HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport of the Cost of Government Commission 2014-2015Report of the
Cost of Government Commission
County of Hawaii
2014-15
Commission Members:
Susan Maddox, Chair
Ashley Kierkiewicz, Vice Chair
Douglas Espejo
Linda M. Kelly
Glen Matsuda
John Mitchell
Delan Perry
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................1-2
ExecutiveSummary....................................................................................................... 2
Overarching Themes & Recommendations................................................................ 3-5
Specific Department/Division Recommendations....................................................... 5-9
Conclusion..................................................................................................................... 9
Appendices
Appendix A — Response from Walter K.M. Lau, Managing Director
Appendix B - Letters to Department Heads and Employees
Appendix C — Letters to Boards and Commissions
Appendix D — Responses from Departments and Boards and
Commissions
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
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.
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 Hawaii 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,
conservative budgeting and two property tax rate increases. As a result,
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.
2
OVERARCHING THEMES & RECOMMENDATIONS
VEHICLE POLICIES
All department heads interviewed were asked to comment on whether the
department has a written vehicle take home policy, including criteria for taking a
vehicle home, and what steps are taken to ensure enforcement. Generally,
departments either have a specific policy, or use the Finance Department -
established vehicle use policy.
RECOMMENDATION: Feedback the Commission received indicates there is a
perception that County vehicles may be misused. To address this, the
Commission recommends development and implementation of a uniform
computer mileage tracking system for all County -owned vehicles.
OVERTIME
Due to the amount of feedback from employees (generally anonymous) about
overtime and a perception there are instances of abuse, Commissioners felt it
was important to understand current department policies related to overtime. All
department heads indicated having clear written policies related to overtime,
requiring approval in advance by the direct supervisor and within the
department's approved budget. Several departments have extremely limited
overtime budgets, and use flexible scheduling whenever possible to avoid
overtime.
RECOMMENDATION: Explore a flexible schedule model for employees,
including a 10 hr./day 4 day/week schedule.
ENERGY
The price of electricity in Hawaii is the highest in the nation at more than 40
cents per kWh. County government is the largest consumer of electricity in the
County and also uses significant amounts of fossil fuels to power County
vehicles. Efforts to increase energy efficiency and leverage local resources such
as sun and wind are being undertaken to drive down energy costs. The
Commission appreciated Energy Coordinator, William Rolston, attending a
Commission meeting to share information and answer questions about the
energy projects on the island.
RECOMMENDATION: Given that a significant portion of all imported oil is used
for transportation, expedite the conversion of the County's fleet to electric
vehicles and/or biodiesel wherever possible using a local producer which will
3
contribute to a diversified economy and sustainability for local agriculture through
cultivation of biodiesel-related crops.
FINANCE
The County's detailed budget preparation process required multiple revisions,
with direction from the Mayor, prior to final submission to the County Council. All
department heads interviewed demonstrated detailed knowledge of their
department operating budget and have internal controls in place to remain within
approved budgets. The Finance Department brings us great value and the
residents of the County should be pleased by their professionalism and quality of
work. The Commission appreciated Deputy Finance Director, Deanna Sako's
attendance at a Commission meeting to share information and answer questions
about all the department's areas of responsibility.
RECOMMENDATION: The Commission has no general recommendations.
TECHNOLOGY
IT Director Don Jacobs attended a Commission meeting and provided valuable
information to help Commissioners understand the magnitude of any effort to
enhance the County's overall information technology program.
RECOMMENDATION: Modify overly burdensome policies related to forms within
County departments to reduce the amount of paper being utilized and increase
the flow of communication.
RECOMMENDATION: Automate internal forms. For example, implement an e -
time sheet system that allows the timesheet to pass electronically from employee
through management to other departments; this could save hours of labor
involved in current manual system.
RECOMMENDATION: Expand use of electronic signatures Countywide as a
secure and valid means of authorization to save money in paper, copying,
handling and maintaining paper documentation when it is unnecessary.
RECOMMENDATION: Continue efforts to consolidate duplicative IT systems
among/between departments to improve IT support and service, increase
efficiency of information sharing and reduce costs. Centralize support and
decision making for IT related to the overall network backbone, e-mail, internet
access, anti-virus support, software updates and licensing.
12
PEOPLE (STAFF AND GENERAL PUBLIC)
The Commission's intention was to identify general areas where County
procedures could be modified to be more user friendly for both employees and
the general public.
RECOMMENDATION: Accept credit cards Countywide to complete transactions
currently requiring "in person" cash or check payments, such as for licenses,
taxes and renewals.
RECOMMENDATION: Continue to expand and expedite use of web -based
services and commerce, allowing the public to conduct business via the internet
to increase convenience, reduce lines and improve interactions with the public.
RECOMMENDATION: Explore ways to streamline and expedite the process for
position revisions and department reorganizations. Some department heads
indicated they had invested more than two years in reorganizing department
functions and positions, leading to inefficiency and inability to implement program
improvement goals.
SPECIFIC DEPARTMENT/DIVISION RECOMMENDATIONS
OFFICE OF AGING
RECOMMENDATION: Explore ways to maximize use of the Aging and Disability
Resource Center, including implementation of meeting room use fee.
CIVIL DEFENSE
The Commission would like to specifically acknowledge the Hawaii County Civil
Defense and County employees. During the past seven months, the level of
communication and rapid response to the lava flow and tropical storms has been,
and continues to be, extraordinary.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
The Commission appreciated Department Director BJ Leithead Todd, Deputy
Director John Medeiros and Division Head Dora Beck attending a Commission
meeting to share information and answer questions about all the department's
areas of responsibility.
RECOMMENDATION: Explore the possibility of implementing fees to cover
sewer connection inspections, building permit reviews and administrative
(annual) cost of septage hauler discharge permits.
5
RECOMMENDATION: Support legislation to place property liens for unpaid
water bills in addition to current tools, which would cut down on suits and court
time and costs, shorten collection times and afford customers due process
through an administrative hearing.
RECOMMENDATION: Explore the possibility of the Environmental Management
Commission having the authority, like the Board of Water Supply, to set fees
rather than the County Council codifying rate increases in the County Code.
RECOMMENDATION: Conduct study related to waste water rates, which were
last adjusted in 2002, including a multi-year schedule of planned
increases/adjustments.
RECOMMENDATION: Explore the possibility of separating costs of electricity or
diesel fuel on consumers' wastewater bills and passing those costs on to
consumers.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement program of contracted small grinders at
selected transfer stations to allow mulching in place, eliminating the need to haul
green waste to Pu`uanahulu Landfill, and making mulch readily available in
remote communities.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement the green waste fee program for commercial
haulers approved for the County Code in 2005, as means of generating
department revenue.
FINANCE
RECOMMENDATION: Explore use of debit and credit cards at the Department
of Motor Vehicles.
RECOMMENDATION: Continue to update policies and procedures to expand
and accelerate use of technology related to processes for online contracts and
forms.
FIRE
RECOMMENDATION: Implement jet ski program within the Ocean Safety
Division of the Hawaii County Fire Department.
9
HUMAN RESOURCES
RECOMMENDATION: Allocate funds from the general operating budget to
purchase personnel enterprise software to accurately and efficiently manage
County employee personnel records, actions, time sheet submissions and payroll
processing.
LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR
RECOMMENDATION: Expedite purchase of upgraded computers for department
with the capacity to work off site.
MASS TRANSIT
RECOMMENDATION: Implement smart card payment system for Mass Transit
in place of tickets and monthly passes to improve cash handling procedures and
increase efficiency and accuracy.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement a Countywide vehicle pool program, using
computer/internet reservation system to reduce the number of department fleets
and gain improved efficiency of vehicle use.
RECOMMENDATION: Explore the use of Mass Transit hubs for more rapid,
shorter bus routes to improve service and possibly reduce repair and
maintenance costs. For example, create transit hubs, operated as cooperative
public-private partnerships (P3), in central public locations such as airports where
people can catch a ride share, vanpool, or a bus into the town center. The transit
hubs may range from 12 to 30 miles from each other depending on the needs of
the community. The transit hub model is in place in similar communities in the
US, Canada, Europe and Asia. Benefits include reducing traffic, pollution, drive
time, fossil fuel consumption while providing smart transportation for our
community.
RECOMMENDATION: Explore revenue -generating ideas for Mass Transit hubs
such as allowing location of private vendors on site.
RECOMMENDATION: Regularly review all current research and studies related
to transportation systems and implement relevant recommendations to improve
Hawaii Island public transportation systems. For example, the April 2014 "The
Expanding Transportation Opportunities on Hawaii Island" report published by
students from the University of Michigan, sponsored by The Kohala Center,
recommended establishment of a P3 rideshare-vanpool network.
7
RECOMMENDATION: Improve efficiencies in the Hele On Bus system by
identifying redundancies or unnecessary overlap in the current routing and
scheduling system, and add service in underserved communities. For example,
Mountain View, Pahoa and Pahala are served by one bus route; the very popular
Mauna Kea State Park and the airports are without service.
RECOMMENDATION: Explore use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
and mobile tracking system apps to provide riders with real time updates which
will enhance the quality of the Hele On system. For example, the City and
County of Honolulu has successfully implemented "Da Bus" app which could be
used as a model for Hawaii County.
MAYOR/MANAGING DIRECTOR
RECOMMENDATION: Continue to improve County communication with public
through continued enhancements to County website, use of social media and
presentations at periodic community meetings scheduled around the island.
RECOMMENDATION: Regularly update the County's website to provide easy -
to -find links to the professional audits, reviews and plans that guide County
decision making. Examples include the federally mandated 20 -year
transportation plans and the International Association of Assessing Officers
Technical Assistance Report Evaluating Property Tax Policies and Administrative
Practices in Hawaii County (March 5, 2012).
PARKS & RECREATION
RECOMMENDATION: Millions of dollars are at stake as the County has invested
in family friendly parks and recreation centers, yet fire ants and spiders pose a
very significant danger to these facilities. Create and fund three (3) permanent
positions dedicated to protecting our County parks, beaches and recreational
facilities from fire ants and spiders.
RECOMMENDATION: Explore combining the East and West Hawaii County
Bands.
PLANNING
RECOMMENDATION: Expand list of designers, lumber yards and contractors
approved for the package homes "pre -approval" program.
0
POLICE
RECOMMENDATION: Explore passing an ordinance that would require alarm
systems to register with the police department and provide a mechanism to
assess service charges for repeated false alarms. City & County of Honolulu and
Maui County have already passed similar ordinances.
RECOMMENDATION: Reinstate in the 2015-16 department operating budget, a
line item to make phased -in purchases of "Blue & Whites" to replace current
aging fleet.
PUBLIC WORKS
The Commission appreciated the attendance of Director Warren Lee and Deputy
Director Brandon Gonzalez at a Commission meeting to share information and
answer questions about all the department's areas of responsibility.
RECOMMENDATION: Urge County Council to increase the current County fuel
tax of 8.8 cents/gallon to a level commensurate with other counties, for the
purpose of increasing funding available to repave roads in a timely manner.
CONCLUSIONS
As previous Commissions have noted, the Commission's scope of
responsibility and short timeline presented significant challenges. The
Commissioners spent a considerable amount of time outside of meetings
learning how County government functions, researching related topics and
meeting with department heads. The Commissioners hope their
recommendations are given serious consideration.
Commissioners believe the following suggestions will benefit future Cost
of Government Commissions: (1) have all districts represented; (2) fully explain
to potential commissioners the time commitment involved; (3) consider having at
least one previous Cost of Government member serve on a subsequent
commission; (4) emphasize the Sunshine Law requirements related to
agendizing topics to be discussed; and (5) encourage department heads to
attend commission meetings.
The Commissioners would like thank all department heads and
employees, especially the Office of Corporation Counsel, for their support of the
Commission's work.
9
APPENDICES
Appendix A — Comm. 2014-077 Response from Walter K.M. Lau, Managing
Director
Appendix B — Letters to Department Heads and Employees
Appendix C — Letters to Boards and Commissions
Appendix D — Responses from Departments and Boards and Commissions
10
APPENDIX A
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
April 7, 2014
Walter K.M. Lau
Managing Director
Randall M. Kurohara
Deputy Managing Director
(11)ffirr of thr Alavur
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Itilo,Ilawat`i 96720 • (808) 961-821 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg. C • Kailua-Kona, Havvai`i 96740
(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440
Cost of Government Commission
Attn: Susan Maddox
c/o Office of Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, HI 96720
RE: Status of Prior Commission Recommendations
Aloha Susan,
First of all, thank you for heading up this Cost of Government Commission. The work that you
and your fellow commissioners do is of great importance and value in keeping us focused on
delivering our core County Government services the most efficient, effective and productive way
possible.
Since taking office in 2008, this administration has consistently strived to reduce the size and the
cost of government in part due to the severe economic downturn we experienced, but more
importantly because it is the right thing to do.
The recommendations put forth in 2010-2011 Cost of Government report have either been
implemented or in the process of implementing where possible. Here are the responses to the
recommendations.
— Consolidate and coordinate the inspection and enforcement responsibilities qt. the Planning
Department, Building Division, Real Property Tax Division, Department qf Environnzental
Management, and the State of Hawai`i Department 411ealth (as contracted to the County)
into an inspection and enforcement division. This would help eliminate inspections from
multiple departments and help to administer enforcement of remedial actions and fines.
The Department of Public Works have implemented new software to manage and track the
permit process which has provided more transparency, access to tracking, and feedback. The
Department of Public Works also implemented a twice a week plan review day where all the
County of Ilawai i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
COMM. NO. 2014-077
various R1 encies involved in plan reviews are present in one room to provide more timely
service, Having done these intermediary initiatives to increase productivity and efficiency,
can now move towards the consolidation of the Building Division and Planning Division in
respect to plan review and inspection and enforcement. Initial discussion and planning on t
feasibility of this consolidation effort is underway. I
— propose a resolution to the State allowing each County to negotiate collective bargaining
contracts with the Unions on behaff of the County.
011,
Legislative action is required (HRS 89-6) to implement and it is unlikely such a change would be
supported. Regardless, HRS 89-6 provides: "In addition to a collective bargaining agreement
under subsection (d), each employer may negotiate, independently of one another,
'IVR i
supplemental agreements that apply to their respective employees; provided that any
g*i m #f 4 en to tive s h a
not extend beyond the term of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and shall not
require ratification by employees in the bargaining unit" More information is needed to
determine if a supplemental agreement is appropriate to address operation alldepartm en t
specific concerns.
This administration has sought and was granted the flexibility to negotiate county -specific
agreements with the various public workers unions on issues such as the number of furlough
days and the cost splitfor public worker health care premiums, and the county plans to pursue
similar sub-ogreements as needed.
— Centralize grant writing q1 st o t with l/
of by creating a GrantSpeciali, position o work a
departments in the County to improve the County's ability to receive funds front various
LWffir4W
The Department of Research & Development currently employs a Grants Specialist within its
Resource Center. This position serves as a grant writing resource to other county departments.
R&D has also subscribed to a grants search engine that assists users to locate grants that relate
to the subject or area of interest. R&D provides access to this grants search engine to not only
eher county agencies (departments) but also to other community non -profits and agencies.
Grant writing classes as well as education on the use of the grants search engine has also been
carried out by the Department of Research and Development.
—I)evelop and implement a County -wide technology management plan.
The office of Information Technology has developed a strategic plan and is in the process of
implementing this plan through several measures. The first phase is to increase internal
capacity through an upgraded server platform and new computers that will have all agencies on
the some operating system and getting a// outdated computers replaced. Other initiatives
include increasing the availability of online services and centralizing its location on website,
increasina our use of loserfische and video conferencing, and incorporating more GPS
technology into all agencies that can benefitfrom it. Phase one is already in progress and
Counly of I lawai'i is an F(jual is Provider and Employer.
should be completed within the next 3 — 6 months. A more detailed response to other IT
atives are included in the departments direct response to you. The goal of this
administration and our Department of Information Technology is to increase the productivity
Tff
to access county government information and services.
— Review the internal process of procurement as to reduce change orders, facilitate contract
renewals and speed up contract processing. Utilize technology such as electronic signatures,
electronic distribution, and online approvals to increase efficiency.
Department of Finance has several ongoing initiatives that address this recommendation. One
is the implementation of an e -procurement software system ("Public Purchase") that maintains
a vendor database as well as distributes and receives requestsfor quotes, invitationsfor bids,
and Requestfor Proposals electronically. This provides more efficiencies as well as access to
Public Purchase"s nationwide vendor base, alerting more potential vendors of the goods and
Another benefit of utilizing Public Purchase is ability to verify that vendors have received notice,
reviewed and submitted a bid (without viewing the bid) and ability to avoid potential delays in
rebidding.
rur77T*js7nT,7PTT77=#7 itts WIST 71� 1, .. C . . . . . . . . . . YrXRe7Tr#,1
intranet page to allow vendors to sign up and download bid documents and provide online
viewing of procurement notices (saving vendors time instead of traveling down to view on a
bulletin board at County building),
Expansion of the internal intranet page now includes available forms, memos and information
that departments can use to assist them in the procurement process. Saves time for
departments looking for information and time for Purchasing to have to answer requests for
information.
Also, efforts to reduce paper copies rfiles include implementing and expanded us of
laserfiche as itcentral repository. This allows quick access tofiles (stored using cloud based
The Division is also sending and requesting documents to and from departments via email to
expedite the process. Use of electronic signatures by some Purchasing Division and Finance
Administration staff is allowing for the timely approval and submittal of documents to
departments.
Finally, The Purchasing Division is continuing to work with the Information Technology
Aepartment on ways to increase efficiency of sending and receiving documents, particularly
large documents orfiles, between the Division and the departments.
— Increase the annual renewal fee to commercial solid waste haulers from the current $25 and
require all haulers to be current on their solid waste accounts to reduce delinquencies.
Implementing software solutions to coordinate collection of tipping fees at the scale house will
reduce delinquencies and ensure accounting,systems are able to read the data.
County ofliawafi is an Equal Opportimily Provider and Employer.
This administration is allowing the Finance Department and its Real Property Tax Task Force t#
review all COG recommendations that pertain to RPE
-- Impose afee to be included in each parcel's real property tax bill to help fund recycling, e -
waste disposal, and hell) offset the cost qf solid waste disposal and illegal dumping clean ups.
MS -recommendation was put on Me a e as year as 1 ZM Xt. irl rj 5 Lit inct-el"St rtlyl-ef VA
to offset the rising cost of handling recyclables and other more sustainable practices. The
Department of Finance looked into this and was given legal input that this fee would in reality
be a tax and therefore not under ourjurisdiction or authority to charge. The County is not
authorized by state low to implement such a tax.
— Limit attendance at (ff-island conferences/meetings andlor hold cuff -island
co,q,ferenceslineetings via Skype or video conferencing. Hold department and division Meetings
via video conferencing. Utilize multimedia communication in lieu offace-tor face meetings to
reduce on and off -island travel.
Travel budgets were reduced across county government as part of the continuing budget
tightening during the recession. In addition, all departments have been utilizing more
116,11,:, 1 Ferend n,(,to save n travel time and
I. ME 0 M00 '. 0 «« ««0
Thank you again for the work that you do. Please do not hesitate to call on me should you ho
any questions or concerns. We lookforward to this process of engagement to collectively see
solutions that will improve efficiency and reduce the Cost of Government. I
Mmj« « « M
Wd" y Lou
Managing Director
County of Hawaii
County of) lawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
F_1����1�]E�:3
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Alan Parker
Office of Aging
1055 Kindole Street, Suite 101
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
F no .
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The current Commission, comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on: 1) ways the County can save money without
compromising essential services and 2) ways the County can function more efficiently.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 no later than April
7, 2014. You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of
Government Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii@co.hawaii.hi.us. Your
responses may be made anonymously.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-001
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Darryl Oliveira
Civil Defense Agency
920 Ululani Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
F no .
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The current Commission, comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on: 1) ways the County can save money without
compromising essential services and 2) ways the County can function more efficiently.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 no later than April
7, 2014. You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of
Government Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii@co.hawaii.hi.us. Your
responses may be made anonymously.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-002
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Lincoln S.T. Ashida
Office of the Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
F no .
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The current Commission, comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on: 1) ways the County can save money without
compromising essential services and 2) ways the County can function more efficiently.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 no later than April
7, 2014. You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of
Government Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii@co.hawaii.hi.us. Your
responses may be made anonymously.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-003
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Stewart Maeda
Office of the County Clerk
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been reconvened. The
Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your community, is charged to
"study and investigate the organizations and methods of operations of all department,
commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of all branches of the county
government, and determine what changes, if any, may be desirable to accomplish the County's
policy to promote economy, efficiency and improve service in the transaction of the public
business in the legislative and executive branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient performance of
essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct of
government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of findings and
recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four matters.
We would also like to know whether the following specific recommendations from the 2010-11
Commission report have been implemented; if so, what is the impact; if not, the reasons for not
implementing.
Recommendation:
Use a hiring agency to staff temporary election clerk positions
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014. You may
also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government Commission's
Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikualii co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-004
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
J Yoshimoto
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
F no .
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four matters.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-005
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 6, 2014
The Cost of Government Commission has recently been reconvened, as required by
law. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on: 1) ways the County can save money without
compromising essential services and 2) ways the County can function more efficiently.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii(_co.hawaii.hi.us. Your responses
may be made anonymously.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-006
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
BJ Leithead Todd
Department of Environmental Management
345 Kek0ana6'a Street, Suite 41
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Aloha,
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been reconvened. The
Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your community, is charged to
"study and investigate the organizations and methods of operations of all department,
commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of all branches of the county
government, and determine what changes, if any, may be desirable to accomplish the County's
policy to promote economy, efficiency and improve service in the transaction of the public
business in the legislative and executive branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient performance of
essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct of
government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of findings and
recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four matters.
We would also like to know whether the following specific recommendations from the 2010-11
Commission report have been implemented; if so, what is the impact; if not, the reasons for not
implementing.
Recommendations:
Implement software solutions to coordinate collection of tipping fees at the scale house and insure
accounting systems are able to read the data.
Regulate septic and grease haulers and increase the annual fee for registration commensurate with fees
of other counties in Hawai `i.
Increase the annual renewal fee for solid waste haulers and require all haulers to be current on solid
waste bills to reduce delinquencies.
COMM NO. 2014-007
BJ Leithead Todd
Department of Environmental Management
March 12, 2014
Page 2
Separate positions for heavy equipment operators in the Solid Waste Division who work only at
landfills and don't need a CDL license from those who drive offsite and do need a CDL license.
Impose a fee to be included in each parcel's tax bill to help fund recycling and efficient management of
e -waste disposal.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014. You may
also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government Commission's
Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikualii co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Nancy Crawford
Department of Finance
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2103
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four matters.
We would also like to know whether the following specific recommendations from the
2010-11 Commission report have been implemented; if so, what is the impact; if not, the
reasons for not implementing.
Recommendations:
Establish a one-time auto salvage fee to be assessed when a vehicle is first registered in the
County. This fee will be in addition to the disposal fee already in effect.
Establish a salvage fee for commercial buses that would offset the cost of including their
disposal through the County scrap metal recycling program.
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM NO. 2014-008
Nancy Crawford
Department of Finance
March 12, 2014
Page 2
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkuaIjj co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Darren J. Rosario
Hawaii Fire Department
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2501
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four matters.
We would also like to know whether the following specific recommendations from the
2010-11 Commission report have been implemented; if so, what is the impact; if not, the
reasons for not implementing.
Recommendations:
Investigate the cost effectiveness of implementing a jet ski program with our Ocean Safety
Division.
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-009
Darren J. Rosario
Hawaii Fire Department
March 12, 2014
Page 2
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkuaIjj co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Stephen J. Arnett
Office of Housing and Community Development
50 Wailuku Drive
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The current Commission, comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on: 1) ways the County can save money without
compromising essential services and 2) ways the County can function more efficiently.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 no later than April
7, 2014. You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of
Government Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii@co.hawaii.hi.us. Your
responses may be made anonymously.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-010
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Sharon Toriano
Department of Human Resources
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 2
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
F no .
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four matters.
We would also like to know whether the following specific recommendations from the
2010-11 Commission report have been implemented; if so, what is the impact; if not, the
reasons for not implementing.
Recommendations:
Eliminate the Personnel Officer position in smaller departments and designate a specialist in
Human Resources to absorb these tasks.
Reorganize the Human Resources Department to decrease staffing needs.
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-011
Sharon Toriano
Department of Human Resources
March 12, 2014
Page 2
Direct the Human Resources department to examine countywide overtime policies to make
sure they are fair, unambiguous and effective in reducing overtime.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkuaIjj co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Rose Y. Bautista
Immigration Office
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2601
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
F no
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The current Commission, comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on: 1) ways the County can save money without
compromising essential services and 2) ways the County can function more efficiently.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 no later than April
7, 2014. You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of
Government Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii@co.hawaii.hi.us. Your
responses may be made anonymously.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-012
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Donald Jacobs
Department of Information Technology
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The current Commission, comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on: 1) ways the County can save money without
compromising essential services and 2) ways the County can function more efficiently.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 no later than April
7, 2014. You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of
Government Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii@co.hawaii.hi.us. Your
responses may be made anonymously.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-013
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Gerald Takase
Department of Liquor Control
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 230
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The current Commission, comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on: 1) ways the County can save money without
compromising essential services and 2) ways the County can function more efficiently.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 no later than April
7, 2014. You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of
Government Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii@co.hawaii.hi.us. Your
responses may be made anonymously.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-014
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Wally Lau
Managing Director
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
h.
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been reconvened. The
Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your community, is charged to
"study and investigate the organizations and methods of operations of all department,
commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of all branches of the county
government, and determine what changes, if any, may be desirable to accomplish the County's
policy to promote economy, efficiency and improve service in the transaction of the public
business in the legislative and executive branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient performance of
essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct of
government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of findings and
recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four matters.
We would also like to know whether the following specific recommendations from the 2010-11
Commission report have been implemented; if so, what is the impact; if not, the reasons for not
implementing.
Recommendations:
Consolidate and coordinate the inspection and enforcement responsibilities of the Planning
Department, Building Division, Real Property Tax Division, Department of Environmental
Management, and the State of Hawai `i Department if Health (as contacted to the County)
under an inspection and enforcement division.
Propose a resolution to the State allowing each County to negotiate collective bargaining
contracts with the Unions on behalf of the County.
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-015
Wally Lau
Managing Director
Office of the Mayor
March 12, 2014
Page 2
Centralize grant writing efforts by creating a Grant Specialist position to work with all
departments in the County to improve the County's ability to receive funds from various
sources.
Develop and implement a County -wide technology management plan.
Review the internal process of procurement as to reduce change orders, facilitate contract
renewals and speed up contract processing. Utilize technology such as electronic signatures,
electronic distribution, and online approvals to increase efficiency.
Increase the annual renewal fee to commercial solid waste haulers from the current $25 and
require all haulers to b current on their solid waste accounts to reduce delinquencies.
Implementing software solutions to coordinate collection of tipping fees at the scale house will
reduce delinquencies and ensure accounting systems are able to read the data.
Review the process for qualifying agricultural property tax benefits through the agriculture use
and dedication programs and require financial documentation to verify and substantiate
agricultural activity. Fine and/or revoke exemptions for violators.
Eliminate the Homeowner's Real Property Tax Exemption for unpermitted dwellings.
Impose a fee to be included in each parcel's real property tax bill to help fund recycling,
e -waste disposal, and help offset the cost of solid waste disposal and illegal dumping clean
UPS.
Limit attendance at off -island conferences/meetings and/or hold off -island
conferences/meetings via Skype or video conferencing. Hold department and division meetings
via video conferencing. Utilize multimedia communication in lieu of face -to face meetings to
reduce on and off -island travel.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014. You may
also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government Commission's
Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikualii co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Tiffany Kai
Mass Transit Agency
1266 Kamehameha Avenue, Suite A-2
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The current Commission, comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on: 1) ways the County can save money without
compromising essential services and 2) ways the County can function more efficiently.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 no later than April
7, 2014. You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of
Government Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii@co.hawaii.hi.us. Your
responses may be made anonymously.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-016
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Mayor William P. Kenoi
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been reconvened. The
Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your community, is charged to
"study and investigate the organizations and methods of operations of all department,
commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of all branches of the county
government, and determine what changes, if any, may be desirable to accomplish the County's
policy to promote economy, efficiency and improve service in the transaction of the public
business in the legislative and executive branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient performance of
essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct of
government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of findings and
recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four matters.
We would also like to know whether the following specific recommendations from the 2010-11
Commission report have been implemented; if so, what is the impact; if not, the reasons for not
implementing.
Recommendations:
Use the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) as a template to expand opportunities
for volunteers to work within the County and in response to County needs.
Direct all departments to utilize student interns.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014. You may
also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government Commission's
Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikualii co.hawaii.hi.us.
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-017
Mayor William P. Kenoi
County of Hawaii
March 12, 2014
Page 2
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Clayton S. Honma
Department of Parks & Recreation
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been reconvened. The
Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your community, is charged to
"study and investigate the organizations and methods of operations of all department,
commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of all branches of the county
government, and determine what changes, if any, may be desirable to accomplish the County's
policy to promote economy, efficiency and improve service in the transaction of the public
business in the legislative and executive branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient performance of
essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct of
government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of findings and
recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four matters.
We would also like to know whether the following specific recommendations from the 2010-11
Commission report have been implemented; if so, what is the impact; if not, the reasons for not
implementing.
Recommendations:
Streamline the re -contracting process for continuing, part-time temporary staff including
eliminating the yearly requirement for a physical exam.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014. You may
also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government Commission's
Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikualii co.hawaii.hi.us.
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-018
Clayton S. Honma
Department of Parks & Recreation
March 12, 2014
Page 2
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Duane Kanuha
Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been reconvened. The
Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your community, is charged to
"study and investigate the organizations and methods of operations of all department,
commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of all branches of the county
government, and determine what changes, if any, may be desirable to accomplish the County's
policy to promote economy, efficiency and improve service in the transaction of the public
business in the legislative and executive branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient performance of
essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct of
government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of findings and
recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four matters.
We would also like to know whether the following specific recommendations from the 2010-11
Commission report have been implemented; if so, what is the impact; if not, the reasons for not
implementing.
Recommendations:
Combine the Steering Committees and the Action Committees into one Community
Development Plan (CDP) Support Committee which will follow through on CDP
recommendations within the first two years after adoption.
Allow standardized housing that meets the minimum health and safety requirements and may
include such things as minimum square footage, composting toilets and water catchment. This
will save on enforcement fees and provide more affordable housing options for the public.
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-019
Duane Kanuha
Planning Department
March 12, 2014
Page 2
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014. You may
also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government Commission's
Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikualii co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chief Harry S. Kubojiri
Hawaii Police Department
349 Kapi`olani Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
P.
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been reconvened. The
Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your community, is charged to
"study and investigate the organizations and methods of operations of all department,
commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of all branches of the county
government, and determine what changes, if any, may be desirable to accomplish the County's
policy to promote economy, efficiency and improve service in the transaction of the public
business in the legislative and executive branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient performance of
essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct of
government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of findings and
recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four matters.
We would also like to know whether the following specific recommendations from the 2010-11
Commission report have been implemented; if so, what is the impact; if not, the reasons for not
implementing.
Recommendations:
Base the fuel reimbursement for all Police Department personnel on actual mileage rather
than a fixed amount that is no reflective of distances travelled.
Develop a notification system for police officers who have been subpoenaed for court hearings
to let them know if the hearing has been cancelled or postponed, thus avoiding unnecessary
travel and overtime pay.
Cut the monthly car allowance for police officers and replace it with a yearly servicing and
maintenance allowance.
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-020
Chief Harry S. Kubojiri
Hawaii Police Department
March 12, 2014
Page 2
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014. You may
also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government Commission's
Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikualii co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
M itch Roth
Office of the Prosecuting Attorney
655 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Aloha,
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The current Commission, comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by -
1 )
y:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on: 1) ways the County can save money without
compromising essential services and 2) ways the County can function more efficiently.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 no later than April
7, 2014. You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of
Government Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii@co.hawaii.hi.us. Your
responses may be made anonymously.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-021
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Warren H.W. Lee, P.E.
Department of Public Works
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been reconvened. The
Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your community, is charged to
"study and investigate the organizations and methods of operations of all department,
commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of all branches of the county
government, and determine what changes, if any, may be desirable to accomplish the County's
policy to promote economy, efficiency and improve service in the transaction of the public
business in the legislative and executive branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient performance of
essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct of
government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of findings and
recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four matters.
We would also like to know whether the following specific recommendations from the 2010-11
Commission report have been implemented; if so, what is the impact; if not, the reasons for not
implementing.
Recommendations:
Allow standardized housing that meets the minimum health and safety requirements and may
include such things as minimum square footage, composting toilets and water catchment. This
will save on enforcement fees as well as provide more affordable housing options for the
public.
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-022
Warren H.W. Lee, P.E.
Department of Public Works
March 12, 2015
Page 2
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014. You may
also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government Commission's
Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikualii co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Stanley Sitko
Real Property Tax Division
Department of Finance
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been reconvened. The
Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your community, is charged to
"study and investigate the organizations and methods of operations of all department,
commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of all branches of the county
government, and determine what changes, if any, may be desirable to accomplish the County's
policy to promote economy, efficiency and improve service in the transaction of the public
business in the legislative and executive branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient performance of
essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct of
government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of findings and
recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four matters.
We would also like to know whether the following specific recommendations from the 2010-11
Commission report have been implemented; if so, what is the impact; if not, the reasons for not
implementing.
Recommendations:
Review the process for qualifying agricultural property tax exemptions and require financial
documentation to verify and substantiate agricultural activities. Fine and/or revoke exemptions
for violators.
Eliminate the Homeowner's Real Property Exemption for impermitted dwellings.
Impose a fee to be included in each parcel's tax bill to help fund recycling and efficient
management of e -waste disposal.
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-023
Stanley Sitko
Real Property Tax Division
Department of Finance
March 12, 2014
Page 2
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014. You may
also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government Commission's
Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikualii co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Laverne R. Omori
Department of Research and Development
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1301
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The current Commission, comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on: 1) ways the County can save money without
compromising essential services and 2) ways the County can function more efficiently.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 no later than April
7, 2014. You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of
Government Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii@co.hawaii.hi.us. Your
responses may be made anonymously.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-024
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Quirino Antonio
Department of Water Supply
345 Kek0ana6'a Street, Suite 20
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Aloha,
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been reconvened. The
current Commission, comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your community, is charged to
"study and investigate the organizations and methods of operations of all department,
commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of all branches of the county
government, and determine what changes, if any, may be desirable to accomplish the County's
policy to promote economy, efficiency and improve service in the transaction of the public
business in the legislative and executive branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of findings and
recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on: 1) ways the County can save money without
compromising essential services and 2) ways the County can function more efficiently.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 no later than April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government Commission's
Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii@co.hawaii.hi.us. Your responses may be made
anonymously.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-025
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Lane H. Shibata
Office of the Legislative Auditor
1266 Kamehameha Avenue, Suite A-8
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
F no .
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The current Commission, comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on: 1) ways the County can save money without
compromising essential services and 2) ways the County can function more efficiently.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 no later than April
7, 2014. You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of
Government Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii@co.hawaii.hi.us. Your
responses may be made anonymously.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-026
APPENDIX C
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Board of Appeals
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
April 7, 2014.
of Government
COMM. NO. 2014-027
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Board of Ethics
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
April 7, 2014.
of Government
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-028
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Committee on Aging
1055 Kindole Street, Suite 101
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
April 7, 2014.
of Government
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-029
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Committee on People with Disabilities
1055 Kindole Street, Suite 101
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
April 7, 2014.
of Government
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-030
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Committee on Status of Women
655 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Aloha,
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikualii(@co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-031
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Environmental Management Commission
345 Kekuanab'a Street, Suite 41
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Aloha,
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikualii(@co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-032
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Hawaii County Fire Commission
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 9
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
April 7, 2014.
of Government
COMM. NO. 2014-033
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Game Management Advisory Commission
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
April 7, 2014.
of Government
COMM. NO. 2014-034
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Hamakua Community Development Plan
Action Committee
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Building E
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
Aloha,
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been reconvened. The
Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your community, is charged to
"study and investigate the organizations and methods of operations of all department,
commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of all branches of the county
government, and determine what changes, if any, may be desirable to accomplish the County's
policy to promote economy, efficiency and improve service in the transaction of the public
business in the legislative and executive branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient performance of
essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct of
government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of findings and
recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014. You may
also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government Commission's
Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikualii co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-035
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Kailua Village Design Commission
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Building E
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkuaIjj co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-036
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Ka`u Community Development Plan
Steering Committee
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Aloha,
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii(pDco.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
April 7, 2014.
of Government
COMM. NO. 2014-037
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Kona Community Development Plan
Action Committee
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Building E
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-038
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Leeward Planning Commission
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Building E
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii(_co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
April 7, 2014.
of Government
COMM. NO. 2014-039
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Liquor Adjudication Board
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 230
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
F no .
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-040
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Liquor Commission
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 230
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
F no .
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-041
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Merit Appeals Board
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 2
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
F no .
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-042
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
North Kohala Community Development Plan
Action Committee
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Building E
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-043
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Pension Board
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
F no .
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-044
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
County of Hawaii Police Commission
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 9
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
F no .
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-045
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Chairperson
Public Access, Open Space and
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2103
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Natural Resources Commission
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
April 7, 2014.
of Government
COMM. NO. 2014-046
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
April 7, 2014.
of Government
COMM. NO. 2014-047
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Real Property Tax Board of Review
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
April 7, 2014.
of Government
COMM. NO. 2014-048
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Salary Commission
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 2
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
April 7, 2014.
of Government
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-049
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
South Kohala Community Development Plan
Action Committee
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Building E
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-050
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Transportation Commission
1266 Kamehameha Avenue, Suite A-2
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkuaIjj co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-051
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Veterans Advisory Commission
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkuaIjj co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-052
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Water Board
345 Kekuanab'a Street, Suite 20
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Aloha,
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by -
1 )
y:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at jkualii(Qco.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-053
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 12, 2014
Chairperson
Windward Planning Commission
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
F no .
As required by law, the Cost of Government Commission has recently been
reconvened. The Commission, currently comprised of seven (7) volunteers from your
community, is charged to "study and investigate the organizations and methods of
operations of all department, commissions, boards, offices and other instrumentalities of
all branches of the county government, and determine what changes, if any, may be
desirable to accomplish the County's policy to promote economy, efficiency and
improve service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive
branches of the County by:
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions;
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government."
We have only 11 months to fulfill our mandate and provide a written report of
findings and recommendations to the Mayor, the Managing Director and the Council.
In your daily work, you are in the best position to help inform our work. We would greatly
appreciate receiving your feedback on the above four items.
Please send your feedback to the Cost of Government Commission, c/o Office of the
Corporation Counsel, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo, HI 96720 by April 7, 2014.
You may also fax your feedback to 961-8622 or email to the Cost of Government
Commission's Secretary, Jennifer Kualii, at ikuaiii(co.hawaii.hi.us.
Thank you for your participation; we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan Maddox, Chair
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-054
F A V
Al U U =1 Ll I Q N C
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
March 14, 2014
County ®f Hawai' i
POLICE DEPARTMENT
349 Kapi`olani Street • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-3998
(809)935-3311 Fax(808)961-2389
Ms. Susan Maddox
Chair
Cost of Government Commission
c/o 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Ms. Maddox:
Harry S. Kubojiri
Police Chief
Paul K. Ferreira
Deputy Police Chief
This responds to your letter of inquiry dated March 12, 2014, with respect to the
specific recommendations proffered by the 2010-11 Cost of. :Government
Commission (CGC). Your letter requests that I indicate whether ":the
recommendations were implemented, if so, the impact, if not, the reasons. for
not implementing.. Please note the recommendations and my responses
(italicized) are listed as follows:
• The first recommendation was to base the fuel reimbursement for all
Police Department personnel on actual mileage rather than a fixed
amount that is no (sic) reflective of distances travelled.
This recommendation was not implemented as it is a matter subject to
the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and as such cannot be
mandated for change. With that being said, I shou/d note_ that I tried
to reach a cost-saving supplemental agreement with the affected
employees' representative (State of Hawaii Organization of Police
Off/cers — SHOPO), which would have resulted in officers receiving one
gallon of gas for every 12 miles driven as opposed to the current
contractual 10 miles driven; however, I was unable to get the Union
(SHOPO) to agree to this request
• The second recommendation, was to develop a notification system` for
police officers who have .been subpoenaed for court hearings. to let.
"Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer"
COMM. NO. 2014-055
Ms. Susan Maddox
Cost of Government Commission
March 14, 2014
Page 2
them know if the hearing has been cancelled or postponed, thus
avoiding unnecessary travel and overtime pay.
First of all, we already had a system in place in which as soon as a
court cancellation is made . known to. my. department, notification is
made to the affected officers The problem is that for the most part,
court cancellation notifications which are under the jurisdiction of the
State of Hawa/'i Judiciary branch are often not communicated until the
very last minute for reasons too numerous to list here. For the most
part, the County's Deputy Prosecutor assigned to the court case will
notify the officer, his commander, or the ranking officer on duty when
a case is cancelled and we then attempt to notify the officer.
Now with that being said, there are many times when Defense
attorneys will wait until court hearings are held before deciding to ask
for continuances or to strike plea deals, and often these decisions are
predicated upon whether all subpoenaed witnesses show up or not;
There are also civil court matters whereby the only County involved
individuals are our officers, which on many occasions results in the
officer not being notified of a cancellation until arriving at court.
Although it did not result because of this specific recommendation,
there are many times whereby if an officer is expected to be involved
in long trials and are actually assigned to a non -daytime shift, we will
assign the officer to a day shift in order to minimize his overtime (/. e.,
an officer ord/nanly assigned to the 2:45 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. sh/ft and
is expected to testify for several days may be assigned to the 6.•45
a.m. to 3.30 p.m. shift so that his court time Is within his/her "regular"
workday). —
• The third recommendation was to cut the monthly car allowance for
police officers and replace it with a yearly servicing and maintenance
allowance.
Th/s recommendation was also not Implemented as it too Involves a
CBA issue, subject to negotiation, and cannot be mandated by me In
accordance with state statutes regard/ng collective bargaining.
Additionally, your letter requests my input regarding limiting expenditures;
eliminating duplication and overlapping of services; consolidating of services,
Ms. Susan Maddox
Cost of Government Commission
March 14, 2014
Page 2
activities and functions of a similar nature; and abolishing unnecessary services,
activities and functions. My input on these issues is that a study conducted by
my department as part of our accreditation process revealed that we are
understaffed when compared with like -sized communities in terms of geographic
responsibilities and a similar population base. We have turned to upgraded
technology to "make do with less," but the continuous population growth of our
community is such that we are unable to maintain service levels even with
technological advances. We have, for the most part, already reduced our
services to "core" services attendant with an accredited law enforcement agency.
In closing, I am appreciative of the Herculean task that you and your commission
have been entrusted with and pledge my willingness to provide my department's
assistance as needed. I would only ask that your commission allow me to have
input into recommendations prior to their being published so as to ensure they
are not fraught with attendant issues that may render them moot.
Sincerely,
ST
March 16, 2014
Susan Maddox, Chair
Cost of Government Commission
101 Aupuni St # 325
Hilo, HI 96720
Aloha Ms Maddox,
My name is Judy Bell and I am the Chair of the Hawaii County Committee on Aging. We are tasked with
advising the Mayor and the Office of Aging on the needs and concerns of older persons as programs are
developed. The Committee, originally established in 1966, consists of not less than 15 members,
appointed by the Mayor. The members are selected from each of the districts on the island and the
appointments expire at the end of the Mayor's term.
Hawaii County members of the State Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA) are invited to
participate in the Committee on Aging meetings and functions. However, unless duly appointed, they
do not serve as members of the Committee. Additionally, at least four members from federal, state or
county agencies which provide services or programs affecting the elderly are also appointed to the
Committee, as well as representatives of private, non-profit agencies/organizations and individuals
whose interests, knowledge and abilities may contribute to the solution of problems relating to aging.
Since we are an advisory committee, whose members serve without compensation, and we are not
tasked with providing any "services, activities or functions" assigned to county employees none of the
items outlined in your request appear to apply to the Hawaii County Committee on Aging.
Hopefully, the above information will aid you in the completion of your report to the Mayor, Managing
Director, and the Council. If you have any questions, or if I may be of any further help to you, please do
not hesitate to contact me.
incerely,
SAV
Judith M. Bell, Chair
Committee on Aging
heyiude123@hawaii.rr.com
COMM. NO. 2014-056
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
March 18, 2014
(fouutp of 'abut`
HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT
25 Aupuni Street • Suite 2501 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
(808) 932-2900 • Fax (808) 932-2928
Susan Maddox, Chair
Cost of Government Commission
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chair Maddox:
Darren J. Rosario
Fire Chief
Renwick J. Victorino
Deputy Fire Chief
This letter is being submitted per your request regarding the 2010-11 Commission report
recommendation for the Hawaii Fire Department as stated below:
Recommendations:
investigate the cost effectiveness of implementing a Jet Ski program with our Ocean Safety
Division.
I was appointed Fire Chief on September 12, 2011. Since my appointment the concept of
providing a Jet Ski program for the Ocean Safety Division has been discussed with our team.
Special Operations Battalion Chief Gerald Kosaki was sent to Kauai to meet with personnel from
the Kauai Fire Department's (KFD) Ocean Safety Division. The KFD is the only Fire
Department based Ocean Safety Division with a Jet Ski Program.
I have provided attachments that outline the cost estimates for implementing a Jet Ski program
for the HFD Ocean Safety Division. The following further illustrates the cost to implement the
program in summary:
Powered Water Craft (PWC) (2) $12,000 each $24,000
Equipment for PWC $7,800 $7,800
Personal Equipment (2) $600 each $1,200
Salary for Water Safety Officer (2) $40,000 each $80,000
Training Cost $3,000 $3,000
Maintenance $15,000 $15,000
Total start up cost: $131,000
�aWgtr
Hawaii Coy„ qty is ars Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer, COMM. NO. 2014-063
Susan Maddox, Chair
March 18, 2014
Page 2
The recurring annual cost will be approximately $95,000 to cover salaries and maintenance.
There were other associated cost such a storage building and vehicle that could add an additional
estimated cost of $75,000. However we can utilize existing structures and vehicles to offset
these cost for the initial start up.
This program was consulted with members of the County Council and the Mayor's Office. Both
government branches agreed that the program would benefit the County of Hawaii.
Unfortunately, our proposal came at a time of fiscal uncertainty for the County of Hawaii which
resulted in budget cuts and reprioritizing projects to meet the community's needs. The HFD had
to prioritize funding for replacement Fire Apparatus as its number one priority for FY 11/12 and
FY 12/13.
Implementation of a Jet Ski Program for the Ocean Safety Division of the HFD is still one of our
strategic focuses for upcoming budget years. We are in hope that the fiscal condition of the
County of Hawaii improves in the near future to implement this program.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you or your commission has any questions regarding this
matter.
Thank you
041-
DARREN
J. ROSARIO
Fire Chief
HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT
OCEAN SAFETY
JET SKI - POWERED WATER CRAFT (PWG) PROGRAM
ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS:
1. Equipment
2. Manpower
3. Training
4. Policies and Procedures
5. Maintenance
6. Storage housing or shed
Equipment
1. PWC — 2013 Yamaha Wave Runner model VXS — approx. $12,000
- 4 cylinder, 4 stroke non -turbo engine
- Seating capacity 1-3 persons
- Fuel capacity 15.9 gal.
- Storage capacity 15.1 gal.
2. Essential hardware for PWC
Tow rope, lanyards, seat straps, buckles and attachments for sled — approx.
$1,500
- Rescue sled — approx. $2,000
Trailer — approx. $2,500
Beach dolly with ATV attachments — approx. $1,800
3. Personal equipment for PWC operator and grabber
- Wetsuit and Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
- Helmet
- UV protection garment
- Other WSO equipment — fins, mask/snorkel, rescue buoy, uniform, etc.
- Total cost approx. $600
4. Vehicle to tow the PWC
- Initially we could use our spare Ocean Safety captain's vehicles to tow the
PWC. However, these vehicles will need to be replaced in the near future
due to its age and condition.
Manpower
1. Minimum 2 WSOs assigned to a PWC (1 operator and I grabber)
2. Premium pay for all hours the WSOs are assigned to the PWC - $2.50/hr.
3. If a PWC is assigned to a tower, the minimum manpower for that tower will be 3.
4. Although this will not be considered TA, it will be rotated equally among all
qualified personnel to maintain skills and familiarity.
5. Salary for one additional WSO II is $40,000.00 annually full time
Training
1. All PWC operators must go thorough a minimum 80 hour course to become
certified.
2. We will send at least 2 personnel to Maui for the initial training and to become
PWC instructors. They will in turn train our personnel on island. Approx. cost
$3,000 for the 2 weeks.
3. We may offer this training to HFD members also for those that are stationed at a
facility that may store a PWC; however, they would need to satisfy all the
requirements of a PWC operator.
4. All personnel assigned to a PWC will be required to pass all USLA requirements -
specific timed events will be determined later such as the 1000m run/ 1000m swim
in 20.00 minutes etc. based on uniformity within the state.
5. All operators will require an annual recertification; however, PWC training will
be done quarterly to upkeep skills and familiarity.
Policies and Procedures
1. Policies and procedures will be developed based on our current SOPS with an
addendum for those assigned to a PWC.
2. These procedures or guidelines would identify response protocol, maintenance,
safety equipment required, usage, etc.
Maintenance
1. We should require a spare PWC for each PWC assignment station. This would
allow for training while having a spare when the PWC goes in for maintenance or
repairs.
2. PWC must go in for mandatory maintenance every 100 hrs. (usually about 1 year)
3. After about the 200 hr. mark, parts begin to wear and break.
4. Recommend replacement of PWC every 3 years. The PWC can be taken off line
and used for training and/or back up depending on its condition. After that we
could sell it, sell its parts, or just dispose of it.
5. A PWC account needs to be established for PWC maintenance. Depending on the
amount of PWCs we utilize this account should be about $10,000 to $20,000 to
cover maintenance, repairs, and other equipment.
Storage Housing or Shed
1. For our start up program, we should consider storing the PWC at the nearest fire
station in the district. This would maintain security and routine maintenance can
be done there also.
2. In the future, we can look for areas to store the PWC if we assign it to a remote
location. However, for all of the areas that we would identify as a response tower,
there is a fire station in the vicinity.
1 11 ■ = 632 ' �W
KA,ILUA-KONA HAIIKU
BOX 4771, KAILUA KONA LAND 808-326.7598 CELL 808-989-3047 EMAIL pauI pauIb$eck.c,om 505 AWALAU
HAWAII 96745,, USA WWW.PAULBLECK.COMI HAIKU, HAWAII! 96708, USA.
Date: April 1, 2014
To: Cost of Government Commision
c/o Office of the Corporate Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo HI 96720
Re: Cost of Government Feedback
As Chairperson of the Kailua Village Design Commission, I have considered ways to reduce costs, yet
have found that the Commission is efficiently run at the moment. We have no recommendations to
reduce costs at this time. Paperwork is already minimized as agendas and minutes are sent via email to
the Commissioners. And, hard copies are only prepared if requested. Our meetings are held at the
County offices and are usually brief.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call.
Yours truly,
Paul Bleck, A.I.A.
COMM. NO. 2014-065
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
April 2, 2014
(Countp ofo.bja ` i
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
(808) 961-8311 • Fax (808) 961-8411
MEMORANDUM
TO: Cost of Government Commission
FROM: Clayton S. Honma, Director
SUBJECT: Response to letter dated March 12, 2014
Clayton S. Honma
Director
Robert A. Fitzgerald
Deputy Director
As requested, we are providing feedback below on the four matters designated in your
letter dated March 12, 2014.
1) Limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient
performance of essential services, activities and functions.
This has been a consistent focus under the Kenoi administration. When
Mayor Kenoi took office in December 2008 he instructed all departments to
focus on core operations and eliminate or significantly reduce all
non-essential services. In the fiscal year after he took office P&R reduced
its budget by $1.2 million and another $2 million the following fiscal year.
The department also increased the number of unfunded positions from 15
in FY08-09 to a high of 80 in FY 11-12. Limiting expenditures and focusing
on core services has been a consistent theme in all the budget cycles
since. Therefore, we do not have any further recommendations as we
believe we are consistently focused on this goal.
2) Eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions
We have initiated discussion on either combining the Hawaii County Band
and the West Hawaii Band or having a non-profit organization oversee
operations and reduce county funding.
County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
COMM. NO. 2014-066
3) Consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature
Consolidation of all vehicles and mass transportation needs under one
department. Vehicles could be checked out of a motor pool when needed
instead of having each department retain its own fleet.
Investigate consolidating all county concessions and revenue generating
operations under one department. Similar to the City & County of
Honolulu's Department of Enterprise Services.
4) Abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct
of government.
As mentioned in response to item #1 our administration has placed a focus
on right sizing government and eliminating non-essential programs and
services. We have increased the number of unfunded positions to
approximately 5 times the number before our administration. We feel that
we have eliminated as much as possible and will be looking to increase
positions as we continue to add parks and facilities for the County's
growing population.
Update to operational changes made as a result of the following 2010-11 commission
recommendation:
Recommendation:
Streamline the re -contracting process for continuing, part-time temporary staff
including eliminating the yearly requirement for a physical exam.
We have made the following change based on that recommendation. If
contract hires continue their contracts annually, we do not require a
physical. However, if the contractor breaks for a quarter or any period and
service is not deemed continuous, we do require the physical.
Thank you for this opportunity to provide comments and please feel call me at 961-8311
if you have any questions.
County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY COUNTY OF HAWAII
345 KEKUANAH'A STREET, SMITE 20 HILO, HAWAII 96720
TELEPHONE (848) 961-8050 • FAX (808) 961-8657
April 3, 2014
Susan Maddox, Chair
Cost of Government Commission
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Ms. Maddox:
Thank you for your letter of March 6, 2014.
The Department of Water Supply and Water Board of the County of Hawaii are continuously seeking
ways to improve efficiencies in our operations in order that costs to deliver potable drinking water to
our customers can be kept reasonable or reduced. We are currently engaged in a few initiatives to
accomplish this.
The Lalamilo Windfarm project is underway. Upon its scheduled completion in 2016, the project will
deliver approximately 2.5 megawatts of clean renewable energy that will save water users about
$1 million annually. The windfarm will provide power to eight (8) existing deep wells that service the
Kawaihae-Puako area.
The Department currently operates three (3) hydro -generators that save about $40,000 annually. Also,
with pumping limited to off-peak hours, roughly $300,000 per year is saved.
The Department's leak detection program monitors water systems for any leakages due to water main
breaks, faulty controls, customer leakages, wasteful water use, and inefficient pumping equipment.
Leakages, wasteful uses, inefficient pumps and motors result in unnecessary electrical costs and
manpower costs.
The Department is closely working with the Department of Environmental Management, Wastewater
Division, to coordinate water shutoff due to sewer delinquencies. Changes to the Hawaii County
Code and departmental rules are currently in process.
Finally, we are currently seeking authority (through SB3094) to place property liens for unpaid water
bills as an additional tool to assist the DWS' current and active attempts to collect on 1.2 million
dollars in delinquent charges for water service which are in arrears past 90 days. The Department of
Environmental Management will also receive this authority to reduce delinquencies.
...`YUater, Our Most Precious Resource ... Ka `Yl1ai A pane ...
The Department of Water Supply is an Equal Opportunity, provider and employer.
COMM. NO. 2014-067
Susan Maddox, Chair
Cost of Government Commission
Page 2
April 3, 2014
Although a portion of this total amount is anticipated to be collected through previously arranged
payment plans or pending water leak adjustments, the majority of the delinquent accounts remain in
the collection process for long periods of time. This collection process includes correspondence,
phone calls, and taking legal action against customers, when they can be located. This process can be
time and resource consuming. When customers do not pay their bills, the cost of operating the water
system has to be borne by the other water customers.
Oftentimes when a lawsuit is filed, the defendant does not respond, and a default judgment will be
entered. It is assumed that defendants do not appear because there is no defense --the customer knows
it used the water service and did not pay. Yet, the time and resources it takes to obtain a judgment may
exceed the amount collected. Having the ability to place a lien against a property, after due process is
given, shortens the collection time period. Additionally, customers who may be intimidated by the
court process, or find the court process too costly, may be more inclined to raise legitimate defenses
within the administrative hearing process. Basically, this bill is an effort to shorten collection
timelines while affording customers due process and using fewer resources.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
us.
Sire yours,
Quiri Antonio, Jr., P.E.
Man er-Chief Engineer
QA:dmj
Sharon Toriano
Director of
Nichofas M. Hama
Deputy D° of Res --
County of
int
Deparwwnt of Human Resources
Aupuni cetner. 1(?1 Nuahi S , Suite 2. Hif ® Hamii 96720 � (505) 961-8361. Fax (808) 961-5617
website:9v_q,v//ds(a ;u oa 6a,nav e-mail: 10fis&o. havv iu,fiLits
Susan Maddox, Cost of Government Chair
c/o Wally Lau, County of Hawaii, Managing Director
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603
Hilo, HI 96720
RE: 2010-11 Cost of Government Commission Report
Request for information
Dear Chair Maddox,
Thank you for your March 12.2014 letter and moreover for your kokua with the
Cost of Government Commission! It's been a while since we last spoke and I can only
imagine that you remain very busy! The time® expertise and commitment of the
commissioners are greatly appreciated!
Outlined below is a status update regarding your inquiry into the Human
Resources 2010-11 Cost of Government Commission recommendations.
._., 2014
.._. ... ._._ ._.._�_ r
.... ...... .... _ ........._.... __
_.......... .........
....
Eliminate the Personnel Officer position in For the most part, HR functions were
smaller departments and designate a decentralized when Civil Service Reform
specialist in Human Resources to absorb occurred in 1999 however® and as state
these tasks. in the Star Advertiser (Aug. 4, 2011), `About
70 percent of the cost of running the state
and each of the county governments
goes to wages and benefits. The cost of
running government in Hawaii has
become far greater than what our local
residents can afford."' In theory®
consolidation of the HR functions to the
central HR office should result in a direct
labor savings however® and in the smaller
.... ..................... _..... ....m...�.n..°.......� _m,.... ......__.............................. _ ......_.. m..°m.de art..._.._rfsoa will not find an FTE full-
.. ..... �....mw_ __°.
Hawa1 t County is ars. Equal Oppaftnity Provi&r and
COMM. NO. 2014-068
time equivalency) solely allocated t
perform related duties. Consequently,
elimination of the HR duties insmaller
departments will not necessarily eliminate
an FTE. To add, the central HR office has
reduced its number of positions by two (2)
and it will continue to examine an
implement actions that will streamline
processes and improve efficiencies not
only for the smaller departments but for all
departments includin the centra[ HR
office.
Reorganize the Human Resources This is work in progress as we transition from
Department to decrease staffing needs. specialization within Human Resources to
0egeneralists". As previously reported, in
FY2 1 0 - FY2 11®t ere were three (3)
positions that became vacant however
that number climbed to nine (9) during the
period of FY2 1 0 to FY2014 due to
employees retiring. Our reorganization
continues as we leverage technology,
and morespecifically, refine our e®
recruit ent system n institute a
processing center within HR. These actions
have enabled us to reduce our FTE count
as two ofthree positions that were
unfunded urin FYI - FYI 2 are not being
replaced.
Direct the Human Resources e art e t What constitutes overtime and the
to examine count i e overtime policies assignment of overtime is subject to
to make sure they are fair, unambiguous negotiation butapproval of overtime is
and effective in reducing overtime. within management's control.
Department irectors are delegated the
authority to a p prove/disa p prove overtime
based on their operational nee s while HR
is available to make recommendations to
reduce overtime expenses solicited or
unsolicited.
With regard to our work and feedback into the County's policy to promote
economy, efficiency and improve service int e transaction of the public business int e
legislative and executive branches oft e County, we offer the following:
We continue to cross -train personnel within the central HR office to enable them
to work in multiple functional areas. This will minimize overtime costs and negate
our need to backfill positions resulting from atthtion. In addition, we are revising
our transactions processing to eliminate duplication and overlap with the work
being performed at the department level.
Decentralize functional area(s) to line departments. Would put a burden on the
departments but could potentially be a cast savings.
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to provide input!
Sharon Toriano
Director of Human Resources
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
Lincoln S.T. Ashida
Corporation Counsel
Katherine A. Garson
Assistant Corporation
Counsel
COUNTY OF HAWAII
OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
Hilo Lagoon Centre, Suite 325 • 101 Aupuni Street . Hilo, Hawaii 96720 . (808) 961-8251 . Fax (808) 961-8622
E-mail: corpcounsel@co.hawaii.hi.us
April 4, 2014
Honorable Susan Maddox
Chair, Cost of Government Commission
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni St., Ste. 325
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Ms. Maddox and Commission Members:
Thank you for affording our office an opportunity to respond to your request for
feedback on (1) ways the County can save money without compromising essential
services, and (2) ways the County can function more efficiently. When we received
your outreach for feedback, we circulated your letter to our staff and invited them to
respond directly to your Commission. This letter represents my observations and
feedback based on my personal observations.
Although I generally hesitate to provide comment on other
departments/agencies, I have had the opportunity over my years of service as
Corporation Counsel to attend Council and Council Committee meetings twice a month.
An area of concern I have is the need (and attendant cost) of televising Council
proceedings that are not part of the Council's legislative function.
A number that is often thrown around when this issue is discussed is that it costs
the taxpayers "$6 per minute" to televise Council proceedings on government access
television. The Council hires an independent contractor to record their proceedings. I
encourage your Commission to verify this cost figure with the Office of the County Clerk.
If the Council is discussing, debating and deciding matters of official board
business (i.e., resolutions and bills), no problem. I think the public has an expectation in
this day of media access to see their local government in action.
However concern arises when some Council members request presentations on
issues and matters that are not within the legislative jurisdiction of the County. Although
the issues are admittedly of "concern" to our citizens (many, many things are), they are
not always "County business." These may be items and matters subject to the
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider
COMM. NO. 2014-069
Honorable Susan Maddox
April 4, 2014
Page 2
jurisdiction of the State or Federal governments, or worse yet, items of concern to
private individuals or organizations.
Some have criticized some Council members for scheduling such on -camera
briefings in order to give the Council member "TV face time" as a means of free
campaign publicity. The Council chair is legally unable to prohibit such "presentations"
since Council rules do not permit the chair to refuse to refer an item for agendizing more
than two meeting cycles.
Since the Cost of Government Commission's role is advisory, this may be an
area where further investigation is warranted, and if appropriate, a recommendation
may be made to the Council that only items of official County business should be
recorded and televised pursuant to the contract for recording and public access
programming.
This does NOT prevent the Council from meeting and hearing these "non -County
business" presentations. They should be free to do so if they choose; it is just that the
taxpayers should not be required to fund the recording of these proceedings at the
expensive per -minute contract cost charged to our County. In other words, the Council
can have these non -County business hearings; just don't pay our vendor to tape them.
Thank you for considering this feedback. We appreciate the work of the Cost of
Government Commission in exploring ways to make our County government more
efficient. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me.
Very truly yours,
�1 Apr 4 2014 11:01 AM
LINCOLN S. T. ASHIDA Cbsila"
Corporation Counsel
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
April 3, 2014
County of Hawaii
Finance Department
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2103• Hilo, Hawaii 96720
(808)961-8234 • Fax(808)961-8569
Cost of Government Commission
CIO Office of the Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, HI 96720
RE: Status on Prior Commission Recommendations
Please see the responses below for the updates you requested for certain Finance
Department and Real Property Tax Division recommendations:
Nancy E. Crawford
Director
Deanna S. Sako
Deputy Director
Establish a one-time auto salvage fee to be assessed when a vehicle is first registered in
the County. This fee will be in additional to the disposal fee already in effect.
The current fees being charged as part of the annual vehicle registration fee
provide adequate funding for the vehicle disposal program. There would be no
justification at this time for adding an additional one-time fee. Also, the
implementation of such a fee would face many technical challenges, including
making changes to the state-wide vehicle registration system.
Establish a salvage fee for commercial buses that would offset the cost of including their
disposal through the County scrap metal recycling program.
The County no longer has a scrap metal processing yard. All processing of
scrap vehicles is handled by the private sector. Commercial bus companies
would go to one of the private scrap metal dealers to dispose of the vehicle. If a
bus were abandoned on a public road, the Police might call the Abandoned
Vehicle Section to have it towed, but the County would go after the owner for
recovery of all costs and other appropriate fines.
Review the process for qualifying agricultural property tax exemptions and require
financial documentation to verify and substantiate agricultural activities. Fine and/or
revoke exemptions for violators.
Hawaii County is an equal opportunityprovider and employer.
COMM. NO. 2014-070
Cost of Government Commission
April 3, 2014
Page 2
The Finance Department is currently working with a Real Property Tax Task
Force. A priority item is proposing changes to the current tax programs that will
strengthen the requirements for the program, as well as make other changes. At
the same time, the Real Property Tax Division has increased the resources
directed at enforcement activities for properties currently in the programs. The
use of new technology, such as aerial pictometry, is allowing for much more
efficient review of properties. Penalties are in place for violators and they are
imposed if properties are found to be out of compliance.
Eliminate the Homeowner's Real Property Exemption for unpermitted dwellings.
As stated above, the department is currently working with a Real Property Tax
Task Force. Among other efforts, all of the current exemption programs will be
reviewed and will include consideration of the Commission's recommendation.
Some of the concerns expressed by our department originally still exist, and a
portion of those comments is repeated below.
To implement this suggestion for currently unpermitted dwellings could cause
significant economic and social upheaval for many property owners. We would
support changes to the County Code that would be effective for new construction
of homes or additions to homes, requiring appropriate permits in order to qualify
for Homeowners exemptions and classification. The difficulty will be determining
which unpermitted construction occurred after the effective date of the legislation.
Impose a fee to be included in each parcel's tax bill to help fund recycling and efficient
management of e -waste disposal.
The Finance Department further investigated the possibility of assessing such a
fee. As stated in our response to the original recommendation, there are many
challenges determining how such a fee would be fairly allocated across
commercial, residential, agricultural and other property types. However, all of
this was superseded when we received legal input that this would be a tax, not a
fee, as it is not directly associated with a service provided to those who are
charged. The County is not authorized by state law to implement various taxes.
So, at this time this suggestion is no longer being considered.
We appreciate the hard work of the Cost of Government Commission and look forward to
future discussion of County operations, and ultimately your insights and
recommendations. The Department of Finance is available to provide additional
information if needed.
Sincerely,
AA'^7 rl��k
Nancy Crawford
Finance Director
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY
345 KEKUANAO`A STREET, SUITE 20
TELEPHONE (808) 961-8050
April 3, 2014
Susan Maddox, Chairperson
Cost of Government Commission
c/o 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
• COUNTY OF HAWAII
• HILO, HAWAPI 96720
FAX (808) 961-8657
RE: LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2014, TO THE WATER BOARD OF THE COUNTY OF
HAWAII
Dear Chairperson Maddox:
Thank you for your letter dated March 12, 2014 requesting the Water Board's input on how the County
of Hawaii can become more efficient.
The Water Board briefly discussed your letter at its meeting on March 25, 2014. At that time, we felt
that the Department of Water Supply would be in a better position to respond to your request. We
understand that a similar letter was sent to the Department of Water Supply, and that they will be
providing you with a response shortly.
KAG:jms
Sincerely yours,
Kenneth Kaneshiro, Chairperson
Water Board, County of Hawaii
...`1Nater, Our Most Precious Resource ... Ka WaiA Kane ...
The Department of Water Supply is an Equal Opporturity provider and employer.
COMM. NO. 2014-072
STEWART MAEDA
County Clerk
April 7, 2014
Susan Maddox, Chair
Cost of Government Commission
101 Aupuni St., Suite 325
Hilo, HI 96720
County of Hawai `i
Office of the County Clerk
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
(808)961-8255 • Fax (808)961-8912
RE: Recommendation from the 2010-2011 Commission Report
Aloha Susan,
MAIL DA VID
Deputy County Clerk
This is in response to your letter dated March 12, 2014 in which you requested feedback regarding
recommendations made in the The Cost of Government Commission report from 2010-11.
The commission recommendation was:
- Use a hiring agency to staff temporary election clerk positions
I am happy to report that the County of Hawaii Elections Division implemented the hiring of temporary
election clerk positions via a hiring agency. We have been using this method of hiring temporary
election clerks via a hiring agency since 2010.
This has been a cost effective measure for the County of Hawaii. The County has saved money in the
following areas:
1. Not having to pay employee benefits: sick leave, vacation leave, workers compensation,
unemployment insurance
2. Not having to do pre-employment screening and training
This method of staffing our temporary election clerks has been beneficial for us and we will continue to
do this in the future.
If you have any further questions, please give me a call at (808)961-8271.
Sincerely,
wart aeda
County Clerk
Serving the Interests of the People of Our Island COMM. NO. 2014-074
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
West Hawai `i Office
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy
Kailua-Kona, Hawai `i 96740
Phone (808) 323-4770
t' :11T N01 E W T
County of Hawaii
Duane Kanuha
Planning Director
Bobby Command
Deputy Planning Director
East Hawaii Office
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone (808) 961-8288
Fax (808) 327-3563 PLANNING DEPARTMENT Fax (bog) 961-8742
SOUTH KOHALA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
aka HUI KULEANA O KOHALA HEMA
March 27, 2014
Cost of Government Commission
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, Hawai `i 96720
Dear Commission:
Subject: Feedback Reguest to the Cost of Government Commission
Thank you for asking us to provide input in your correspondence dated March 12, 2014.
Unfortunately your deadline for response by April 7, 2014 will not provide our Committee with
enough time to formulate a response that can be approved by the Committee. The committee
members may send in individual comments on their own.
If you have any questions or desire further information on any of these concerns, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
espectfully Submit ,
(-. - ,p� a, Z�
Jos hive "Dojo" Tanimoto, Chairman
SKCDP Action Committee
CC: Planning Director
AC Members
www cohplanningdept.coni Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning(a)co hawaii.hi.us
COMM. NO. 2014-075
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
April 7, 2014
County of Hawai "' i
DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
25 Aupuni Street, Room 1301 • Hilo, Hawai' i 96720-4252
(808) 961-8366 • Fax (808) 935-1205
E-mail: chresdev@co.hawaii.hi.us
Ms. Susan Maddox, Chair
Cost of Government Commission
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Ste. 325
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Dear Cost of Government Commission:
The following is in response to your March 12, 2014 inquiry:
Laverne R. Omori
Director
Donn S. Mende
Deputy Director
Ways the County can save money without compromising essential services:
This department feels that the County can save money without compromising essential
services by exploring new technologies to help increase productivity and/or streamline
processes.
2. Ways the County can function more efficiently:
It would be beneficial if the County could review its assets (i.e. facilities, etc.) to
determine whether renewable energy and/or energy efficiency projects are warranted.
Should you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Si ,
�oy ° LAVERNE R. OMORI
Director
LRO:dbk
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-076
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
West Hawaii Office
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
Phone(808)323-4770
Fax (808)327-3563
April 9, 2014
1 i
1
Ms. Susan Maddox, Chair
and Members of the Cost of Government Commission
Cost of Government Commission
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, Hl 96720
Dear Chair Maddox and Commission Members:
Duane Kanuha
Director
Bobby Command
Deputy Director
East Hawaii Office
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone (808) 961-8288
Fax (908) 961-8742
SUBJECT: Comments for the Cost of Government Commission FY 2014/2015
As requested, please find our response to the request for comments dated March 12, 2014.
We have incorporated responses in behalf of the Board of Appeals, Community Development
Plans Action and Steering Committees and the Leeward and Windward Planning Commissions
into this response as they are administered by the Planning Department.
Generally speaking, government services, activities, and functions are expansive rather than
contractive. For example, the Planning Department, by law is mandated to administratively
service twelve (12) boards, commissions or advisory committees, and at least three (3) more
advisory conunittees are anticipated to come on line within the next year. Potentially, we could
also be looking at administering numerous village design committee's which flow from these
adopted Community Development Plans (CDPs)
Just from that one aspect alone, it is difficult to see how we can accomplish the stated policy
goals of limiting expenditures, eliminating duplication or consolidating or abolishing of such
mandated services, activities and functions.
With respect to the implementation of specific recommendations from the 2010-11 Commission
report, we provide you with the following:
1. "Combine the Steering Committees and the Action Committees into one Community
Development Plan (CDP) Support Committee which will follow through on CDP
recommendations with the first two years after adoption.
Hawat'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
COMM. NO. 2014-079
Ms. Susan Maddox, Chair
and Commission Members
Cost of Government Commission
Page 2
April 9, 2014
The Community Development Plans (CDP's) and their respective steering and action
committees (committees) arc set up specifically to address regional issues and future
development explicit to that region and to provide expertise and guidance from
committee members within their respective regions. It may not be realistic to assume that
one (1) island wide committee could effectively manage and implement six (6) CDP's
plus develop and implement their respective village plans for several reasons, a few of
which are outlined here:
One committee would result in a much larger burden placed on Planning
Department staff, for which the department is already short to effectively manage
the CDP's. The departments' processes would be more effective if there were one
(1) dedicated staff person whose primary responsibility is to work with the
respective committee and manage the implementation of the CDP. Historically,
the CDP's were adopted without additional staff to the department, so
accountabilities are split between CDP's and other departmental mandates.
• Community members from each region would likely object to a singular support
committee, because their regional input and expertise would appear to be diluted
with the advent of such a single island wide support committee.
• Combining steering and actions committees would not be appropriate, as the
function of the steering committees are to develop the CDP's, which is if very
distinct from the action committees, who are charged with implementing the
CDP's.
The timing noted as "within the first 2 years after adoption" has long since lapsed
so our comments are now based on time and experience administering the four (4)
adopted CDP's over the last 6 years. We believe that the roles and functions of the
mandated action committees should be re -assessed to determine if in fact the
creation of each action committee is a fiscally prudent way to garner community
participation and outreach on a district by district ongoing basis.
2. Allow standardized housing that meets the minimum health and safety requirements and
may include such things as minimum square footage, composting toilets and water
catchment. This will save on enforcement fees and provide more affordable housing
options for the public. "
Standardized housing does not fall under the responsibilities of the Planning Department.
It mostly involves building code issues and would most appropriately be reviewed under
the Department of Public Works, the Fire Department and/or the State Department of
Health
Ms. Susan Maddox, Chair
and Commission Members
Cost of Government Commission
Page 3
April 9, 2014
With regard to a response in behalf of the Leeward and Windward Planning Commissions,
splitting of the Commissions into two rather than retaining one commission for the entire island
has resulted in significant saving on mileage and meeting facility expenses. Combined with the
availability of more County meeting facilities now available at the West Hawaii Civic Center
and Aupuni Center, our rental costs for meeting facilities are now practically nil.
The Board of Appeals does not have a regular meeting schedule inasmuch as their functions are
determined on a case by case basis so the administrative costs of servicing the commission is
nominal and covered under our operating budget.
What would be of help is an amendment to HRS 92-41 to allow for County wide web -based
notices of public hearings and perhaps other types of administrative reviews which could
significantly reduce advertising costs and result in greater public participation at the same time.
Please feel free to contact me at 961-8125 with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
C 'V_
PANE N 4
Planning Director
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
April 3, 2014
County of Hawaii
Mass Transit Agency
25 Aupuni Street • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8343 • Fax (808) 961-8745
Cost of Government Commission
c/o Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Subject: Cost of Government
Ms. Susan Maddox;
Tiffany Kai
Administrator
This letter is in response to the Cost of Government Commission's inquiries regarding ways the
County can save money without compromising essential services and to function more
efficiently. Below are specific to the Mass Transit Agency focusing on the ways our agency can
be more efficient:
• Creation of Kailua-Kona baseyard - Save downtime while responding to trouble calls
increasing efficiency to the public as the only transit garage is located in Hilo. Therefore,
mechanics are dispatched from Hilo to respond to breakdowns island -wide. In addition,
buses can be repaired in West Hawaii, rather than on the road or bringing the bus to Hilo.
• Smart cards for payment of fares - Will result in fewer mistakes by drivers when counting
cash, reduce cash handling which improves security, and allows for the scanner in the
fare box to accurately tell if the card is valid or expired. This feature will eliminate bus
tickets and monthly bus passes.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 961-8343.
Best Regards,
3e)
Tiffany Kai
Mass Transit Administrator
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider
COMM. NO. 2014-080
Kualii, Jennifer
From: Jacobs, Don
Sent: Monday, April 14, 2014 7:54 AM
To: Kualii, Jennifer
Subject: Cost of Government submission for Information Technology
Attachments: Cost of Government.docx
Jennifer,
Attached is the Information Technology's department for recommendations for the Cost of government.
My apologies for not getting this to you last week.
Don Jacobs
Director
Information Technology
COMM. NO. 2014-081
Cost of Government
Ways the County can save money without compromising services
• Implement and accept credit card transactions
o Currently you cannot use a credit card to complete a transaction with the county.
For example, all "in person" transactions, licenses, taxes, renewals etc, must be
done via check or cash. Accepting credit or debit card transactions at counters
would reduce bounced checks, speed up processing time, and reduce daily
reconciliation of money and checks collected. In general a properly deployed
cashiering system could be deployed in numerous locations for a variety
cash/check based transactions throughout the county. There would be an initial
investment in technology, equipment and service fees, but over time the end
result could mean shorter lines and better management of financial transactions.
• Expand the use of web -based services and commerce.
o Where possible, allowing the public to conduct business via the Internet will
reduce lines, improve interaction with the public. There is movement in this
area but an expansion of this would yield more results.
o Examples for improvement are:
■ New Liquor control software with web based accessibility for licensing
■ Improved Drivers license and Motor Vehicle Web based tools
■ Online payment capabilities for various County services
• Automate internal forms - an example is timecards — Currently the County is using a
legacy paper timecard tracking system that requires the multiple handling of timesheets
that must be a specific color paper. These timesheets are passed around within
departments and between departments with copies being made, scanned images being
created and the original paper ones being kept. Moving to an e -timesheet system that
allows the timesheet to pass electronically from employee through management to
other departments could save hours of labor involved in processing paper timesheets.
Automation of other forms and processes could benefit the County as well.
• Expand the use of Electronic signatures - Currently there is a 'hodge-podge' of
acceptance of electronic signatures within the County. Some departments have
embraced electronic signatures and others still insist on "wet signatures" and physical
copies of signed documentation. The federal government has accepted electronic
signatures as a secure and valid means of authorization. Having an acceptance of this
county wide would save money in paper, copying, handling and maintaining paper
documentation where it is not needed.
• Consolidate duplicate Information Technology functions. There are 5 separate IT
organizations within the County, not including Water Supply which is a semi-
autonomous organization. Consolidating and sharing them would improve support,
service and reduce cost. Consolidation would not remove autonomy for the separate
agencies. Each agency would still maintain their embedded IT staffs. However, it would
centralize support and decision making for Informatin Technologies that are currently
managed and maintained separately without coordination of deployment and costs.
The following are examples of functions that are duplicated across the 5 IT
organizations.
o Network backbone currently shared by all but not maintained by one
organization. The upcoming deployment of a new Radio/microwave
communication system will move the county towards a greater dependency on
sharing network resources. Currently portions of this shared network are
isolated from each other. There is limited coordination for maintenance,
support or upgrades of these key network components.
o Email — Consolidation of some components in progress
o Internet access — Multiple Internet service providers with no coordination of
firewall policy and no coordination of sharing resources in the event of outages.
Duplication of technologies.
o Anti-virus support — Separate maintenance agreements. Combining agreements
may lower costs.
o Software updates — combining s/w updates would standardize Software County
wide and may reduce costs.
o Licensing — combining may reduce costs.
There are many challenges in pursuing this consolidation, as some agencies have very
specific security requirements. However, there are other examples nation-wide of how
county agencies can be structured to more efficiently share resources yet maintain the
security and certifications required by law enforcement, HIPAA and other regulations.
Perhaps the biggest difficulty in accomplish this is the 'change' itself, as currently
agencies are comfortable with the status quo. Converging technologies, the cost of
Information Technology and shared information sources are going to continue to
complicate the maintaining of completely separate IT infrastructures.
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
Walter K. M. Lau
Managing Director
April 21, 2014
AT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Aupuni Center
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7 - Hilo, Hawaii 967204224
(808) 961-8321 • Fax (808) 961-8630
www.co.hawaii.hi.us
Ms. Susan Maddox, Chair
Cost of Government Commission
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, HI 96720
Subject: Cost of Government Commission
Warren H. W. Lee
Director
Brandon A. K. Gonzalez
Deputy Director
Reference your letter of March 12, 2014, requesting the Department of Public Works' feedback
on:
1. limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient performance of
essential services, activities and functions;
2. eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities and functions;
3. consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4. abolishing services, activities and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct of
government.
The Department of Public Works offers the following:
Enhancing Revenue and Revenue Collections
In an effort to streamline building permit review time and provide a high level of public safety,
measures to "pre -approve" systems for the installation of Photovoltaic (PV) panels on residential
homes has been implemented. Currently seven industry standards have been accepted and
approved for installation without additional architectural or engineering design, review, or
certification. This saves owners and applicants significant time and expense and reduces the
demand on public services for review and approval as well as the long-term benefits of
alternative energy in the County of Hawaii.
Another similar "pre -approval," long-standing in Chapter 5 of the Hawaii County Code relating to
Building, is the Package Home. A pre -approval of a standard design of home allows a rapid
permit review and approval. Large and small examples have been submitted for consideration
and currently three have been approved for,the calendar year of 2014. These range from
$190,000 to $1.2 million single family homes. Designers, developers, lumber yards, and
contractors have been encouraged to submit homes ifor approval. This will encourage rapid
permit approvals and help in employing the construction industry in a consistent manner.
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
COMM. NO. 2014-083
Ms. Susan Maddox, Chair
Cost of Government Commission
April 21, 2014
Page 2
Changing the Way We.Do Business
Technology implemented in March 2012 has resulted in transparency in permit review
processing and inspection results. This allows for better understanding of processing and
addressing concerns quickly and efficiently. As the system grows and becomes fully functional,
the historical data will also be available for review. This will limit the staff demands as the public
will be able to research permit history from the county public web portal. In time, applications
and requests will be made from computers and smart phones to speed communication and
response.
Windward and Leeward offices meet "virtually" each month via tele -conferencing. This provides
the opportunity to coordinate and cooperate standards of review and inspections frequently and
eliminate the need for costly and unnecessary drive times to each office.
The Building Permit Clerks have rescheduled operating hours on certain days for accepting
building permit applications Monday -Friday, 7:45 am to 3:30 pm, except Wednesday in Hilo and
Thursday in Kona to 12:00 noon. This enables the Clerks to out process plans to keep the
process flowing smoothly.
Cost of Government Commission 2010-2011 Recommendation:
- Allow standardized housing that meets the minimum health and safety requirements and
may include such things as minimum square footage, composting toilets and water
catchment. This will save on enforcement fees as well as provide more affordable housing
options for the public.
DPW response: The minimum housing standards for health and safety were not well addressed
with the current code adoption of the International Building Code. The International Residential
Code (IRC) is a well written, prescriptive based, method of addressing standardized residential
construction. Currently, the IRC has been vetted by the State Building Code Council and is
awaiting approval by Governor Abercrombie. The implementation of this code with guidelines
and public education is ongoing and necessary to provide fair, safe, and consistent reviews and
inspections of dwelling at lower cost to home owners and builders in the County. This, in turn,
will provide more affordable housing options to the public that meet the minimums standards.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 961-8324 or by e-mail at
wlee(a-co.hawaii.hi.us.
Nar
y,
W. Lee, P.E.
Director
cc: Randy Kurohara
County ofHawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
atv OF
Duane Kanuha
Director
Bobby Command
Deputy Director
West Hawaii Office East Hawaii Office
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 County of Hawaii Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone (808)'323-4770 - - • - _ Phone (808) 961-8288
Fax (808)327-3563 PLANNING, DEPARTMENT., Fax (sos> 961-8742
North Kohala° `Community. Development Plan Action' Committee
April 15, 2014 ' t
Ms. Susan Maddox, Chair
Cost of Government Commission
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325,
Hilo, Hawai `i 96720
Dear Ms. Maddox,
The Northkol aldCommunity Development Plan Action Committee (NK-CDP,AC, or simply
AC) was -established by County Ordinance 08-151. As stipulated in the County of Hawaii
General Plan, (section 15.1) and theDrdinance, it is administered and staffed by the Planning
Department with the purpose to be a proactive, community-based steward ofthe plan's ,
implementation and update.
Because there are no, organized village or. town governingstructures on our island, the County,
governs the entire island. The Action Committees are thus designed io provide a local -point of
interaction between" community and the County government. This is certainly far less costly
than if we were to organize a formal level of local government by way ofvillages .or townships.
By dividing the island up .into CDP districts, the County can more efficiently address local needs
and concerns as well as mobilize'volunteer groups in a more targeted effective manner.
We understand your mandate io make all County organizations as efficient and economical as
possible. In order to comply with your request we will address each of the four realms in your
query below.
1) limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient performance of
essential services, activities and functions.
The North Kohala Community Development Plan Action Committee (NKCDP-AC) has no
budget. We are unsalaried volunteers and directly spend no County or State money. We. do,,
however, cost the Department of Planning in the form of having a member of their staff
attend our monthly meetings and perform several administrative tasks, such as posting
agendas, minutes, and distributing written materials to the AC members. New members must
also be approved by the Mayor's Office and County Council, sworn in, and familiarized with
the Sunshine Law:
2) eliminating duplication and overlapping of 'services, activities and functions
www.cohplanninizdel2t.com Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@co.hawaii.hi.us
COMM. NO. 2014-084
Ms. Susan Maddox
April, l'5; 2014
Page 2'
Our duties are meant to complement services, activities and functions of several County
departments, including, but not' I mifed to, Planning, Parks and Recreation, Water Supply;'
Transportation and Environmental Quality." Although our efforts may, involve an investment
in`time 'from these depaitments when they deal with us; it is `our firni'belief that we save I&em
considerable time and effort by being proactive in regard to the needs of our area residents
rattier than forcing the departments to figure out what we need and then reacting (sometimes
negatively) to their initiatives. This also substitutes free volunteer labor for expensive 'County
labor.
3) consolidating services, activities and functions of a similar nature; and
4) abolishing services, activities and functions not necessaryto the efficient Oonducf of
government.
Our answer to #2 above indicates that, although you may consolidate services, by abolishing
all CDP -ACs and to some extent reassigning our duties to the Department of Planning: But
this would result in considerable extra time and expense to the County as they assume our
'duties. Combining some area ACs would result in a'muchgreater hardship for the reinaming:'
volunteer `members as +they attempt to address the very different needs of residents"from quite
different districts. Asa resident of North Kohala I have little idea of the needs "in South
Kohala, much less in Puna or Kau: 2 ' '
Either consolidating or abolishing ACs would, in our opinion, fail to "promote economy,
efficiency and improve service" in theCounty Our soliciting the needs and o'pinioris of "'
North Kohala residents; researching alternatives to'meet those needs, working with County
departments to develop plans; jai d prioritizing and coinmunucating'the results; "all for free,' are
a great benefit to -the County: We maintain thaf, as far as the County is concerned, we
currently operate in the`most efficient, productive, and'economical fashion.
Please feel free to contact me or visit our entire committee if you have, further questions.
...
Sincerely,
John'ter,'Chair
North Kohala' Community Development Plan Action Committee
IIVMVH 30 A1Nf100.
CC: Duane Kanuha, Director, Planning Department l3SNnO3 N01MOd800 3Hl d0 3010 I . „
Noz fi 9 NV
GAON
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
BJ Leithead Todd
Director
July 22, 2014
Anne Lee
Chair
Thom Randle
rice Chair
AT
X141u fV of pAnfuntil
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
345 Kekeanflo`a Street, Suite 41, Hilo, HI %720
(808) 961-8083 • Fax (808) %1-8086
Ms. Susan Maddox, Chair
Cost of Government Commission
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel
1901 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Ms. Maddox,
From the perspective of the Environmental Management Commission (EMC), which
acts solely in an advisory role with regard to daily operations of the Department of
Environmental Management (DEM), the DEM is continuously working towards
promoting economy, efficiency and improved service in the transaction of the public
business in the legislative and executive branches of the County and in fulfilling the
mission of the DEM.
Of major significance, are the Department of Environmental Management's efforts in
generating increased revenues through greater efficiency and management of
accounts, contracts and capital improvements. A brief overview is listed below:
1) Consolidating accounts and establishing an agreement with the Department of Water
Supply to terminate water services for non-payment of sewer services charges. Efforts have led
to Bills 194 and 195.
2) Revision of the current sewer rate and implementation of a sewer rate study to
determine an appropriate rate.
3) Improved tracking and billing system for delinquent accounts.
4) Review, overhaul and consolidation of outsourcing contracts.
5) Effective use of State Revolving Funds for capital improvement projects.
COMM. NO. 2014-085
Thank you for your request to participate. Please let us know if you require any additional
information.
Sincerely,
Anne Lee, Chair
Environmental Management Commission
cc: EMC Commission Members
Mayor Kenoi
Director Leithead Todd
Walter K.M. Lau
Managing Director
. . . . . . . ......
Ms. Susan Maddox, Chair
and Members of the Cost of Government Commission
c/o Office of the Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, H196720
BJ Leithead Todd
Director
John A. Medeiros
Deputy Director
Subject: Comments/input from the Department of Environmental Management
Implement software solutions to coordinate collection of tipping fees at the scale house and
insure accounting systems are able to read the data.
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reg�ste� wfflh State Departrnic'�,,,rA oilie;aflth" a� �(d I'.-,�ay reg�s-trador�, Fees f.�o drNer,,n-
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a Increase the annual renewal fee for solid waste haulers and require all haulers to be current
on solid waste bills to reduce delinquencies.
Nk), hm,Ive,, been for'd re',,nc,vval ft.�,es, THs is % rflbnu,0r�g to be
diso,ssed,
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
COMM. NO. 2014-086
Separate positions for heavy equipment operators in the Solid Waste Division who work only
at landfills and don't need a CDL license from those who drive offsite and do need a CDL
license.
'Ms contMt,,es, t(,) L,,,,,e evah.,kateL Sh�mfld t[,,,e q,.,,))era,tr,)rs be �,,Jlaced Mto a se�,,jarate
czid.,egory, 8t HkAy reqUh"e flr�,,e [,6eavy�rators to be p'race , rraoflrie
E err,,t P,�,I(E01,N)" �Vs, 11JS wmfl�,,
fl at Iecmrne EOr tf, "J"Ine
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w"fl,�`w q,-wrators' C 0 a �f, C As EOM,
reqi,)Ored, to ihw,,)e drteh,, CIEN'L wNk,','l,"i ghwies that I, l g'�� fer degn,,'2e, of,,
Impose a fee to be included in each parcel's tax bill to help fund recycling and efficient
management of e -waste disposal.
T�-,ere hz-,,�s 4been,, drsct,.rsson flrfls bUt dhere [,�,as rmt L,,,(,eerrc arC , Va�Uatk)rl ofexactly
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As ,,.,i,,u0ng t, Fh,"ia,nu,"�e M,Od,,' seen �,, r d tr, gr,,,,,r,,e,a,,,r,,,,fi,,"f,,voraWe
77
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Thank you for allowing the department to provide input. If you have any further questions or
need clarification, please don't hesitate to contact me at 961-8083.
&'x
BJ Leitkead Todd
County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.