HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 256 06/30/1998 1996-1998 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: June 30, 1998 Re: Comm. No. 894/Bill No. 265
PLACE: Councilroom
TIME: 10:30 A.M.
Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 265, reports as follows:
Bill No. 265, transmitted by Corporation Counsel Richard Wurdeman, via Communication
No. 894, dated June 15, 1998, amends Chapter 2 of the Hawaii County Code, 1983 (1995
edition), by adding a new article relating to claims and actions against County officers,
employees and former employees.
Bill No. 265 proposes to clarify present law regarding the question of discretion of the County to
pay damages, including punitive damages, which might be adjudged against employees acting in
good faith and in the course and scope of their employment. Because of the possibility that
punitive damages might be assessed, the County has been compelled to retain private counsel for
employees named in lawsuits, to avoid contlicts of interest. In many cases, this has resulted in
expenditures for legal fees that far outweigh the magnitude of the case itself. This bill will make
clear that the Council has the authority to indemnify employees for acts done in the course and
scope of their employment, in good faith, when it is in the best interest of the County to do so.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 265 and
recommends it pass first reading.
wi
ayes rvo,~A n&e ex Respectfully submitted
CHUNG X
LEITHEAD-TODD x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
RAY 7( ,
SANTANGELO X 3~1
SMITH X ~ ~
TYLER x AARON S.Y. CHUN ,CHAIR
YAGONG x FC REPORT NO. 256
ARAKAKI, E.O.M. AllOPTED: ~TS-a8A@