REP FC 056 2017/10/17 (2016-2018)

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: October 17, 2017 Re: Comm. No. 509/Bill No. 71 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i TIME: 12:53 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 71, reports as follows: Bill No. 71, transmitted by Finance Director Collins Tomei, via Communication No. 509 dated September 29, 2017, amends Ordinance No. 17-40, as amended, relating to public improvements and financing thereof for the fiscal year July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. This bill adds the Civil Defense Microwave System Replacement project for $3 million to the Capital Budget. Funds for this project shall be provided from the General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund—Fund Balance and/or Other Sources. Funds would be used to replace the County's microwave system at 19 radio sites located around the island. Council Member Susan Lee Loy asked for an understanding of the microwave system and what needs to be repaired. John Drummond, Civil Defense Administrative Officer, explained that the current system was installed in 2006 and connects all of the radio sets, allowing the dispatcher in Hilo to talk to a police officer in Kona. The manufacturer informed the agency that they will no longer provide replacement parts after December 31, 2020, and was advised to find replacement parts through Ebay. At this time, they would like to get started on purchasing a new system because the microwave system is a vital component of public safety. Ms. Lee Loy inquired as to whether there was any kind of assurance they will not run into the same problem down the road of the system becoming obsolete. Mr. Drummond responded that 14-20 years is typical for an electronic system, and will try to delay the procurement so that it is as close to the installation date as possible and not stock the equipment two to three years before installing it. He also stated that this system will integrate with Police and Fire departments, as they discuss and maintain communication with other departments to ensure the purchase will integrate well. Pursuant to Section 10-6(e) of the Hawai`i County Charter, at any time during the fiscal year, the Council, by ordinance adopted by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the entire membership, may amend the budget for that year. FC Report No. 56