The County of Hawai‘i has been recognized for excellence in financial reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, also known as the CAFR.
Stephen J. Gauthier, spokesman for the association which serves about 17,500 government financial professionals, said the CAFR prepared by the county’s Finance Department has earned a certificate of achievement for clearly communicating the County’s financial story. Gauthier said an impartial panel judged the CAFR to have met the goals of the program in the full spirit of disclosure.
“This certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting,” said Gauthier. “Its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.”
Hawai‘i County Mayor Billy Kenoi said the award is further validation of the excellent performance of the Department of Finance despite four consecutive years of diminishing resources. Mayor Kenoi said Finance Department head Nancy Crawford and her deputy, Deanna Sako, have provided the leadership that has led to this recognition.
“Nancy and Deanna are dedicated chief financial officers,” said Mayor Kenoi. “They lead a hardworking department which has been able to help our administration balance our last four budgets without threatening essential services or programs our communities deserve.”
An award of financial reporting achievement was also given to Kay Oshiro, county controller, who prepared the award-winning CAFR which covers the fiscal year ending June 30.
