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

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voters vote electronically or in their own district, unless the vote centers have the ability to accommodate electronically the out-of-district voters. No response to the COGC's questionnaire was received from the County Council. VI. DATA SYSTEMS A response dated May 4, 2006, was received from the Data Systems Department. In addition, Director Clayton Yugawa met with the COGC on November 20, 2006, for aquestion- and-answer session. Based on the response and the meeting, the COGC makes the following recommendations: A. Allow Data Systems to become the central point for all PC/Peripherals/ Software purchases for the entire County of Hawaii. BackQround/Explanation: Data Systems ("DS") would like to become the focal point for all things data. As DS is trying to connect all departments to the fiber network and eliminate redundant servers and duties, it would make sense to have it all under the control of DS. Currently, the Prosecutor's Office and Police Department have their own computer systems and do not come under the purview of DS. DS would like to set system standazds to improve the sharing of information and to provide for adequate virus protection. B. Utilize the Police Department's microwave system to replace the monthly recurring costs ojFrame Relay/DSL circuits. Background/Explanation: DS would like to utilize the Police Department's microwave system, which goes across the island, rather than pay a private service. Offices in West Hawaii would have Beater speed, as well as videoconferencing and Voice Over IP abilities. With the microwave network, creation of wireless networks within the major urban areas would be possible. In addition, if the County could set up its own wireless network using the microwave, it would save the County money. C. Create a wireless network for the major urban areas of Hawaii island, t.e., Kona, South Kohala, Waimea, Hilo, and Puna, to be used by the Public Safety sector. Background/Explanation: It is possible to set up a County wireless network with the microwave, rather than using a wireless carrier's network, which is costly. Using the microwave will save money as well as create the County's own network. D. Consolidate all analyst activities from other departments under Data Systems (to include analysts from the Police Department, Prosecutor's Office, Parks and Recreation, and the Office of Agin. 4