HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 034 2015/09/01 (2014-2016) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: September 1, 2015 Re: Comm. No. 422/Bill No. 78
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai`i
TIME: 11:20 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 78, reports as follows:
Bill No. 78, transmitted by Council Member Greggor Ilagan, via Communication No. 422, dated
July 28, 2015, amends Chapter 2, Article 16, Section 2-98 of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), relating to travel and other expenses.
On August 18, 2015, Council Member Greggor Ilagan introduced this bill with the desire to clarify
exceptions.
Council Member Margaret Wille commented that accountability and transparency is not being
addressed and suggested postponement, then expressed her wish to bring an amendment with more
accountability and transparency forward.
Legislative Auditor Bonnie Nims came forward and stated that Mr. Ilagan's language has some
benefit and commented that there could be some additional language of when an exception can take
place and what constitutes a "clear public benefit". Ms. Nims also explained that most reasonable
people understand what a clear public benefit means and they defer to management.
Council Member Maile David inquired regarding the "public purpose" part of this bill and whether
it should be further defined to describe or define public purposes. Ms. David further commented
that public purpose is understood, and that there are checks and balances for the chair to make
determinations. Ms. David then stated that if the Ms. Nims feels the bill should be vetted further
based on the audit, that she will support the postponement.
This measure was then postponed to the September 1, 2015, Finance Committee meeting.
On September 1, 2015, Council Member Margaret Wille moved to amend this bill with the
contents of Communication 422.2, and explained that this new language provides more
transparency.
Finance Director Deanna Sako came forward and stated that she had no objection to the amendment
contained in this communication.
FC Report No. 34
FC-34 Page 2 September 1, 2015
Council Member Maile David, thanked Ms. Wille for coming forward with a clearer amendment
and further commented that Ms. Sako's non-objection to the amendment was sufficient for her.
Chair Eoff stated that the language in section 2-98(b)(4) of Communication No. 422.2 was circular.
Mr. Ilagan and Mr. Chung concurred. Mr. Chung and Ms. Wille both mentioned that they would
look at cleaning up the language.
Bill 78 was then amended with the contents of Communication No. 422.2.
Council Member Paleka expressed his approval for the intent of this measure, however, shared his
concern that gifts may not be allowed when purchased without pre-authorization. Ms. Wille replied
that "prior" authorization is not included in the bill.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 78, as amended as
Draft 2, and forwards it to Council with a positive recommendation.
wb
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
EOFF X
KANUHA
ILAGAN X X
ONISHI X _
PALEKA x KAREN EOFF, CHAI
POINDEXTER X FC REPORT NO.: 34
WILLE X J ADOPTED: OcT 0 7_?015