HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0636.005 1996-1998 a+~~ ^'.qq, Virginia Goldstein
Stephen K. Yamashiro = y6iic, nirecv,r
Russell Kukubun
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PLANNING DEPARTMENT
25 Aupuni BVeet, Raom 109 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720.4252
(808) 9b1-8288 • Faz (808) 961-8742
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MEMORANDUM `
February 12, 1998
TO: Connie Kiriu, Le~gisla~tive Auditor
FROM: Russell Kokub n6 ,Deputy Planning Director
SUBJECT: Response to a letter from the Legislative Auditor dated January 23, 1998,
RE: Bill 180, Draft 2, Authorizing the Issuance of $40 Million in General
Obligation Bonds
In response to specific questions from the Legislative Auditor's letter, the following
explanations aze offered:
Question B.l.a.: With the understanding that the current available capital
improvement funds have been appropriated for projects already
approved, the proposed projects lack any funding source other
than the $40 Million authorization request.
Question B. l.b.: The process to develop the projects in terms of design, bid and
construction will not proceed until the funding source is
authorized.
Question B.l.c.: The consequences of delaying the process varies per individual
project. For instance, some highway projects require county
funds to match Federal grants or projects such as the Hilo
Landfill Closure and Kealakehe Effluent Disposal aze driven by
Federal compliance requirements. Other projects initiated by the
Departments of Parks & Recreation, Fire and Police are proposed
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Connie Kiriu, Legislative Auditor
Page 2
February 12, 1998
to meet the increasing needs of our community. Department
Heads are better prepazed to respond to specific questions of this
nature.
Question B.2.: As a general policy, this Administration consistently attempts to
leverage County funds in terms of qualifying and gaining access
to available "matching funds" from either State or Federal
funding programs. Similarly, other potential funding tools such
as Improvement Districts or Special Revenue Bonds aze also
explored for applicability. Department Heads are better prepazed
to explain what other specific funding measures were considered.
Question B.3.: The most obvious benefit will be that our Big Island community
will gain much needed infrastructure improvements to enhance
our quality of life and improve the county's ability to provide
services. The other very important aspect to consider is the
economic stimulation created in terms of new construction.
Attached is a current list of projects that the Bond Authorization is to fund.
It is our hope that this information will be helpful in your deliberations regarding the proposed
Bond Authorization. We are ready to work with you to improve our community.
Thank you.
RK:pak
wpwin60\pat\bond
Attachments
cc: Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro
Harry Takahashi, Finance Director
Virginia Goldstein, Planning Director
Donna Kiyosaki, Chief Engineer
George Yoshida, Parks & Recreation Director
Nelson Tsuji, Fire Chief
Wayne Carvalho, Police Chief
Edwin Taira, OHCD
CIP Projects To Be Considered For
Financing by proposed $40 MILLION BOND Issue
County Federal
Share Match
1. East Hawaii Landfill Closure, Materials Recovery Facility & $12,000,000 $252,000
Long Haul Transfer Station (Fines and loss of other Federal
funds if project not completed)
2. Police 800 Megahertz Conversion (Prior appropriation, $8,000,000
Police radio system is 40% of the COH System, failure to
convert will result in communication problems in the delivery
of essential services; to complement $4 Million State CIP)
3. ADA Compliance Projects (Federal Mandate, COH already $500,000
party to lawsuit for facilities failing to comply)
4. Road Improvements Projects (ISTEA matching)
Lanikaula/Kilauea Intersection $300,000 $1,100,000
Komohana Street Widening $500,000 $4,000,000
Kuakini Highway Improvements $500,000 $5,200,000
Waikoloa Road $190,000 $760,000
Mohouli Street $800,000 $3,200,000
5. Safety Improvements to COH Facilities (prior appropriations)$16,000,000
(Drainage improvements in all disticts, Road safety
improvements in several districts, Improvements to
buildings/facilities mandated by State or Federal law,
mandated by lawsuits, etc.)
TOTAL $38,790,000 $14,512,000