2022 Report of the Cost of Government Commission

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OPTIMIZING BOARDS / COMMISSIONS RECOMMENDATIONS: The Cost of Government Commission should be restructured and redeployed for better results in the future or re-evaluated. Current timing of the deployment of the commission is not sufficient nor practical. 2. There needs to be access into a secretarial pool for better clerical assistance. Commissions responded that their secretarial support from the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the Planning Department, and the Mayor's Office were not sufficient. There also needs to be more stability with Corporation Counsel representatives with the commissions. Numerous commissions reported a revolving door with attorneys who worked for their group, and guidance was not always the same from attorney to attorney. It also took time to bring new attorneys up to speed on matters that they were not familiar with. It would be more efficient to have the same attorney per commission per full term. 3. Overwhelmingly, hybrid meetings were strongly preferred. However, some commissions meet in areas where they or community members have limited internet connectivity, creating IT issues/challenges. There should be better IT support to standardize access to the internet and streaming capability from everywhere. 4. Not all appointed commissioners actively participate in or contribute to commission business. Some commissions also said they do not have equal representation and/or participation from members across the island. Although quorums are generally being met, several members miss meetings due to other commitments, travel, etc. The Mayor's Boards and Commissions Application and nomination process should put more emphasis on background and experience for desired positions and more closely examine willingness and ability to prioritize attendance and constructive participation. 5. County Code should be changed to adjust for the Transportation Commission. EVALUATION AND FINDINGS: A letter (Appendix E) was sent to all County boards and commissions with specific questions. Responses are shown in Appendix F. Cost of Government Commission (COGC) This COGC has struggled to meet its goals and objectives: • COGC started a month late, leaving only 10 months to complete its mission. • It took five months to gain a basic understanding of County organization, procedures and to develop areas to evaluate. Letters requesting feedback from departments, boards and commissions were not sent out until July. • While several responses were timely, most were delayed or not received. • New Sunshine Law and administrative rules created unnecessary bureaucracy and delays. Contrary to most other commissions, the Mayor's office directly managed and oversaw the COGC process. Too many County staff were involved 23 2022 Cost of Govemment Commission —County of Hawai'i - Final Report