2015-01-16 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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interest. Each team contacted its assigned departments and boards/commissions and arranged for personal interviews, which were conducted between April and December 2014. Following interviews, Commissioners shared their findings at a Commission meeting and answered questions from their colleagues. Where appropriate, Commissioners contacted department heads for further information or clarification. In some instances, department heads attended a Commission meeting to share their input in person and to respond to Commissioners’ questions. Commissioners added potential recommendations to agendas, and discussions at the meetings provided an opportunity to review and refine recommendations included in this final report. Discussion held and Executive Summary amended to read as follows: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The work of the Cost of Government Commission was engaging and awakening on many levels. The breadth and scope of each department’s responsibility is almost hard to fathom. Each department head, deputy department head, division head and commission representative was positive, very helpful and provided a wide range of information. Over the course of 11 months, Commissioners took an in-depth look at County government; and in the process, gained a tremendous amount of knowledge on how the County operates, constraining factors and what areas are State-dictated or subject to Union negotiation. During this same time period, the Island of Hawai‘i experienced a flurry of activity including close and contentious political races; the most active hurricane season in 22 years, where Tropical Storm Iselle caused tremendous damage; repeal and eventual overturn of Bill 113 which bans, with some exceptions, cultivation of GMO crops; and the June 27 lava outbreak in Puna, which is ongoing and a source of uncertainty and anxiety for area residents and businesses. Even with all of these challenges, at 2014 year’s end, the Fitch rating system rated County AA- with the comment, “The county demonstrated its ability to maintain a sound financial position through the economic downturn. Management actions included spending cuts, revenues increased in fiscal 2014 after several years of budget contractions.” (West Hawaii Today, 1/14/15). County officials have shown great leadership and continue to work collaboratively with a wide range of community partners for the benefit of island residents. In addition, Commission members found high levels of value in most departments. Employees are very dedicated and perform at a high level for the benefit of the County and its people. We appreciate and acknowledge the letters from County employees who shared a number of positive recommendations with the Commission. 3