City's response to draft audit being studied

By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer

Auditors are carefully reviewing the city administration's response to a draft audit that criticizes management of city concession contracts, and the final report will be objective and accurate, city auditor Leslie Tanaka said yesterday.

The confidential draft alleges that the Department of Enterprise Services improperly awarded a contract to operate a miniature train at the Honolulu Zoo, failed to collect money owed by other contractors, and improperly diverted money to special events.

The administration says the report contains errors, that no contracts were awarded illegally, and that the department is well managed and has pursued debts diligently.

Tanaka said it would be inappropriate to comment on specific issues the administration is disputing, but that the feedback was welcome and would help paint a clear picture for the public.

The administration's response will be attached to the final audit when it is released Tuesday, and the disputed issues will be addressed point by point, Tanaka said.

Any changes prompted by the response will be explained, he said.

"I just want to be fair, objective and open about it so that it's laid out on the table," Tanaka said. "A lot of times you hear things, that auditors collaborated with watering down the findings, etcetera. But this way it's all out on the table, how the administration responded and you can see my rebuttal to their response. And if it was helpful and useful, I'll say so. I won't cover it up."

Reach Johnny Brannon at jbrannon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.