HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 163 2022/05/31 2020-2022 i
REPORT OFT E
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: May 31, 2022 Re: Comm. No. 809/Bill No. 173
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 1:09 P.M.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance,to which was referred Bill No. 173,reports as follows:
Bill No. 173, transmitted by Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz via Communication No. 809
dated May 13, 2022, initiates an amendment to Article III, Section 3-18 of the Hawaii County Charter
(2020 edition),relating to the Office of the County Auditor.
This bill adds investigations of reports of fraud, waste, and abuse within County operations as an
authorized function of the Office of the County Auditor.
Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz provided a brief background of the measure.
Per Committee Member Susan L. K. Lee Loy's request, County Auditor Tyler J. Benner elaborated On
how the charter amendment would enable the department to operate more efficiently.
Per Committee Member Heather L. Kimball's request, Mr. Benner stated that the determination to
pursue an investigation versus an audit can be accomplished through the annual audit plan.
Per Ms. Kierkiewicz's request, Mr. Benner stated that he does not know whether the individual
progressing inquiries is a licensed investigator. Mr. Benner then clarified that the individual will have
to prorate an amount of continuing professional education in the specialty.
Per Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder's request, Mr. Benner stated that the bill as it is
currently written allows his office the flexibility to make its own determinations. Mr. Benner further
provided that his office has received about 20 calls on the hotline thus far.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 173, and recommends
its passage on first reading.
are
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID X COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
INABA X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL X MATT KANEA I`I- EINFELDER, CHAIR
LEE LOY X
RICHARDS X FC REPORT NO.: 163
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: JUN 1 5 2022