The Honolulu Board of Realtors recently approved a plan to streamline and reorganize its operations, a move that will result in some job losses, according to a source familiar with the plans.

Already out is Peggy Comeau, former executive vice president. Another administrator, April Underwood, is filling that position on an acting basis.

Comeau could not be reached for comment. Underwood referred questions to Helen Lindemann, board president, who also could not be reached. Scott Bradley, next year's president, likewise referred questions to Lindemann.

The number of potential layoffs was unclear. The group employs more than 20.

The decision to reorganize came after an outside consultant hired by the board recommended ways to improve efficiency.

The slow pace of home sales the past few years helped bring the issue to a head.

Board membership, now about 4,400, has fallen by more than a third and the organization's budget, currently about $5 million, has dropped nearly 10 percent, according to staff representatives.

And with projections of even more declines ahead, the board decided to streamline operations, the source said.

The reorganization, in addition to boosting efficiency, is designed to better help members make money, the source said.

The idea is that financially stronger members will purchase more goods and services from the board, strengthening the organization, the source said.

A major source of income for the group is its subscriber-based multiple listing service, which is the industry's main marketing tool for properties. The housing slump has meant less income from such sources.

The planned restructuring includes elimination of some board committees, resulting in the need for fewer workers.