HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 063 03/11/2008 2006-2008 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
DATE: March 11, 2008 Re: Comm. No. 1067Bi11262
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78-128 Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 9:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred
Communication No. 1067, regarding Bill 262, reports as Follows:
Bi11262, transmitted by Council member Brenda J. Ford via Communication 1067 proposing an
Ordinance to Initiate an Amendment to Article III, Legislative Branch, County Council, of the
Hawaii County Charter (2000), To Reorganize the Office of the County Clerk and County
Council by Establishing an Independent Audit Function within the Legislative Branch Through
the Office of the Legislative Auditor.
Committee Chair Brenda J. Ford relinquished her seat to Vice-Chair Dominic Yagong.
Council member Ford stated the purpose of this ordinance is to reorganize the office of the
County Clerk and County Council by establishing an independent audit function within the
legislative branch through the office of the legislative auditor. Since there is a growing demand
for accountability in government by taxpayers, voters and the public as a whole, this is especially
critical if an audit of the County Council is needed. Establishing a level of independence for the
legislative auditor allows the auditing function to move forward impartially and fairly. She seeks
the support of her colleagues on this proposed bill.
There was no public testimony presented on this proposed bill.
Legislator Auditor Colleen Shrandt explained the use of the "Government Auditing Standards"
which is currently being used by her office since becoming the auditor. Council member Ford
refers to Communication 1067, referencing the selected pages from the "Government Auditing
Standards (July 2007 Revision)" manual which covers some of the issues proposed in this
legislation.
Discussion and comments among your committee members such as: 1) Who does the
independent legislative auditor report to as they remain under the County Clerks Office? 2) As
defined in the Government Auditing Standard manual, what does the professional peer review
group do? 3) How will this benefit the Council? Ms. Shrandt explained the peer review group
would conducts an inspection every three to four years using the Government Auditing Standard.
PW1RC RPT NO. 63
Page 2 Communication No. 1067 / Bill 262
Council Vice Chair Angel Pilago applauded applying this professional proficiency to hold the
organization to a high level of accountability. Ms. Shrandt also added that an effective and
efficient government for the public good is a benefit to the Council.
Discussion by your committee arose on Communication 1067.1, dated March 11, 2008 from
Mr. Michael Ben, Director of Human Resources on comments as listed in his letter. He pointed
out that the proposed charter amendment raises certain issues as to the civil service or exempt
status of the legislative auditor and staff. He suggested that amendments be made to provide that
the County Council will also prescribe other duties and responsibilities of the legislative auditor
and the auditor's staff in support of the Council legislative function to preserve the exemption
already established.
County Clerk Casey Jarman agreed to work with Corporation Counsel on these concerns, and if
the proposed ordinance to the charter amendment is passed, the proposed amendments will be
brought forward at first reading. Council member Ford stated that she will bring the proposed
amendment forward to Bi11262 at the first reading.
Council member Ford further clarified that this charter amendment is adding a layer of
independence to the legislative auditor's position, there is no additional hiring of personnel or
contracting of independent audits.
Council member Donald Ikeda commented he is in support of this, but also added that the
independent auditing function could also be contracted out, as Committee Vice Chair
Dominc Yagong stated.
For informational purposes, Committee Vice Chair Yagong voted kanalua twice.
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Bi11262, and recommends passage on first reading.
dkr
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
FORD X
HIGA X COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
HOFFMANN X INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
IKEDA X ~~.l~R~~_
JACOBSON X
NAEOLE X BRENDA J. FORD, CHAIR
PILAGO X
YAGONG X PWIRC REPORT NO. 63
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: MAR Z 5 2408
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