb, gutter and sidewalk, a paved shoulder, bicycle lanes, utility relocation and the installation of a new waterline. • The Mamalahoa Highway Widening project is valued at $19.6 million and started in fiscal year 2017. The project will construct turning lanes at side intersections. The work will include grading, paving, retaining walls and installing pavement markings and signs. Completion of the project is currently slated for the end of fiscal year 2020. Culture and Recreation - The Department will continue to provide a wide array of services and programs for ages ranging from youth to elderly, while continuing to implement essential repairs and improvements to facilities, with the ADA transition plan and FEMA projects taking precedence. Parks and Recreation also anticipates the opening of the Kuawa Street new fields which consists of hath a multipurpose and baseball field. -4-