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REPORT OF THE <br />COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br />DATE: November 14, 2023 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br />TIME: 11:11 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 574/Res. No. 342-23 <br />Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 342-23, reports as follows: <br />Resolution No. 342-23, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Communication No. 574 <br />dated October 26, 2023, creates one new Grant Coordinator position, one new Public Safety Counselor <br />position and one new Human Resources Specialist II position for the Police Department. <br />This resolution establishes three new positions to (1) identify and evaluate potential funding sources, <br />(2) support employees and their families by maintaining a safe and productive work environment, and <br />(3) address the department's personnel expansion. <br />Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked Police Major Aimee Warta to introduce herself. <br />Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz offered her support on this measure and requested that <br />Finance Director Deanna Sako provide a list and details of funds allocated to the Department of <br />Research and Development for grant positions at the upcoming Council meeting. Ms. Kierkiewicz <br />would like to support the Police Department and discuss ways to fund these positions using those <br />allocated funds. <br />Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder commented in support of this measure, and asked if any counseling or support <br />was offered to the staff. Ms. Sako commented that an Employee Assistance Program is offered to all <br />employees within the County, but this would provide additional resources. Ms. Warta commented that <br />the law enforcement and first responder field carries a significant difference in what one might <br />experience or endure day to day than someone in the general public. She stated that having someone <br />familiar with their experiences and stressors would be beneficial. <br />Committee Member Cindy Evans asked if this counselor position should be offered to all first responder <br />departments. Ms. Warta replied that this position would be used for Police, Fire, and EMS (Emergency <br />Medical Services). <br />FC Report No. 111 <br />