Honolulu Council approves $37K for emergency services electronic records upgrade

In a recent Honolulu City Council meeting, significant discussions centered around the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025, highlighting key financial transfers and the implications for city services. The council reviewed several resolutions aimed at addressing budgetary shortfalls and improving operational efficiency within various departments.

One of the primary topics was the transfer of $37,452.32 from the Honolulu Emergency Services Department to fund the development of a new electronic medical record system. Deputy Director Ian Santi explained that the current system is outdated, having been in use for over 15 years. This initial funding is crucial for modernizing health services records, which are essential for managing employee health data. Although this expense was not included in the original budget, it was deemed necessary due to the prolonged effort to secure a new vendor.

Another significant resolution involved a transfer of $13.5 million from various administrative services to the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) to cover salary shortages. Assistant Chief Ryan Nishbone clarified that the transfer was necessary due to staffing shortfalls and operational needs throughout the year. The council noted that last year’s budget had experienced lapses, leading to the current need for additional funds. The discussion revealed concerns about the frequency of such transfers and the unpredictability of staffing needs within the department.

Council members expressed a desire for greater clarity on the budgeting process, particularly regarding the recurring need for large transfers from the administrative services pool. They emphasized the importance of tracking these financial movements to ensure that funds are utilized effectively and that the department can meet its operational demands without excessive reliance on transfers.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by city departments in managing budgets and resources effectively. As the council prepares to finalize the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the discussions highlighted the need for improved financial planning and transparency to better serve the community's needs. The council is expected to continue addressing these issues as they move forward with the budget approval process.