2006-07-20 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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The Chair asked whether the fast track was being pursued on permits for package homes, and Mr. Kajikawa said that when the code is adopted, they will pursue it. The plans will still need to be stamped by an architect. The Chair asked whether there were plans to upgrade the computer software, and Mr. Kajikawa said that every time they have enhanced the software they ended up with problems. They have a good County employee who is working on it but can't seem to figure out how to fix it. Mr. Sakaguchi asked if that was the only software package available, and Mr. Kajikawa said it was recommended they follow the system used by Real Property Tax. Ms. Nicholson asked what happens to the fees they collect, and Mr. Kajikawa said they all go into the General Fund, even penalties. He said there is nothing he can do about it. He earlier wanted to implement a plan review fee, which would be a percentage of the building permit fee, but the Mayor and his boss said no. Ms. Nicholson said that some departments retain funds they collect, such as Solid Waste's tipping fee, and asked why Mr. Kajikawa's division does not. He said that everything goes into the General Fund. He can ask about it again, but will probably be told no. He is required to stay within the previous year's budget. The only increase is in salary and wages, and possibly in electricity. This last budget was the first time he was able to increase the overtime. He said it is difficult to operate like this—he has to show the work is being done in order to get the funds. Ms. Nicholson asked whether he would like to send employees to conferences and meetings and whether he felt it benefited the County. Mr. Kajikawa said yes. He said they are a part of the Hawaii Association of County Building Divisions, which meets each year on a different island. He sends his supervisory staff to those. He would like to have his building inspectors receive certification to show they are qualified as inspectors. Electricians and plumbers are licensed, but the building side has no requirements in terms of being a contractor for certification. Ms. Nicholson asked why an inspector would want to work for the County, given the construction boom in the private sector. Mr. Kajikawa said once they are in the County system, they tend to stay. The problem is when they retire. He has problems recruiting on the Kona side. People do not apply because the market is so good out there. Sometimes he recruits from other County departments. Mr. Sakaguchi asked whether Mr. Kajikawa has the authority to offer bonuses, and Mr. Kajikawa said that is not in his jurisdiction. He said a problem with incentives is bringing anew person in to get more pay than someone doing the same work for a long time. It is hard to make incentives equal across the board. He does not want to deal with conflicts there. Ms. Nicholson asked how he felt about the County being split into two counties. Mr. Kajikawa said he does not think there will be a split, but if there is, coverage of Waimea would need to be determined. Kona and Hilo share Waimea. At the present time Kona cannot issue 12