HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 111 2023/11/14 2022-2024REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: November 14, 2023
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 11:11 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 574/Res. No. 342-23
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 342-23, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 342-23, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Communication No. 574
dated October 26, 2023, creates one new Grant Coordinator position, one new Public Safety Counselor
position and one new Human Resources Specialist II position for the Police Department.
This resolution establishes three new positions to (1) identify and evaluate potential funding sources,
(2) support employees and their families by maintaining a safe and productive work environment, and
(3) address the department's personnel expansion.
Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked Police Major Aimee Warta to introduce herself.
Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz offered her support on this measure and requested that
Finance Director Deanna Sako provide a list and details of funds allocated to the Department of
Research and Development for grant positions at the upcoming Council meeting. Ms. Kierkiewicz
would like to support the Police Department and discuss ways to fund these positions using those
allocated funds.
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder commented in support of this measure, and asked if any counseling or support
was offered to the staff. Ms. Sako commented that an Employee Assistance Program is offered to all
employees within the County, but this would provide additional resources. Ms. Warta commented that
the law enforcement and first responder field carries a significant difference in what one might
experience or endure day to day than someone in the general public. She stated that having someone
familiar with their experiences and stressors would be beneficial.
Committee Member Cindy Evans asked if this counselor position should be offered to all first responder
departments. Ms. Warta replied that this position would be used for Police, Fire, and EMS (Emergency
Medical Services).
FC Report No. 111
FC -111 Page 2 November 14, 2023
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 342-23, and
recommends its adoption.
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Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
MATT KANE I`I-KLEINFELDER,
CHAIR
FC REPORT NO.: 111
ADoPTED: DEC 0 6 2023
AYES NOES ABS EX
EVANS
X
GALIMBA
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
LEE LOY
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
MATT KANE I`I-KLEINFELDER,
CHAIR
FC REPORT NO.: 111
ADoPTED: DEC 0 6 2023