2014-12-04 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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J. Explore combining Hawai‘i County and West Hawai‘i bands or contracting to non-profit to oversee. Mr. Mitchell stated the Hawai‘i County bands’ budget is $240,000; West Hawai‘i is $26,000 and if combining the two bands, the County is spending a whole lot of money for the two bands. Ms. Maddox noted the West Hawai‘i contingent does a lot of fundraisers and grant writing and things like that to keep their 12 – 13 members afloat. Mr. Mitchell reiterated their budget is only $26,000, which is not much. He thinks the $240,000 was a little much in his personal opinion and it should be consolidated. Mr. Espejo said this is just a recommendation and ask them to explore this Motion and Vote : Mr. Mitchell moved to include this recommendation into the draft report subject to additional language consideration. The motion was seconded by Mr. Espejo and all commissioners present voted aye. K. Suggestions for improving County of Hawai‘i communications with public. Ms. Maddox asked if there are any discussions regarding this recommendation. Ms. Kierkiewicz said they could talk about different ways to improve communication. Mr. Mitchell stated this recommendation might have come from the discussion about kiosks and appreciates the input. Ms. Maddox clarified that it is to explore ways to improve County of Hawai‘i’s communication with the public. Mr. Mitchell thinks one of the things to improve communication is to talk stories, like the Mayor does. It’s a great way for people in the community and maybe the department heads or their deputies can do annual talk story sessions in the community. Ms. Garson said when the Mayor went around to all the different communities; the department heads and deputies went. Ms. Maddox noted the Chief of Police does that and takes his watch command staff with him regularly around the island to communities. Ms. Garson suggested language such as, to continually improve or something similar because the talk stories sessions are already being done. Mr. Espejo suggested, continuing to improve communications. Mr. Mitchell suggested making it uniform if possible so people can plan ahead and they can meet with these department heads with their questions. Ms. Maddox clarified the recommendation to be: Continue to improve County of Hawai‘i’s communications with the public. Motion and Vote : Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to include this recommendation into the draft report subject to additional language consideration. The motion was seconded by Mr. Matsuda and all commissioners present voted aye. 20