Hawaii Senate Bill SCR82

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 3/30/22
• Engrossed: 3/31/22
• Refer: 4/4/22
• Report Pass: 4/19/22
• Refer: 4/19/22
• Report Pass: 4/22/22
• Passed: 4/25/22

Caption

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Department Of Health, Hawaii State Hospital, And Hawaii Information Portal.

Impact

The resolution tasks the Auditor with assessing the functioning of the Hawaii Information Portal, specifically evaluating the procedures employed by both the Department of Health and the Hawaii State Hospital in relation to the system. This performance audit aims to ensure accountability and transparency, particularly in light of formal complaints investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman. The findings are expected to provide insights into current operational challenges and identify areas for potential improvement.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution SCR82 requests a performance audit of the Hawaii Information Portal, the Department of Health, and the Hawaii State Hospital. This resolution stems from concerns raised about complications experienced during the transition from a decades-old paper-based payroll system to the new digital platform, which was completed in January 2019. The Hawaii Information Portal was intended to modernize state payroll processes, but reports of difficulties have prompted the legislative action to investigate its implementation and efficacy.

Contention

While SCR82 is primarily framed as a necessary step towards improving state administrative processes, it may ignite discussions about the underlying issues faced by public sector services during modernization efforts. Proponents of the audit highlight the need for oversight and diligence in state operations, while skeptics might argue about the potential resource allocation and the implications of public criticism towards state departments. Debate around this resolution could touch upon broader themes of public sector efficiency, accountability, and the balance between technological advancement and bureaucratic challenges.