2018-08-27 Pension Board Meeting Minutes

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Mr. Masuda stated that we could approve the application at this time and authorize the Finance Department,to determine his pension amount based upon his last paycheck. So, we could approve the pension amount now, but the actual amount of his pension will be determined upon his last paycheck. (See attached Findings and Award of Pension, dated September 12, 2018). Ms. Neil asked for a motion to approve Mr. Taira's application at this time. Ms. Sousa made a motion to approve the pension application of Mr. Taira and the amount would be based on his last paycheck. Seconded by Mr. Hamamoto. Mr. Hamamoto asked for assurance that the Finance Department has approved Mr. Taira's application in its entirety excluding the final amount and that there were no other impediments. Ms. Oshiro replied that the Finance Department approved the application with the criteria provided in our packets to cover all other areas of concern. Ms. Sousa inquired, for clarification purposes, when an application is presented to the Pension Board, that the Finance Department has already verified all the information provided by the applicant as well as his/her department/division. The motion was carried by the following vote: AYES: Board Members Hamamoto, Ikeda, Sousa, and Chair Neill—4. 2. Mr. Masuda stated Item No. 2, Hawai`i County Charter Commission—Seeking Input(whether or not the County Charter affects the Pension Board's role and operations and any proposals that the board would have for the Charter Commission). Ms. Neill asked for any input from the Pension Board. Ms. Sako stated that the Pension Board is mentioned in Section 6-6.4 and Section 13-4 of the County Charter, and said basically, it follows the language in the HRS which requires the duties and the function of the Pension Board. The recommendation from the Finance Department would be to leave the language, "as is", but welcomed the board to discuss this matter and give feedback, if any, to the Charter Commission Ms. Sousa suggested that we should accept the recommendation by the Finance Department. Mr. Hamamoto asked if this meant that the board has no suggestions at this time. Ms. Sako reiterated, no suggested changes. Mr. Masuda also suggested that we file this communication without any further response to the Charter Commission and ask the Finance Director to give her written response to the Charter Commission stating the Pension Board has no input. Ms. Neil asked for a motion to file Item No. 2 (Charter Commission inquiry). At this time, Ms. Sousa made a motion to ask Finance Director Deanna Sako, on behalf of the Pension Board to follow the recommendations provided by the Finance Department and give our input to the Charter Commission. Seconded by Mr. Hamamoto. Page 2