Human services layoffs to be discussed Thursday

LIHU‘E — A proposed reduction in force affecting state Department of Human Services workers on Kaua‘i will be discussed Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu‘e.

The venue is the monthly meeting of the Governor’s Council of Neighbor Island Advisors, states a press release.

The public is invited. Department of Deputy Director Henry Oliva and national consultant Sandie Hoback will brief the council on the proposed eligibility reorganization and reduction-in-force within the department, the release states.

The department is proposing to create the Eligibility Processing Operations Division (EPOD) which would streamline the processing of applications and renewals for public assistance and save taxpayers money, the release states.

The EPOD is modeled after the ACCESS Florida initiative, which has gained national attention for its efficiency and for satisfaction ratings among both customers and government employees, states the release.

Governor Linda Lingle created various councils of Neighbor Island advisors to give Neighbor Island residents a stronger voice in state government, the release states.

The Governor’s Council of Neighbor Island Advisors on Kaua‘i holds monthly public meetings to seek community input and advise the governor of important issues and make recommendations for state boards and commissions.

The members of the Kaua‘i Governor’s Council of Neighbor Island Advisors are Stewart Burley (chair), Linda Collins, Maka‘ala Ka‘aumoana, Solette Perry, Barbara Smith and Matt Takata.

Anyone with special needs requiring accommodations to participate at this meeting should call 274-3100 for assistance prior to the meeting.

For additional information on the various councils of Neighbor Island advisors, including meeting minutes and agendas, see the Web site, www.hawaii.gov/gov.