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The YWCA's planned intergenerational center will be a tremendous asset to the Kohala community, but the <br /> facility is yet to be built, and an uncertain timeline for construction makes it difficult to justify a funding <br /> request for staffing. In this instance, however, the applicant should note that increased funding for Family <br /> Support Services in West Hawaii offers a rich opportunity for collaboration of staff and services. I hope that <br /> the YWCA can avail itself of the strong capabilities and presence of Family Support Services in Kohala. <br /> The Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial is another promising project, but with no clear indications of tenancy by <br /> the Department of Veterans Affairs and construction funding dependent on a legislative appropriation, the <br /> committee did not feel it was appropriate for the county to commit funds to a project whose viability appears <br /> uncertain. <br /> The committee wishes to support the objectives of the childhood access program (CAP) of the Hamakua <br /> Health Center and believes that funding should properly support the salaries of nursing positions and printing <br /> costs rather than the costs of salaries, benefits and insurance for three physicians. The implementation and <br /> <br /> purpose of this program is outreach to youth to avail themselves of medical services and the committee wishes <br /> <br /> to direct resources to the Hamakua Health Center to support this focal mission. <br /> <br /> A small reduction in funding for HCEOC's transportation services is recommended in light of the agency's <br /> strong federal funding base. The committee recommends that future funding should properly be encumbered <br /> <br /> under the county's mass transit budget, subject to a review of HCEOC's current ridership and overall efficacy <br /> <br /> of operations. <br /> <br /> Last year (FY97-98), the County of Hawaii lent substantially increased funding support to the Big Island <br /> Substance Abuse Council because of the shutdown of their East Hawaii facility. This yeaz, we have decreased <br /> <br /> their funding slightly to sustain support for their ongoing services. Nonetheless, the total level of county <br /> funding exceeds that FY96-971eve1 and reflects our strong support for this agency and their services. <br /> Conclusion. Overall, it is the committee's sense that the proper and responsible role for the County of Hawaii <br /> is to direct funds to programs addressing critical human needs--help for the disabled, homeless, hungry, <br /> infirmed, aged, at-risk youth, and victims of violence are all examples. <br /> Overall public health prevention, education and intervention strategies must serve as priorities when so many <br /> <br /> health indicators on our island are discouraging and often alarming. Relatedly, the committee believes that <br /> funds must be directed to agencies which assuredly demonstrate the ability to provide proven, accredited <br /> services. <br /> The committee has undertaken some initial exploration of outcomes assessment--an initiative of United Way <br /> and the Health and Community Services Council--and will report on its findings as this work proceeds. This <br /> collaborative effort between the County and the non-profit sector will help guide the apportionment of limited <br /> resources to the wide spectrum of human needs and provider services in the years ahead. <br /> 4 <br /> <br />