§82-1 Award by department head. The head of each department of the state or county governments may pay cash awards to, and incur necessary expenses for the honorary recognition of, officers and employees of the government who by their suggestions, inventions, superior accomplishments, or other personal efforts, including length of service, contribute to the efficiency, economy, or other improvement of government operations or who perform special acts or services in the public interest in connection with or related to their official employment. [L 1963, c 151, §1(a); Supp, §5-60; HRS §82-1]