Comm 25-037 re PInG Report - Review and Reccomendations Regarding the Stewardship Grant Rubric

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Comm 25-037 PInG Report: Review and Recommendations Regarding the Stewardship Grant Rubric PInG Members: Deborah Chang, La Crivello, and Jodie Rosam Background The PInG was formed at the PONC Regular Meeting of January 13, 2025. The PInG's purpose is to review and revise the stewardship grant scoring sheet and rubric which was utilized in 2024 to assist PONC in its review of grant applications that were received in 2024. The PInG members accomplished the review through numerous email exchanges. Recommendations Review and assessment of stewardship grant applications is one of the primary duties of the PONC Commission. Section 2-217(4) through (6) of the Hawai'i County Code Duties and responsibilities of the Commission identifies what should be considered when evaluating stewardship grant applications. Rather than a single, numerical score that is the outcome of the "2025 Grant Scoring Rubric," we are recommending the "2026 Stewardship Grant Review Worksheets' which (1) identifies the key characteristics to look for in an application and rates the application's covering of each characteristic; (2) places importance on progress reports from repeat applicants to assess whether they are or are not accomplishing their projects and why; and (3) does not result in a passing or failing grade but rather gives feedback and guidance on strengths and areas that need improvement and brings forth questions that may need to be answered. Applicants can use the worksheet to improve future applications and progress reports. Commissioners can use the worksheet to assess each application on its merits and recommend full or partial funding of the request, and also to help Commissioners form the necessary questions they have for the applicants (if applicable) in a timely manner. Per the County Code and Charter, our Commission makes recommendations to the Director of Finance, but we do not make the final decisions. At times, stewardship applications lack details that are necessary to enable a proper assessment. In those few cases, the Commission has recommended that the Director of Finance obtain the missing information prior to its making the final decision. With time and experience, the PONC program will be able to improve its stewardship grant application process for both applicants and Commissioners. This recommended grant review worksheet is intended to advance our ability to perform this very important annual responsibility. The PONC lands, their hard-working, devoted stewards, and the public taxpayers deserve our best efforts in this regard. Attached • Attachment 1 is the 2025 Grant Scoring Rubric used in 2024. • Attachment 2 is the 2026 Stewardship Grant Review Fill In Worksheet that is being recommended to replace the 2025 Grant Scoring Rubric.