2022 Report of the Cost of Government Commission

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and divisions to which they are assigned, notably Highway Division. This physical separation makes it inconvenient to "carpool" for more efficient use and less idleness. There is no central maintenance facility or staffing. DPW -Automotive Division repairs and maintains most vehicles, but the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Mass Transit Agency (MTA), Water Supply (DWS) and the Fire Department (HFD) have separate places, mechanics, equipment, tools and spare parts. Most servicing and staffing are in Hilo, with outlying capabilities in Waimea, Kona, and Kau. Again, physical separation and differences in vehicles and equipment are barriers to consolidation. Police Department (HPD) vehicles are serviced by commercial vendors. Each DPW division and other departments prepare and submit separate procurement requests for their own needs. Items are generally put out for bids and purchased as requisitions come in throughout the year with minimal bulk procurement of common vehicles, equipment, etc. The West Hawaii Police Department has nine vehicles with the newest being a 2018 Ford Explorer which already has over 100,000 miles. The remaining vehicles were 2008 or older that had high annual maintenance costs. During discussion with police officers, they felt the quality of the vehicles were a grave safety concern. The West Hawai `i Police Department uses over 60 personnel vehicles for daily operations. County wide, the number of used personnel vehicles is financially beginning to show an opportunity for consideration to introducing more fleet vehicles during shift work. A combination of personnel to fleet vehicles should be considered for future implementation. FINDINGS FROM DWS: Common routine servicing needs; common parts that can be sourced and stocked; County mechanics could become more familiar with a limited number of vehicle types versus a wide array of vehicles; regular procurement of common vehicles/equipment could provide an economy of scale and could possibly result in lower relative initial purchase costs. Combining procurement could possibly provide an economy of scale and could possibly result in lower purchase costs. However, it is too difficult to predict and ensure these results, since the County does not control or influence the supply inventory of vehicles and manufacturers' costs. In all likelihood, DWS would continue to procure necessary vehicles based on our needs assessment, available budget, and when the vehicles will be needed. DWS could potentially participate in a Countywide vehicle bid if the timing works out. However, a memorandum of understanding between DWS and the lead County Purchasing agency would be needed to define the framework for the procurement. 18 2022 Cost of Govemment Commission —County of Hawai'i - Final Report