HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 056 2017/10/17 (2016-2018) 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
FC-56 Page 2 October 17, 2017
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 71, and
recommends passage on first reading.
dm
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
EOFF X
KANUHA X
LEE LOY X
O'HARA X
POINDEXTER x AILE DAVID, CHAIR
RICHARDS X FC REPORT NO.: 56
RUGGLES X ADOPTED: NOV 0 2 2017