COM 0122.057 2000-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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That view is often. troubling. We are distressed by the; Survey of Social Indicators report of the Mental Health Association. Among the four counties, we continue to lead the state in the percentage of child abuse cases. We are experiencing increasing abuse of "ice," a drug that induces a frightening array c=f violent behaviors. We are pleased to note that Mayor Kim has established a community task force to address the "ice epidemic." 'This problem, like so many, begs for leadership, coordination of resources, and a commitment to the health and safety of all our citizens. To respond to community needs, we pay close attention to reported problems, trends and desired outcomes, and then apply limited funds where they will do the most good. This is not a perfect or scientific process. Some agencies are broadly supported by state and federal funds and receive United Way funding. Others provide services with volunteer staff and little government support. Accordingly, we try to direct funds to agencies providing critical services that make do with very little or, as is sometimes the case, are plainly underfunded by the State of Hawaii. Five programs funded by Hawaii County in FY 2000-O1 did not seek funding this year. As such, somewhat greater latitude was possible for consideration of the funding requests of nonprofit applicants this year. With this in mind, I would like to provide an overview of this year's proposed appropriations. This year, the County of Hawaii received 46 grant proposals in response to its annual solicitation. We considered grant requests for 44 programs. One application was received after the publicly noticed submittal date and was ruled ineligible. One other applicant, Hawaii Community Health Services, withdrew its grant proposal. The sum of the remaining 44 grant requests totaled $1,326,353, for which the County has $900,000 available to appropriate. To assist in our evaluation of proposed nonprofit appropriations, Ihave assembled our many grants into ten broad categories of services. These are: 1. Substance Akuse Treatment 2. HIV/AIDS Pr;;vention and Care 3. Transportation. 4. Homelessness and Hunger Programs 5. Youth and Family Support Programs 6. Victims of Violence 7. Elderly Care and Services for Disabled Citizens 8. Court-Ordered Counseling and Mediation Services 9. Special Health Initiatives 10. Literacy For each category of services, last year's grant appropriation is indicated alongside the applicant's current funding request and this year's (FY 2001-02) proposed funding. A net difference in proposed funding (change for each category is also shown. Finally, it is recommended that the Council seek input from the Legislative Auditor's Office next year about ongoir;g efforts by the Hawaii Island United Way and the Five Mountain Medical Community to improve outcomes in service delivery and coordination of resources in human services throughout Hawaii County.