2022 Report of the Cost of Government Commission

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Report of the COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAI'I October 2022 INTRODUCTION The purpose of the Hawai'i County Cost of Government Commission (COGC or "Commission") is to study and investigate the organizations and methods of operations of all departments, commissions, boards, offices, and other instrumentalities of all branches of the county government and determine what changes, if any, may be desirable to accomplish the policy of the County. At the end of eleven months of service, the COGC is to report its findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director, and the County Council (Council) as per Hawai'i County Charter, Article V, Chapter 2. The current Hawai'i County COGC was appointed and confirmed at the end of 2021 pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Hawai'i County Charter (2020). The Charter authorizes nine members to represent each of the nine council districts in Hawai'i County. After each of the nine members took their Oath of Office, COGC held its first meeting on January 27, 2022. At that organizational meeting, Michael J. Konowicz, from District 9, and Neal Herbert, from District 1, were elected to lead as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Commission, respectively. In March, the Commissioner from District 3 resigned due to unforeseen personal issues that took up his free time. Soon after that resignation, the Mayor nominated a new Commissioner that the Council subsequently confirmed. On April 22, the new Commissioner took her oath of office and joined the Commission. The Commissioners were supported by resources from the County. Jeannie Miskovich, from the Office of the Mayor, served as Secretary. Malia Kekai was the original attorney assigned to COG from Corporation Counsel; J Yoshimoto, Dakota Frenz, and Keyra Wong also assisted COG throughout the year. Deputy Managing Director Bobby Command attended most meetings and served as a liaison with County departments and leaders. Through the end of September, COGC regularly met at least twice a month, always achieving quorum. Current Members: Name Council District Neal Herbert, Vice -Chairperson 1 Matthias Kusch 2 Chantee Shiroma 3 Madeline (Madie) Greene 4 Shannon Matson 5 Kenneth Obenski 6 Daniel Malakie III 7 Karie Wakat 8 Michael J. Konowicz, Chairperson 9 2022 Cost of Govemment Commission —County of Hawai'i - Final Report