2009-01-AU Follow-up Review of the 2006 Audit of the Department of Environmental Management's Recycling and Diversion Grants Program

Home

RECOMMENDATIONS - GENERAL FINDINGS LAO Follow -Up This recommendation is not directed at the work - related legal requirements of the Kono decision. Rather, it is recommending an analysis of providing "in- house" solid waste management services with County personnel due to the long -term need for such services and the time and costs required to implement sufficient controls over privately contracted services. • A standardized policy and procedure setting forth departmental controls to be implemented and identifying which departmental personnel will be responsible for program oversight. DEM Response The ISWMP will describe the current department structure as it pertains to the management of the solid waste division and recycling section. The department maintains a set of operational policies and procedures specific to the solid waste division and recycling section, these policies and procedures are not planned to be included in the Update. LAO Follow -Up Based on discussions with DEM managers, there still seems to be uncertainty as to who is responsible for ensuring that internal controls are included and implemented in each solid waste diversion and recycling program. • A standardized process for reviewing and evaluating the County's, DEM's, and the contractor's responsibilities and obligations under specific contracts, including monitoring of regulatory compliance and data reporting accuracy. DEM Response This is beyond the scope of the ISWMP as it is not a requirement of HRS §342G. LAO Follow -Up Agreed. However, the County as a whole should review key responsibilities in its procurement and contracting processes and formalize policies and procedures related to the sufficiency and enforcement of project specifications, internal controls, contractor performance measures, and remedies for contractor non - compliance and non - performance. • Standardized policies, procedures, and safeguards necessary to reduce the County's risk to contractor abuse and /or fraud to acceptable levels. DEM Response As described above, the ISWMP consultant original scope of work did not require that the Update include a provision for including standardized policies, procedures and safeguards as it is not a requirement of HRS §342G. LAO Follow -Up If so, DEM should develop, communicate, and implement standardized policies, procedures, and safeguards in consultation with the Finance Department and Corporation Counsel.