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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> DATE: March 5, 2024 Re: Comm. No. 726/Res.No. 436-24 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 3:05 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 436-24, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 436-24, transmitted by Finance Director Diane Nakagawa, via Communication No. 726 <br /> dated February 1, 2024, authorizes the payment of funds of a later fiscal year and of more than one <br /> fiscal year for a multi-year employment contract for the Department of Research and Development. <br /> This resolution authorizes the County to enter into a three-year employment contract for an Early <br /> Childhood Resource Associate to assist with expanding access to affordable and high-quality childcare <br /> and education. <br /> Finance Committee Meeting of February 20,2024 <br /> Research and Development Director Douglass Adams participated via the Hilo Council Chambers to <br /> provide background and urge the committee's support. <br /> Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada asked Mr. Adams to provide some background. <br /> Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz spoke in opposition to this measure, expressing her frustration <br /> with how long the County has taken to move forward on the RFPs (Request for Proposal). She also <br /> stated that presentations on our priorities have been promised to expedite these RFPs, but they have yet <br /> to happen. Ms. Kierkiewicz noted that she could postpone this matter if the Department of Research <br /> and Development could provide an update, but she could not support another position until then. <br /> Committee Member Susan L.K. Lee Loy expressed concerns. She asked Finance Director Diane <br /> Nakagawa to provide some background on the RFP process and when these funds must be encumbered. <br /> Ms. Nakagawa stated that funds need to be encumbered by the end of this calendar year, and the RFP <br /> process can take anywhere from three to four months. <br /> Committee Member Holeka Goro Inaba asked if the RFP process was required for nonprofit childcare <br /> providers. Ms. Nakagawa responded that there are a couple of options. However, they strongly feel that <br /> the RFP process provides specific criteria and also makes the process as transparent as possible as to <br /> where these funds will be allocated. Mr. Inaba agreed with Ms. Kierkiewicz and believed they needed <br /> to receive that update from the department before he could support this position. He recommended its <br /> postponement. <br /> FC Report No. 146 <br />