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REPORT OF THE <br />COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br />DATE: September 19, 2023 Re: Comm. No. 446/Res. No. 256-23 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br />TIME: 10:00 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 256-23, reports as follows: <br />Resolution No. 256-23, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Communication No. 446 <br />dated August 31, 2023, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the State of Hawaii <br />Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes <br />Section 46-7, for a grant to the Hawaii County Research and Development Department. <br />This resolution allows for the receipt of $175,000 in federally -derived funds to provide services and <br />financial assistance for internet subscription fees for qualified households on Hawaii Island. <br />Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz asked Economic Development Specialist Riley Saito to provide <br />more information on this program. <br />Committee Member Michelle Galimba expressed the frustration of her constituents as they have limited <br />providers in the area. Some have received approval, but services have yet to be provided. Ms. Galimba <br />recounted a conversation with Mr. Saito regarding this and asked if there was any follow-up. Mr. Saito <br />confirmed that he followed up and contacted the appropriate people to investigate this. <br />Committee Member Cindy Evans asked if it would be possible for a nonprofit to focus on assisting the <br />elderly community with this process, to which Mr. Saito said that there are community groups that they focus <br />on to help, like the aging community, low-income housing, as well as those who are illiterate. <br />Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder provided comments of support and gratitude. <br />Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 256-23, and <br />recommends its adoption. <br />la <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />COMMITTEE ON <br />MATT KAN I`I-KLVINFELDER, <br />CHAIR <br />FC REPORT NOVO 74 <br />ADOPTED. , <br />AYES NOES ABS EX <br />EVANS <br />X <br />GALIMBA <br />X <br />INABA <br />X <br />KAGIWADA <br />X <br />KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER <br />X <br />KIERKIEWICZ <br />X <br />KIMBALL <br />X <br />LEE LOY <br />X <br />VILLEGAS <br />X <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />COMMITTEE ON <br />MATT KAN I`I-KLVINFELDER, <br />CHAIR <br />FC REPORT NOVO 74 <br />ADOPTED. , <br />