2006-08-03 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Ms. Nicholson asked why the form needed to be on paper. It would be better to have it computerized so people could download it and submit it that way. Deputy Chief Kubojiri said they would like the form on the web as well, as part of the web site dealing with abandoned vehicles. They are just hoping to take the report writing and delay on the officer's part and eliminate it totally and have the DEM hook up and move the vehicle faster. Ms. Nicholson asked whether officers file reports in paper form or electronically, and Deputy Chief Kubojiri said they are moving in that direction. In January of 2005 they were set up to do the work electronically, but they are not at 100% yet. Certain forms still need a hard paper copy. Mr. Sakaguchi asked how he gets his ideas, whether he goes to conferences or has staff development opportunities to see what other counties are doing. He asked if there was a regular mechanism for keeping up with the outside world and where he gets ideas on improving the Department. Deputy Chief Kubojiri said that their best source of information and ideas comes from their own patrol officers. They are on the street and deal with the issues every day. The Department also has a problem - solving committee with representatives from each division on the island. They meet once a month to identify problems and discuss solutions. ♦The next idea on consolidating services and activities has to do with the records management system. The system they are currently using is different from any other County agency, which is why they want an Information Technology Department. It would save money by implementing one computer system instead of trying to interface with all the different records management systems so that they can "talk" to each other. His Department has had to do its own research about computer systems and do RFP's and send out to get the system. When they get a bid with a vendor, it is just for that system. When the Fire Department needed a system, they went with their needs and their RFP, and they got a different vendor. The entire County should be able to talk to each other electronically. It is spending money to get the interfacing done, and to see if it is even possible. The County needs one Information Technology Department to do all of this. The Police radio system is being converted now from analog to digital. When they built into the system, they wanted enough bandwidth capability for the entire County to use the microwave system. It would be County- owned, rather than lease out lines from the phone company. The infrastructure is there and it just needs to be built on. C. Are there any services, activities, and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct of government that could be eliminated? The issue of prohibiting alcohol in all County parks is currently being discussed in the County Council, so he will leave it at that. Deputy Chief Kubojiri combined the next two questions. d. Can privatization help you? If so, in what ways? What would you privatize?