HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 112 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. 575/Res. No. 343-23
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 343-23, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 343-23, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Communication No. 575
dated October 26, 2023, creates one new Assistant Controller position for the Department of Finance
This resolution establishes a new position to assist the Controller with the implementation of new
accounting standards statements and the new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, as well as
address additional requirements for the Employee's Retirement System.
Committee Member Cindy Evans commented on the numerous vacant positions within the County and
the difficulty in filling those positions. She asked Finance Director Deanna Sako to explain why this
position was being created. Ms. Sako stated that the County is growing, and numerous reporting needs
to be done in the Finance office. Ms. Sako commented that with a growing County, the department
needs to grow to meet the demands of the public. Without the employees, services would not be
provided.
Committee Member Heather Kimball commented on the hiring of this position and how it will line up
with adopting a new program.
Ms. Sako stated that they are working on the position description so that they may move ahead quickly
and hopes to be under contract with a new program vendor by the end of the calendar year. Ms. Sako
stated that the Controller or the Assistant Controller could work on the ERP, but there would need to be
an audit of the financial statements as well, and it would be challenging for a brand new person to come
in and help with the ERP and know all of the requirements of our system. Ms. Sako told Ms. Kimball
that they hope to have someone on board by the beginning of the calendar year, but it would depend on
how the Department of Human Resources is doing at that time.
Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder commented in support of this measure. He acknowledged
that Ms. Sako rarely requests positions before the Council, and when she does, she has a good reason for
it. He stated that Ms. Sako may be requesting this to support the Finance Department before she moves
into her new role.
FC Report No. 112
FC -112 Page 2 November 14, 2023
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 343-23, and
recommends its adoption.
1kh
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
MATT KANE I`I-KLEINFELDER,
CHAIR
FC REPORT 10.: 112
ADOPTED: DEC ® 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 10.: 112
ADOPTED: DEC ® 6 2023