ROLE AND DUTIES
The Department of Finance, under the Director of Finance, is a major
staff agency under the Mayor. Its significant functions are financial planning and
administration, and its primary responsibilities are in five areas of control –
accounts, budget, assessment, purchasing and treasury.
In order to carry out its assigned functions and responsibilities, the
department is organized into five divisions; namely, accounts, budget, real property
taxation, purchasing and treasury. Each division is assigned the following
responsibilities:
The Accounts Division is responsible for processing
payments for all county obligations and preparing the pension and payroll for all county
employees. It maintains the financial control records of the county and provides reports
to the Mayor, Council, and interested persons and agencies on a monthly and/or annual
basis. Accounts maintains the inventory records of county property and is responsible for
disposing of all surplus assets. This division also provides administrative support to the
Pension Board.
The Budget Division plans, directs and coordinates the
formulation, preparation, execution, review and analyses of the county’s operating
budget and operating program. It also monitors budget appropriations and actual
expenditures to ensure compliance with the law. The division also advises the Director of
Finance and other administration officials on budgetary and long-range planning matters.
The Purchasing Division provides a centralized purchasing
function to procure services, supplies, materials and equipment in support of all County
agencies and programs. It insures compliance in all purchasing laws and regulations and
promotes economies in the purchase of goods and services. Completes small purchase
procedures and conducts competitive bids and requests for proposals for all competitive
purchases with the exception of Public Works construction projects and the Department of
Water Supply. Solicits statements of qualifications and expressions of interest from
providers of professional services. The Division also audits all contracts, sole source
procurements and emergency purchases for compliance with the new procurement law. Supports
the Standardization Committee.
The Real Property Tax Division is the Finance
Department’s largest division, consisting of four (4) branches; Appraisal, Clerical,
Tax Mapping, and Collections. The main office is located in Hilo and a full service
satellite office is located in Kona. The division is responsible for assessing all real
property situated in the County of Hawaii in a uniform and equitable manner and collects
real property taxes as assessed. The division also provides administrative and clerical
support to the Tax Board of Review.
The Treasury Division is responsible for custody of cash
on hand and in banks and of pledged securities. It also manages the investment program of
the county. By keeping 99% of all funds invested at all times, this division maximizes the
interest earned annually for the county. Treasury issues vehicle registrations and
collects the appropriate fees and taxes. Dog and bicycle registrations and business
licenses are also issued, as are certificates and annual licenses for taxis. Additionally,
collection of improvement district assessments and collection records are within the
jurisdiction of Treasury.
STAFF
Accounts
Dixie Kaetsu, a California native, has served as the Controller, head
of the Accounts Division, since March 1990. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree
from the University of Redlands with a major in political science and economics with
specialty in accounting. Prior to her present position, she worked as an accountant in the
County’s Treasury Division. Her experience before entering county government
including accounting work for several firms in Hilo and for the Internal Revenue Service
in California.
Budget
Gary Takamura, a native of Maui, is the Budget Administrator, head of
the Budget Division. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance
and Accounting from the University of Hawaii, Manoa Campus. Prior to his present position,
he served as the Controller for the County of Hawaii. His experience before enter county
government includes management and accounting positions with the Hilo Coast Processing
Company, Honiron and C. Brewer and Co., Ltd. in Honolulu.
Purchasing
Bill Gray, a native of California, has served as the Purchasing Agent,
head of the Purchasing Division, since 1982. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in
Business Management at California State Polytechnic University. Prior to joining the
county government, he held positions with IBM, United States Steel and Kona Village
Resort.
Real Property Tax
Gary Kiyota, a native of Oahu, has served as the Real Property Tax
Administrator, head of the Real Property Tax Division, since 1981. He graduated from the
University of Hawaii, Manoa Campus. He has also completed several appraisal courses at the
University of San Francisco. Prior to his joining the Real Property Tax Office, he was
member of the Hawaii County Police Department.
Treasury
Frank Manalili, a native of Hilo, has served as the Treasurer, head of
the Treasury Division, since 1977. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration
degree from the University of Hawaii, Manoa Campus. Prior to his present position, he
served as business manager of the Hawaii County Police Department. His experience also
included work with the Bank of Hawaii in Hilo.
The Department is authorized 85 permanent positions. Distribution and
type of positions are listed as follows:
Personnel
ADMINSTRATION: (4)
Two (2) non-judicial tax foreclosure sales were held during Fiscal Year
1998-99. There were twenty-nine (29) properties sold on November 19, 1998, and the total
amount of delinquent taxes, penalties, and interest collected was $21,619.87. Ninety-one
(91) properties were sold on
May 4, 1999, and the total amount of delinquent taxes, penalties, and
interest collected was $89,868.25.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
Pension Board
The Pension Board, established by the Hawaii County Charter, is
comprised of five members appointed to staggered five-year terms. The Board assumes the
duties and functions of the Pension Board of the county and the board of trustees of the
policemen, firemen and bandsmen as provided by law. The County Clerk and the Director of
Finance serve ex-officio as the secretary and treasurer.
Board Members are:
