Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Operations And Management Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation.
The decision to initiate a performance audit reflects significant community unease regarding the Division's management, effectiveness, and communication with boating communities. There have been repeated complaints about the Division's consistency in enforcing regulatory rules and addressing management issues, which affects public trust. The audit aims to ensure that government resources are used wisely and in compliance with existing statutes, rules, and policies, potentially leading to improved practices within the Division.
House Resolution 27 (HR27) requests the Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the operations and management of the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation. The Division is responsible for managing the state's small boat harbors and associated facilities, enforcing boating safety laws, regulating commercial activities, and overseeing permits for ocean recreation events. HR27 underscores the need for accountability and effectiveness in managing these critical resources amidst growing public concerns over the Division's performance.
Historically, previous audits have identified mismanagement as a recurring problem within the Division. The need for strategic plans to tackle ongoing issues has been highlighted in past reports, illustrating that these concerns are not new. The proposed performance audit could either validate or address long-standing critiques from the community, which urgency underscores the importance of transparency and effective governance at the state level. The findings of this audit, due to be reported by 2025, may lead to legislative changes or reforms aimed at enhancing the efficacy of the Division's operations.