HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0407.004 1996-1998 August 20, 1997 ~
Julie Jacobson aO~- -------------~'--`^~~-Z--
County Council
P.O. Box 900
Kurtistown, HI 96760
Phone 808-966-8831, E-mail jacobs(c~~geaorg
Hawaii County Council Members
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni St.
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Council Members,
I reviewed Resolution 131-97 which establishes a policy for the Council's Independent
Audit, the Mandatory Program Review, and an Expanded Research and Special Studies
Program. I feel that this legislation is seriously flawed and passing it would be worse
than doing nothing. Resolution 131-97 `s fundamental flaw is the abdication of County
Council's powers and responsibilities to the Mayor in the audit and review process.
This problem is exemplified by:
1) Funding of audits is dependent on mayoral approval.
2.) The Legislative Auditor, an appointed position, controls the whole procedure.
3. ~ Approval of an audit is decided by the Mayor.
4.) The Mayor has the power to add or remove information from an audit or review.
5.) The Mayor controls what is included in the final audit and review documents, and
even whether such documents are released within the County Government.
6.) Sunshine Law requirements are circumvented, denying public senrtiny of these
processes.
7.) There is no provision for the public to petition for audits and program reviews.
8.) There are numerous technical flaws within this draft that require correction. One
such example is the failure to execute performance reviews within four years as provided
for in the Hawaii County Charter.
In summary, Resolution 131-97 is adversarial to the principle of checks and balances
between the Legislative and the administrative branches of County government. This
resolution doesn't provide for real critical evaluation of existing programs. It is against
the best interest of the public. Thank you for your attention to my comments.
Sincerely,
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Julie Jacobson lyo~_~_.
x« A v 17
Presented C.e~.v~-~`
Rec. 301
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