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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> DATE: September 19, 2017 Re: Comm. No. 439/Res.No. 288-17 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 2:25 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 288-17, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 288-17, transmitted by Finance Director Collins Tomei, via Communication <br /> No. 439 dated August 31, 2017, authorizes the Office of the Mayor to enter into an agreement <br /> with the Department of Education, State of Hawaii. <br /> This agreement would provide $5,500 from the Department of Research and Development to <br /> support Kea`au High School's robotics program. Students in the program would construct a robot <br /> to survey the internal conditions of the air conditioning duct system at Kea'au High School, and <br /> perform routine cleaning of the ducts to eliminate dust, dirt, and mold. <br /> Council Member Herbert M. Richards, III, questioned the fact that the County funds are being <br /> used for something at Kea`au High School, which is a State facility. <br /> Ron Whitmore, Deputy Director, Department of Research and Development,responded this is a <br /> good example of the small investment that makes a tremendous impact. Mr. Whitmore explained <br /> this is a grant award made through the department's Annual Economic Development Grant <br /> program and falls under the Business Development section of that granting program. This small <br /> grant is being matched by other dollars, put up by the Department of Education and other <br /> supporters of the Kea'au High School robotics program, and will fund materials and related <br /> supplies for the design and development of a robot that will clean the ducts in the high school. <br /> Solving an ongoing challenge the high school faces requiring time and financial expenses on its <br /> part. <br /> Council Chair Valerie Poindexter clarified that the County is not maintaining a state facility, but <br /> is helping out the State. Mr. Whitmore stated that the County indirectly helps the State, and <br /> further added not only is it helping the robotics program but the students will be developing <br /> robots that will be used in the school. Ms. Poindexter stated the main thing is that it goes back to <br /> the kids. She just wanted it on record for the State Legislators to know that the County does work <br /> in ways to help the State out with issues as well. <br /> FC Report No. 42 <br />