REP HSEDC 009 04/21/2008 2006-2008

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The sum of $3,271,094 was requested for which the Council has available $1,500,000 to appropriate. Last year, the County funded 57 programs with requests of $1,648,800 received. The Council dispersed $1,500,000 in appropriations. The emphasis for the Ad Hoc Committee in making their recommendations was to try to help everyone, especially the newcomers. Each agency did receive a recommended appropriation except for the Kapi`olani Child Protection Center-West Hawaii for not filing required reports in a timely manner and the Puna Friends of the Park-Keaholoa STEM Program. The Lyman House Museum originally requested funding for two programs, the Education and Public Programs and the Island Heritage Gallery Design Development. The Ad Hoc Committee recommended the agency receive $30,000 to be used specifically for the Education and Public Programs. Altogether, 52 applicants previously received funding through the Nonprofit Grant process, 39 applicants have sought increases in their request for this year, 11 programs requested the same amount as last year, and there are 15 new applicants (not funded in prior years). Eight programs have applied for more than double their previous request and appropriation, most notably the Boys & Girls Club and Child & Family Service. The largest requests (each over $100,000) come from three first-time applicants. Two of these requests are not recommended for a County grant as alternative funding sources are available to them. In comparison, the total requested amount from last year doubled this year. While the Ad Hoc Committee found merit in each program application, the amount to be appropriated has not changed. The grant amount recommended does not fully meet the need presented by applicants but Ad Hoc Committee members are stretching the resources to the best of their ability. Council Chair Pete Hoffman commended the Ad Hoc Committee for their work. Council Member Brenda Ford noted the drastic increases in amounts requested. She also commended the Ad Hoc Committee. Council Member Angel Pilago commented on the increased needs within communities. He further stated the economic downturn has impacted nonprofit organizations and he urged them to seek contingency options. Mr. Angel Pilago commended the staff, the Administration, and Budget and Finance for working on this grant process. Council Member Donald Ikeda thanked the Committee for making the difficult decisions in balancing the $3,000,000 in requests with the $1,500,000 in appropriations. Committee Chair Emily Naeole stated it was a privilege to work with J Yoshimoto and Angel Pilago. She added that Puna is the only district without an urgent care facility. HSEDC Report No. 9