Report of the Cost of Government Commission - January 9, 2007

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COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION c/o 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 ~ - Telephone: (808) 961-8251 Report of the COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAII January 9, 2007 INTRODUCTION The current Hawaii County Cost of Government Commission (COGC) was appointed in February 2006 pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Hawai `i County Charter, 2000. Although the Charter authorizes nine members, only eight were originally appointed. Of the eight, two were unable to commit to the meeting schedule. This COGC thus began with only six members. Unfortunately, another member left the state, leaving only five members. Although an additional member was appointed, this COGC has had to work very diligently in order to complete its task. Despite the Charter provision that only allows eleven months to create a report, the COGC, at the recommendation of the Mayor, chose to focus their efforts on certain departments. The COGC sent letters to all departments, boards, and commissions within the County, requesting their input on ways the County could be more efficient and economical while improving services. Some had no suggestions, and thus the COGC could offer no recommendations. With others, the COGC noticed some common issues. For these issues, the COGC has combined them into department-wide suggestions. In this report, the commission and boazd recommendations follow the departmental recommendations. COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION MEMBERS AND STAFF Below is a listing of the 2006-2007 Cost of Government Commission members and staff: District Myles Y. Miyasato, Chair 1 Wayne T. Joseph, Vice Chair 5 Pamela F. Cushnie (until April ti, 2006) 9 Marilyn L. Nicholson 6 Patricia Provalenko (starting July 6, 2006) 9 Melvyn K. Sakaguchi 2 Bazbaza R. Stremski 3 Dixie Kaetsu, Managing Director (ex officio member) Staff. Katherine A. Garson, Deputy Corporation Counsel Diane A. Noda, Deputy Corporation Counsel Mary E. Crosson, Secretary