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REPORT OF THE <br />COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br />DATE: March 16, 2016 Re: Comm. No. 739/Res. No. 440-16 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Kona, I lawai`i <br />TIME: 10:45 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 440-16, reports as follows: <br />Resolution No. 440-16, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sake, via Comm. No. 739 <br />dated February 29, 2016, commits to funding the cost items awarded by arbitration to Hawaii <br />Government Employees Association (HGEA) Unit 14 for the contract period July 1, 2015 through <br />June 30, 2017. <br />Cost items delineated in the exhibits attached to the resolution presents across-the-board increases, <br />step movements, and lump sum payments for Ocean Safety and Water Safety Officers. <br />Human Resources Director Sharon Toriano explained that this newly created bargaining unit moved <br />Water Safety Officers from Bargaining Unit 3 to the new Bargaining Unit 14. She stated that the <br />arbitration panel came to the agreement, as provided in this resolution. Ms. Toriano stated that <br />during negotiations the Human Resources Office represented the Mayor, and during arbitration, the <br />Director of Finance testified as to the financial position of the County. <br />Several Council Members commented and that we should approve the decision of the arbitrators, <br />and also inquired as to the ramifications if it were rejected and how it would impact personnel. <br />Fire Department Battalion Chief Gerald Kosaki stated that these Water Safety Officers put their lives <br />at risk and have saved numerous lives. He further stated that during this past year there has been a <br />lot of big surf with the officers entering impact zones on rescue watercrafts on a daily basis. Chief <br />Kosaki explained that these officers were formerly a part of Bargaining Units 3 and 4, which is a <br />classification for clerical workers. With this new bargaining unit they are classified as life savers, <br />and with this contract their pay is increased, they are recognized, and given a sense of <br />professionalism. <br />Ms. Toriano commented that if the cost items are rejected by council, it would return to negotiations, <br />and a reaction from the unions can be anticipated. Ms. Toriano further stated that she has not yet <br />seen such a rejection by council. <br />The vote was taken on the motion to approve and passed with nine ayes <br />FC Report No.: 59 <br />