HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1067.003 2006-2008
A HAWAII DIVISION
495 Manono Street
- Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4422 Telephone: 808.935.6841 Hawaii Government Employees Association
Working Together for Hawaii www.hgea.org Facsimile: 808.961.2437 AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO
County Council
County of Hawaii
Testimony by
HGEA/AFSCME Local 152
March 25, 2008
Bill 262 - 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
The Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME, Local 152, AFL-CIO opposes Bill 262 in its
present form. As drafted, Bill 262 would establish an independent audit function through the Office of
the Legislative Auditor. Our objection to the bill is not the establishment of an independent audit function
or the creation of a legislative auditor appointed by the County Council, but the appointment of staff
persons who would be exempt from civil service laws and classifications.
As a matter of policy, we are routinely opposing the creation of exempt positions. Exempting employees
from civil service creates a second class of employees within our bargaining units. This is a problem
because exempt employees who encounter unfair management practices may be dismissed or
disciplined without cause and do not have access to due process or appeals. It also discourages
experienced and well-qualified civil servants from applying for such positions because of the exemption
from civil service.
If the staff of the Legislative Auditor was included within civil service, we could support the bill. Thank
you for the opportunity to provide testimony on Bill 262.
Respectfully submitted,
Jtirvu~
Sharon Morris
Hawaii Division Chief
Gomm. Na /047-3
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Ref. Date .{MAR-25-2AA6-