The Focus Should be on Core Functions, Not Frills

In December 2002, a special commission developed core functions to deliver the three goals outlined in Hawaii’s State Plan. The core functions developed by the commission to achieve the goals are as follows:

– Protect and improve public health and welfare.
– Protect and improve public safety.
– Provide public education.
– Promote a stable and strong economy.
– Protect and conserve Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources.
– Support and perpetuate Hawaiian values, culture, lands and trusts.
– Provide critical administration necessary for the operation of the above government functions.

We must fund the CORE functions of government and reduce our spending on all the non-core aspects of the budget. All the "luxuries" must he halted until we get our core functions, like education and public safety, back in shape. Sister cities trips, festivals, parades, etc. must be scrutinized during the next few years. This is the harsh reality.

The principles of core function analysis are very simple - to be effective and efficient an organization should focus its energy on its most important or core functions.