Transform Hawaii Government Members Receive Transformation Update, Prepare for 2014 Legislature

From Transform Hawaii Government Newsletter, November, 2013

Last week, members of Transform Hawaii Government: The Movement met in downtown Honolulu for the inaugural transformation update meeting. More than 40 members of the coalition were in attendance, including representatives from the business, nonprofit and government sectors.

During the event program, Hawaii Community Foundation CEO Kelvin Taketa thanked supporters for their dedication to the cause and pointed to the latest biennium investment from the state legislature of more than $120 million as a sign that the state is also committed to the effort.

Taketa reiterated the need to rebuild the foundation on which state government provides services to ensure equal access for citizens across the state.  He also reminded attendees that this monumental effort will take ten more years to complete, which is why the coalition exists – to hold the state accountable for continuing to make progress, regardless of the administration in power.

Displaying his usual enthusiasm, State CIO Sonny Bhagowalia provided a detailed update on the status of the transformation movement, pointing to recent awards from the Center for Digital Government and NASCIO as industry recognition of efforts taking place in departments throughout state government.

Mahalo to everyone who attended the coalition meeting!  Check out more photos from the event on the Transform Hawaii Government Facebook page.

Key Takeaways from the Meeting

What to expect at the 2014 Legislature:

• Biennium budget passed this year covers fiscal years 2014 and 2015, therefore no major funding bills are expected. 
• OIMT may be presenting policy/administrative legislation to better organize the structure within which the transformation is occurring. 

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Public Session at 2013 Hawaii Digital Government Summit

"Open Government Workshop” Will Examine Efforts to Create Citizen-Centric Culture

Transparency and open government continue to be two of the top priorities in government. Citizens increasingly expect government to be more accessible and accountable, and in turn government is growing more willing to embrace public engagement and oversight by leveraging technology.

Although the second annual Hawaii Digital Government Summit is only open to county and state employees, a special “Open Government Workshop” session is being held for members of the Transform Hawaii Government coalition and the public. This session will examine trends, standards, lessons learned and Hawaii’s efforts to create a citizen-centric culture.

“Open Government Workshop”

• November 21, 2013
• 1:00-4:00 p.m.
• Hilton Hawaiian Village

Register for the "Open Government Workshop"

The Hawaii Digital Government Summit fosters discussion and dialogue on the use of information technology as a strategic tool for government managers, executives and policy makers. This year’s theme is “Government at the Speed of Life.”