Report of the Cost of Government Commission 2014-2015

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INTRODUCTION The 2014-15 Cost of Government Commission ("Commission"), consisted of seven (7) Commissioners, who were confirmed by the Hawaii County Council in mid-February 2014, and met for the first time February 20, 2014. Of the nine (9) County Council Districts, District 4 and District 6 were not represented. A total of 15 meetings were held over the course of its 11 -month term. The Commission received copies of the previous three (3) Cost of Government Commission reports, the County of Hawaii ("County") budget, the County annual report and numerous other documents to assist in understanding the scope of its work. In a communication dated April 7, 2014, Managing Director, Wally Lau provided a comprehensive update on the status of the implementation of the recommendations by the 2010-2011 Cost of Government Commission. This communication (Comm. No. 2014-077) is included as Appendix A of this report. The Commission considered Mr. Lau's report to be a steering document, serving as a basis for the Commission's recommendations. Using the previous reports as a foundation, the Commission identified a number of overarching themes that impact all County departments: 1) vehicle use, 2) overtime, 3) technology, 4) energy, 5) finance, 6) people (staff and general public) and 7) land resources. Commissioners agreed to incorporate these themes into interviews with department and division heads. Letters (see Appendices B and C) were sent to all departments and boards/commissions, summarizing recommendations from the 2010-11 report and requesting an update on the status of implementation. The letters also asked for input on ways to limit expenditures, eliminate duplication, consolidate functions and/or streamline procedures in, and among, departments. A letter soliciting input from all County employees was included in payroll envelopes. In addition, Commissioners also conducted research to gather additional information to better inform themselves and colleagues. The Commission created teams of two (2) Commissioners and divided the list of departments and boards/commissions based on individual Commissioner's 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