HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-07-26 Cost of Government Commission minutes
COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
c/o Office of the Mayor, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603
Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
REGULAR SESSION – MINUTES
July 26, 2018
Hawai’i County Building
Puna Conference Room
Hilo, Hawai’i
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Jenipher Jones at 9:13 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Ross Birch
Jenipher Jones, Chair
Lenard Allen
Barbara Arthurs
Harry McIntosh III
Gregory Larson
Genevieve Woo
Absent:
Margarita Hopkins
David Buehler
A quorum was present.
Also Present:
Malia Hall, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Kaycie Saiki, Office of the Mayor (substituting for Dennis Kauka, Jr.)
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS (Open to the Public)
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Commissioner Birch and seconded by Commissioner Arthurs that the
minutes of the May 24, 2018, regular session be approved. The minutes of the June 14
and June 28 meetings will be approved at the next meeting when the members are able
to review both drafts.
DISCUSSION OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH DEPARTMENTS FOR
SUBCOMMITTEE WORK
Chair Jones stated that the Mayor’s office was working on a letter to the Department
Heads introducing the Cost of Government Commission. Once this letter is received,
approved, and sent out by the COG then they can reach out to them. The letter should
explain their responsibilities and needs.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Culture and Recreation
Commissioner Arthurs stated that she was surprised on the generosity and
support given to non-profits from the County.
Chair Jones mentioned that she spoke with Council member Lee Loy who
informed her of concerns with “vetting” and funding non-profit organizations.
Commissioner McIntosh explained the non-profit procedures with the County
Council.
Commissioner Woo mentioned that non-profits seek funds from various
departments.
Commissioner McIntosh explained that the county is mandated. Commissioner
Allen agreed and mentioned that the council’s contingency funds are also utilized.
Commissioner Larson recommended that the county conduct a 2-year review to
reestablish if the money is still needed.
Commissioners discussed their concerns on funding for the Hilo Municipal Golf
Course and other options. Chair Jones reported on the cost, number of
members, and funding. The county owned golf course is the only one on Hawai’i
Island. The commission agreed that the golf course would be more profitable in
West Hawai’i. The members here have no benefits. The golf course may have
been more profitable in the past but may not be viable today. It may be time to
consider other revenue sources for this area. Chair Jones added that it was
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particularly hard to find member fees and where to find them published/posted.
When she later inquired on the information, it was written down for her.
Commissioners remarked on the Panawea Zoo perfect location. They will review
that location another time.
Health, Education and Welfare
Public Safety and Miscellaneous
Sanitation
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The COG commission’s next agenda must include past minutes and have them
approved.
Reminder to Dennis Kauka, Jr. draft COG letter to Department Heads. This letter
needs to be sent ASAP for the COG commission to move forward. Draft letter
should be emailed to Chair before next commission meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting ended at 9:55 a.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
_________________________
Kaycie Saiki
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