2018-06-14 Cost of Government Commission minutes

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Cost of Government Commission June 14, 2018 meeting minutes It may be worth the County exploring working with State and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to have real property tax applied to structures and lands that sit on Hawaiian homes acres. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Woo motioned to postpone approval of minutes from April 26, 2018 and May 24 meetings since drafts had not yet been prepared. Commissioner Arthurs seconded. Motion approved unanimously by voice vote – 8 ayes, 1 absent REVIEW OF RESPONSE FROM MAYOR HARRY KIM TO COMMISSION’S REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF TIME PERIOD TO CONDUCT THEIR FINDINGS AND SUBMIT REPORT Deputy Corporation Counsel Ronald Kim explained that he advised the Office of Corporation Counsel on the Commission’s request for an extension of time period to submit a report. Counsel “was not eager” to take that approach. Their position is that the subcommittee idea would be a suitable process at this time. Mr. Kim advised the Commission proceed with forming the ad-hoc subcommittees, allow time for that to progress and reevaluate if the request would be necessary in the future. Commissioners expressed continued concerns over the time frame considering the availability of County officials and staff who are critical in providing them with pertinent information to formulate meaningful recommendations. The eruption response efforts by the County has been widespread and understandably time-consuming. As a result of counsel suggestions, Commissioners discussed ways and possible actions to best approach their work without an extension: Commissioner Buehler motioned to amend Commission rules by changing their regular th meeting times from twice a month to once on the 4 Thursday of every month, all in Hilo, starting in July through to March 2019 with the time between regular meetings used for subcommittee work. Commissioner Woo seconded. Discussion: Commissioner Arthurs requested a letter be sent to County departments and agencies advising of the subcommittee work as drafted by Chairperson Jones. Commissioner Allen suggested that the “texture” of the letter may change to include language that requests cooperation from County departments and staff. The Office of the Mayor will compose a memorandum on letterhead to better leverage the communication. Motion approved by voice vote – 8 ayes, 1 absent Commissioner Buehler motioned that all regular meetings end at 12:00 p.m. and any remaining items that were not addressed be tabled until the next meeting. Commissioner Allen seconded. Discussion: In light of new scheduling changing all meetings to one location, this will help those travelling from other areas of the island schedule other responsibilities. Motion approved by voice vote – 8 ayes, 1 absent 2