SCR11

THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	11
TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002
STATE OF HAWAII

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SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

REQUESTING AN AUDIT OF THE ENERGY, resources, and technology DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM.

 

WHEREAS, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBED&T) has proposed a reorganization of its Energy, Resources, and Technology Division in the interests of government efficiency and effectiveness; and

WHEREAS, before a reorganization is undertaken, there are a number of concerns that should be addressed regarding the division, including the overall operations and procedures of the division, as well as possible misuse of petroleum violation escrow (PVE) funds; and

WHEREAS, a request has been made to the U.S. Department of Energy to investigate the possible inappropriate use of PVE funds and their most recent response indicated that these PVE funds are treated as state funds and it would be more appropriate for the State to investigate any alleged misuse; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Budget and Finance (B&F) has conducted such an investigation and has indicated that there appears to be a weak link between the intended purpose and the use of some of the PVE funds, as it is B&F's understanding that PVE funds are intended to be used for energy-related activities that benefit energy consumers within the State; and

WHEREAS, DBED&T has been encouraged to follow up to ensure that the use of all PVE funds is consistent with federal grant applications; and

WHEREAS, unfortunately, this B&F review does not have the force and effect of a full-scale audit; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-First Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2002, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Auditor is requested to conduct an audit of the Energy, Resources, and Technology Division, including, but not limited to:

(1) Misuse of petroleum violation escrow funds;

(2) Duplication of effort and overlap of functions of the division;

(3) Inefficient use of personnel and public funds; circumvention of employment rules, regulations, and policies, including the overuse and misuse of temporary and emergency employees; improper application of reclassification procedures; violation of equal pay for equal work standards;

(4) Failure to consult and involve affected employees in reorganization attempts;

(5) Failure to follow statutory requirements and legislative mandates; and

(6) Whistleblower retaliation;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Auditor shall report to the legislature on the findings and recommendations no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2003; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the Head of the Energy, Resources, and Technology Division, and the Auditor.

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

DBEDT; Energy, Resources, and Technology Division Audit