HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 059 2016/03/16 (2014-2016)REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: March 16, 2016 Re: Comm. No. 739/Res. No. 440-16
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kona, I lawai`i
TIME: 10:45 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 440-16, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 440-16, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sake, via Comm. No. 739
dated February 29, 2016, commits to funding the cost items awarded by arbitration to Hawaii
Government Employees Association (HGEA) Unit 14 for the contract period July 1, 2015 through
June 30, 2017.
Cost items delineated in the exhibits attached to the resolution presents across-the-board increases,
step movements, and lump sum payments for Ocean Safety and Water Safety Officers.
Human Resources Director Sharon Toriano explained that this newly created bargaining unit moved
Water Safety Officers from Bargaining Unit 3 to the new Bargaining Unit 14. She stated that the
arbitration panel came to the agreement, as provided in this resolution. Ms. Toriano stated that
during negotiations the Human Resources Office represented the Mayor, and during arbitration, the
Director of Finance testified as to the financial position of the County.
Several Council Members commented and that we should approve the decision of the arbitrators,
and also inquired as to the ramifications if it were rejected and how it would impact personnel.
Fire Department Battalion Chief Gerald Kosaki stated that these Water Safety Officers put their lives
at risk and have saved numerous lives. He further stated that during this past year there has been a
lot of big surf with the officers entering impact zones on rescue watercrafts on a daily basis. Chief
Kosaki explained that these officers were formerly a part of Bargaining Units 3 and 4, which is a
classification for clerical workers. With this new bargaining unit they are classified as life savers,
and with this contract their pay is increased, they are recognized, and given a sense of
professionalism.
Ms. Toriano commented that if the cost items are rejected by council, it would return to negotiations,
and a reaction from the unions can be anticipated. Ms. Toriano further stated that she has not yet
seen such a rejection by council.
The vote was taken on the motion to approve and passed with nine ayes
FC Report No.: 59
FC -59 Page 2 March 16, 2016
Pursuant to Section 46-7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, County departments must obtain the consent of
the Council to enter into agreements with the Federal or State governments or any other public body
or bodies respecting action to be taken pursuant to any powers granted by law to furnish, expend,
and receive any funds or other assistance in connection with projects being or to be undertaken
pursuant to those powers.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 440-16, and
recommends its adoption.
m
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
KAREN EOFF, CHAI
FC REPORT NO.: 59
ADOPTED: APR 0 6 2016
AYES NOES ABS EX
CHUNG
X
DAVID
X
EOFF
X
ILAGAN
X
KANUHA
X
ONISHI
X
PALEKA
X
POINDEXTER
X
WILLE
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
KAREN EOFF, CHAI
FC REPORT NO.: 59
ADOPTED: APR 0 6 2016