HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0376.007 2024-2026 �gVf0F M1
Ashley L. Kierkiewicz '''�� James E. Hustace
Council District 4 Council District 9
District 4 Puna `' '' District 9 North&South Kohala
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Phone: (808) 961-8265 *F';;•N►+' Phone: (808) 887-6077
ashlev.kierkiewicz@hawaiicounbB.gov fames.hustaceghawaiicounty.Qov
HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street Hilo,Hawaii 96720
DATE: October 7, 2025
TO: Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Council Chair
and Members of the Hawaii County Council
FROM: l(-3 Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Council Member m
District 4
'James Hustace, Council Member
District 9
SUBJECT: Preliminary Cost Estimate for Bill 68
Attached for your reference is the preliminary cost estimate prepared by the Finance Department
regarding Bill 68.
Mahalo.
AKIJH:kj
Att.
Comm. No. 91 6. t
Ref. To:—. Q L`}E.K
Ref. Date— 2025
Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
JMtV 0
C. Kinto Alameda,Ph.D. Diane Nakagawa
Mayor Director
5�
William V.Brilhante,Jr. ?..0 'I 5 , ..,
Mafia A.Kekai
Managing Director Deputy Director
County of Hawaili
Finance Department
25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2103 * Hilo,Hawaii 96720
(808)961-8234 e Fax(808)961-8569
October 6, 2025
Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Council Chair and
Members of the Hawaii County Council
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Preliminary Cost Estimate—Bill 68, Building Department
RELATING TO THE CREATION OF A DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING: The Building Division is one
of six divisions currently located in the Department of Public Works.Bill 68 proposes a charter amendment to
move certain Building and Engineering Division functions that issues permits, conducts inspection of building
and construction activities, investigates complaints and enforces building, electrical,plumbing,fire or other
building related codes, initiate amendments to building, electrical,plumbing,or other building related codes and
performs other related such duties and functions as may be necessary or required pursuant to law. According to
this bill,the new Department of Building is to be led by an individual appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by the
Council, and may be removed by the Mayor.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE: The proposed amendment will require transferring staff from the
Department of Public Works Building Division's Inspection section, and the Engineering Division's Building
Design and Engineering and Construction Inspection sections to the Department of Building,the establishment
of I I new positions,the build-out and lease of two locations(East Hawaii and West Hawaii)and all equipment
necessary for the establishment of new office space. The proposed bill also includes the establishment of a
Building Codes Commission.
The estimated S&W increase is $1,3 39,100 including fringe benefits for I I new positions(Director, Deputy
Director and administrative positions needed for the new department). Approximately$245,000 is needed for
one-time expenses including equipment. OCE would increase by an estimated $540,000 per year for the lease of
office space (East Hawai'i and West Hawaii)based on current average lease rates. This does not include build
out cost of these spaces which previous estimates in 2022 were approximately$4.3 million and expected to
increase. The anticipated cost of the added commission is $6,000 annually.
Estimated first year costs total a minimum of$6.4 million and the ongoing increase to annual S&W and OCE
costs total approximately$1.9 million.
If there are an questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 961-8092.
(a7 V —
Diane Nakag a
Director of of F nce
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider