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REPORT OF THE <br />COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br />DATE: January 6, 2026 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 11:00 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 655/Bill No. 112 <br />Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 112, reports as follows: <br />Bill No. 112, transmitted by Research and Development Director Benson Medina via <br />Communication No. 655, dated December 1, 2025, amends Ordinance No. 25-45, as amended, <br />the Operating Budget of the County of Hawaii for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. <br />This bill increases revenues in the Federal Grants — Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act <br />account ($1,600,000); and appropriates the same to the following Workforce Innovation and <br />Opportunity Act 2025-2026 accounts: Administrative/Planning ($200,000), Adult Program <br />($650,000), Dislocated Worker Program ($300,000), and Youth Program ($450,000). Funds would <br />be used to provide services that enhance employment opportunities, job retention, earnings, skill <br />development, and literacy. <br />Research and Development Deputy Director Dennis Lin and Economic and Workforce Development <br />Specialist Clinton Mercado were present and provided background on this bill. <br />Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz requested a report on the number of individuals assisted <br />and the impact of data and programs. <br />Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi questioned how the program has helped the County fill <br />positions. Mr. Lin described efforts to coordinate with the Department of Human Resources. <br />Mr. Mercado further explained that they have engaged key community members to inform students <br />about the benefits, education, and training required for County employment, and have provided hands- <br />on training for positions requiring a commercial driver's license and positions for parks maintenance. <br />Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 112, and <br />recommends its passage on first reading. <br />AYES <br />NOES <br />ADS <br />EX <br />GALIMBA <br />X <br />HUSTACE <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 />ONISHI <br />X <br />VILLEGAS <br />X <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br />MATT ANEA <br />CHAIR <br />FC REPORT NO.: 117 <br />ADOPTED: JAN 2�g <br />