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Committee backs charter change to let Hawaii County auditor appoint a deputy to ensure office continuity
Summary
Committee members said Bill 152 would help the auditor's office function when the auditor is absent by clarifying that the auditor may appoint a deputy and exercise personnel authority similar to executive branch department heads; the measure was forwarded to the full council.
Councilmember Inaba told the Committee on Government Operations and External Affairs that Bill 152 responds to operational gaps that arose after the prior county auditor departed and that the change would authorize the county auditor to hire necessary staff, including a deputy.
"This bill is something I worked on with Councilmember Kirkowitz," Inaba said. He described instances when administrative responsibilities (approving timecards and travel) created uncertainty in the auditor's absence and said the deputy provision would ensure the office continues to operate.
Councilmember Kirkowitz and others expressed support; Kleinfelder cited a letter from the county auditor's office (Communication 858.1) indicating the auditor supports the legislation. Councilmember Eustace thanked the sponsors for addressing the staffing need identified during the auditor selection process.
The committee voted to forward Bill 152 to the full council with a favorable recommendation; the clerk recorded eight ayes with Councilmember Onishi absent. If adopted by the full council, the charter amendment would make explicit the auditor's authority to appoint a deputy to preserve continuity of operations.
