REP FC 181 2024/08/06 (2022-2024)

Home

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: August 6, 2024 Re: Comm. No. 963/Res. No. 574-24 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 1:00 P.M. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 574-24, reports as follows: Resolution No. 574-24, transmitted by Finance Director Diane Nakagawa, via Communication No. 963, dated July 19, 2024, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 46-7, for a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Grant. This resolution allows for the receipt of $2,100,000 in federally -derived funds, which would be used by the Department of Research and Development to assist adults, dislocated workers, and youths by providing services that will train individuals to increase employment, retention, earnings, skills, and literacy. Research and Development Director Douglass Adams and Economic Development Specialist Clinton Mercado were available in the Hilo Chambers for questions. Mr. Adams provided an overview of this matter and explained that they have three years to expend all funds per Program Year. Mr. Adams stated they are currently spending Program Year 2023 and will need to expend all of those funds by June 30, 2025 in order to access funds from Program Year 2024. Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz stated that this information was helpful. Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada asked Mr. Mercado for more background on this program and its resources. Mr. Mercado spoke on his efforts to help the community and reach out to schools to provide students with opportunities. Committee Member Susan L. K. Lee Loy encouraged Mr. Mercado and Mr. Adams to focus on some programs for riveters and welders. Acting Committee Chair Michelle Galimba spoke in support of this measure. FC Report No. 181