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Project Information EXHIBIT A *47.. Project Title Basic Mediation Training 48. Project Start Date 07/01/2025 49. Project End Date 06/30/2026 *50. Please select all areas of Hawari Island where the project will be administered, delivered, and implemented. Hamakua Ka'0 North Hilo Puna South Hilo *Si. Please select the district of the Council Member from which you would like to apply for Contingency Relief Funds. Council District 4 *52. In 2,000 characters or less, describe the project Founded in 1983 as a program of the Island of Hawaii YMCA, and becoming an Independent organization in 2006, K&Ikahl Mediation Center has a 42-year track record of providing conflict prevention and resolution services to our diverse communities. We are the sole non-profit mediation center serving East Hawari, and 1 of only 5'in the state. Our purpose is "Finding Solutions, Growing Peace." During fiscal year (FY) 2023-2024, Ku'ikahi served 803 clients (unduplicated, in cases closed that year,) in 362 total closed cases. To support these efforts, 33 professionally trained volunteer mediators donated over 1,260 hours of mediation services. These in -kind services were valued at $189,000 on our CPA audited financial statements. Ih addition, volunteer mediators and apprentices spent their valuable time attending 11 free, in-house continuing education activities. This CRF will be used to conduct a 4-day Basic Mediation Training in Hilo during FY 2025-2026. This training is essential to ensuring that we recruit and retain enough volunteer mediators who have the skills and expertise necessary to assist clients In a variety of life -Impacting situations. This 32-hour training offers instruction in the process of mediation and how to apply advanced communication skills to help parties resolve differences. People in conflict often focus on each other as the problem, going head to head. Mediation helps people focus on the issues, so they can see they have a joint problem to solve. Training participants learn a variety of conflict resolution and prevention techniques in this interactive educational offering —through lecture, group discussion, hands-on exercises, and 4 role play practice sessions. Whether trainees want to improve their communication skills or become volunteer mediators at KLAkahi, this training gives them the tools they need to start resolving conflict in peaceful, lasting ways. All backgrounds and personality types are welcome. *53.501(c)(3) Mission Statement OUR MISSION: We empower people to come together —to talk and to listen, to explore options, and to find their own best solutions. To achieve this mission, we offer mediation, facilitation, and training to strengthen the ability of diverse individuals and groups to resolve interpersonal conflicts and community issues. OUR VISION: A peaceful community where people routinely seek common ground. OUR VALUES: Communication / Collaboration / Confidentiality / Courtesy / Competence. *54. In 1,000 characters or less, explain how the 501(c)(3) is connected to the project I(Olkahi is conducting the project In the area of mediation, between 50-60% of clients have annual incomes under $20,000. Census data shows that our Ka'u and Puna districts house some of the poorest populations in the state. Mediations are free or on a modest sliding sole, with no one tamed away for lack of funds. Sample opportunities include: 1) domestic mediations to help parents put kids first after separations or divorces, 2) debt meditations for credit cards or medical bills to negotiate debt reduction, payment plans, or forgiveness due to hardship, and 3) landlord/tenant mediations to prevent eviction and homelessness. According to the report"The Social Economic Impact and Return on Investment: Mediation services delivered by the Mediation Centers of Hawaii during Fiscal Year 2023-2024," for every $1 spent In providing mediation services, they delivered $15.92 in immediate and long -tens consequential financial benefits. (Community Services Analysis LLC in Arizona.) *55. Please upload a completed CRF Grant Budget Form. 2025-2026 CRF District 4 Budget Form.xlsx Public Purpose of Requested Funds Per §2-138 of the Hawari County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), the County may grant an award only if the proposed program or service provides direct public benefits and fulfills a public purpose within the County. 56. According to §2-136, "public purpose" is defined as a benefit to, improvement of, or promotion of the interests in the following areas. Please select all the public benefits to be derived from your County fund request: Educational concerns Needs of the poor, youth, the aged, those with physical or emotional disabilities Public health and welfare of the people and the environment Victims of crimes Victims of health or social crises *57. In 2,000 characters or less, describe the measurable outcomes you aim to achieve with these funds. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: -Goal 1: At least 15 participants attend the 32-hour, 4-day Basic Mediation Training -Goal 2: At least 95% of trainees report leaming something new and useful -Goal 3: At least 95% of trainees would recommend the training to others -Goal 4: At least 75% of trainees sign up for the apprenticeship program -Goal 5: At least 50% of trainees successfully complete their apprenticeships SUPPLEMENTAL: Local non-profit legal services and court self-help centers receive more inquiries than they on process. Mediation is integral to Hawaii's "Access to Justice" framework, which strives to ensure that all people have access to civil processes. Our community mediation services provide a critical alternative to litigation, especially for poor and indigent populations who cannot afford legal counsel and/or have a hard time navigating the legal system as unrepresented litigants. Mediation Is a self -empowering, flexible process that allows people to arrive at enduring resolutions. Mediation saves time and money in comparison to litigation, and is a private, confidential way to resolve conflicts. Unlike litigation, where control resides with the judge or the jury, in mediation the parties themselves control the outcome. Because the result is attained by the parties voluntarily working together, compliance With the mediated agreement is usually higher. TESTIMONIAL: "It was awesome to see everyone's growth. The experience is something I. want to continue growing and leaming from so I on reach a point of becoming comfortable and competent with mediating. The training was great, more than I expected. The role playing, the mentor's panel, and the staff panel brought more understanding of the process. The skills will be very useful in my personal life and growth. It has made me more open and mindful to listen, really listen. I've been through many trainings and feel I am leaving these last 4 days with more knowledge than any other workshop." *58. For the project you are applying for, do you currently have or expect to have a contract/agreement with another department of the County of Hawari during the upcoming fiscal year (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026) related to this same project? No