Changing how state government delivers through analyzing business processes and streamlining programs

The "Transformation" is about changing how state government delivers programs and services to its citizens, businesses and employees. It goes beyond modernizing the state's information technology and resource management systems, and looks at business processes and the way programs are delivered to be more streamlined, efficient and effective.

HCF's early involvement in this initiative was based on the recognition that transforming Hawaii government is about social and economic equity; it is about equal access to services and benefits by every citizen on every island. It is also about supporting state workers with up-to-date tools, enabling them to improve efficiencies and provide a higher level of service.

When this initiative first started, the State of Hawaii lagged behind other state capabilities by 20-30 years. Systems lacked interoperability, reliability, security, privacy, and maintainability - preventing the state from solving current challenges and leveraging future opportunities. While some of these challenges remain, much has changed.

The Omidyar Ohana Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation proposed to seed the effort to begin addressing this serious need, and has invested over $5 million to date to bring in expertise, create a plan, and help establish a funding stream through state appropriations. As part of this effort, grant funding was used to hire the state's first Chief Information Officer (CIO) along with staff for the new Office of Information Management and Technology (OIMT). With OIMT leading the way, a 1400-page "Business and Information Technology/Information Resource Management Transformation Plan" was created to guide the implementation of this 12-year effort.

The Transformation has progressed from the planning stage to the implementation phase. This is being led by the current CIO Doug Murdock and a talented team of technology and program management specialists in the new Office of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS). Key areas they are focusing on include modernizing infrastructure, implementing new human resources and financial systems, and ensuring the best structure is in place for technology personnel to serve all the departments.

One successful project is the enterprise payroll and time and attendance modernization effort. All state employees have successfully transitioned to a modern, efficient payroll system, transforming the way the state and its employees conduct business. This new system replaces a 50-year-old paper and manual process to provide greater functionality and efficiencies in serving 75,000+ full- and part-time employees statewide.

In addition, a new nonprofit organization, Transform Hawaii Government, led by Executive Director Christine Sakuda, advocates improving government business practices through technology to ensure convenient and secure access to reliable information and data on demand. They continue the work started to achieve government services that are streamlined, integrated and delivered in ways that exceed the expectations of the public and the needs of Hawaii’s businesses.

The transformation has begun and the benefits for every Hawaii resident will be felt for generations to come.