HomeMy WebLinkAboutFY 2027 (Office of the Mayor)
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
FY 2027 BUDGET AND OPERATIONS SYNOPSIS
Derek S.K. Kawakami
Mayor
Reiko Matsuyama
Managing Director
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Department: MAYOR’S OFFICE
Fund: GENERAL FUND
1. FY 2026 to FY 2027 BUDGET COMPARSION
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2. MAJOR CHANGES AND/OR VARIANCES IN OPERATIONS BUDGET
Salary and Wages – Decrease of $3K or -0.2%: The primary reason for the decrease is the short-
funding of the Chief of Staff position. As we do not anticipate filling that position for the remainder
of Mayor Kawakami’s term, we eliminated the first five months of funding. This is offset by
increases in line with collective bargaining and salary resolution agreements.
Benefits – Decrease of $36K or -3.2%: See explanation above.
Operations – Increase of $1K or 0.1%: The only significant reprioritization occurred within Boards
& Commissions as we moved $35K to Advertising (55-00) to support Charter Amendment
initiatives that will be on the 2026 ballot. This will allow us to comply with the charter requirement
requiring publication related to the ballot questions, as well as a digital public information
campaign. A significant portion ($25K) came from Other Services (30-00) that we use for
defending the county during contested case hearings. The Office of Boards & Commissions is
responsible for all contested case hearings to include transcribing minutes, maintaining official
records, and issuing correspondence. The funding needed on an annual basis will fluctuate
dependent on referrals from the Planning Commission.
There were no changes to the Operations budget for the Administration Division.
3. OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES FROM FY2026
The loss of Sarah Blane does not need to be explained to the Council, as you are all aware of her
value. Alden Alayvilla has done an exemplary job of stepping up to the plate, and the whole office
has had to wear multiple hats and share duties that were once carried out by the Chiefess of Staff.
Besides the increased workload, her presence is sorely missed.
As we finish our Administration strong, we are doing so by ensuring that the next Mayor can hit
the ground running. We acknowledge that not everything that we started will be complete, and
that the next administration will wrap up our initiatives. We remain committed to ensuring a
seamless transition at the end of this year and passing down what we learned to continue the
success for Kaua‘i and its people.
4. OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM FY 2026
We successfully hired an Early Childhood Coordinator who has focused on statewide early
childhood initiatives as well as the completion of the Pi‘ikoi Youth Center. We are currently
reviewing proposals received that concentrate on providing infant/toddler care. The remaining
space will be occupied by KPAL and other organizations focused on enhancing after-school youth
activities from pre-K to high school.
The Police Commission will be working on plans to ensure a successful transition and the new
Chief will assume office on March 9, 2025. The search for a new Liquor Control Director is still
ongoing and should be concluded in the next few months.
On March 13, 2025, the Salary Commission adopted a Salary Resolution that encompasses
three years to take effect on July 1, 2025, July 1, 2026, and July 1, 2027. To address other
outstanding issues, the Commission is procuring a comprehensive Compensation and
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Classification study. Further, both the Board of Ethics and the Police Commission are working
on rule amendments that are scheduled for adoption this year.
As for volunteer commissioners, 28 vacancies were created due to resignations or term limits.
Boards & Commissions filled 20 vacancies and 19 reappointments. With the adoption of the
Charter amendment enabling students to become members of any Board or Commission,
currently six student volunteers are serving.