State custodial services still fall short, audit says

By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Although there have been some improvements, the state still does not adequately ensure that major facilities such as the University of Hawai'i, public schools and courthouses are consistently clean and safe, state auditor Marion Higa said in an audit released yesterday.

In a follow up to a 1996 audit that found "managerial deficiencies" in the state's custodial services programs, Higa said the state has adopted cleanliness standards as recommended by the previous audit. But managers do not clearly communicate such standards to front-line staff, she said.

Higa also said although the state conducts various training classes, it still relies heavily on on-the-job or informal training and has not conducted comprehensive formal training or procedures dealing with heightened security concerns after the Sept. 11 attacks.

"When cleanliness standards are not applied, the state has no assurance that its facilities are adequately maintained and cleaned," the audit said. "State employees may work in a dirty, unkempt environment, which could tarnish the image of state government."

The audit covers the state Department of Accounting and General Services, the Department of Education, the Judiciary and the University of Hawai'i, which run most of the state's custodial services programs. The agencies employ more than 1,600 custodial staff to maintain about 24.5 million square feet of space in state facilities. The state spends $46.6 million annually for custodial services.

A satisfaction survey of state workers showed that overall satisfaction has increased since 1996 from 55 percent to 63 percent, the audit said. Many of the more than 400 people who responded to the survey commented on inadequate cleaning, according to the audit.

One Judiciary employee said: "I've been sick with upper respiratory ailments since I started this job two years ago due to mold, mildew and dust mites. I've never worked where so many fellow employees have allergy problems."

A Department of Accounting and General Services employee said: "The carpets have noticeable stains that I've asked several times to have them cleaned. Stains on the carpet do not provide a professional impression to the public when they enter. I see dead bugs remain in the same spot on the floor for weeks."

Department of Accounting and General Services director Russ Saito said a lack of resources has hindered the department's ability to work with the janitorial staff as closely as he would like.

He and officials of the Department of Education, the Judiciary and UH said they generally agreed with the recommendations and that efforts are under way to follow them.

Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 525-8070.