HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0362.013 2022-2024 ,
Dill
Men of PAA
July 17, 2023
Subject: Request to Amend Bill 56 - Updates to the Kilauea Recovery Grant Program
Clear Council Members
I am writing on behalf of Men of PA'A, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting
and uplifting Native Hawaiians. We appreciate the opportunity to provide written
testimony regarding Bill 56, which proposes updates to the Kilauea Recovery Grant
Program in Hawaii County. Our organization strongly supports the bill's intent and
recognizes its importance in facilitating the recovery and long-term resilience of the
impacted communities.
However, we would like to request certain amendments to the bill to ensure that the
Kilauea Recovery Grant Program maximizes its impact and aligns with the evolving
needs of the affected areas. We believe that the following updates would significantly
enhance the effectiveness of the program:
1. Add "long-term resilience" to the list of what grant program funds can be used
for: We propose including "long-term resilience" as an eligible use of grant funds.
By explicitly mentioning this aspect, the program can better support initiatives
that aim to build sustainable infrastructure, promote disaster preparedness, and
foster community resilience in the face of future challenges. It is crucial that we
invest in the long-term recovery and resilience of the affected areas to ensure
their ability to withstand potential future disasters.
2. Clarify the definition of the Lower Puna area to ensure funds stay in eruption-
impacted communities: To maintain the program's focus on the areas directly
affected by the volcanic eruption, we suggest including a clear definition of the
Lower Puna area within the bill. This clarification will help prevent any potential
misallocation of funds and ensure that the grant program's resources are
appropriately directed toward the communities most in need of support.
3. Amend the $500k grant maximum to apply to each application cycle rather than
the total award: In order to increase the accessibility of the grant program and
allow for more organizations to receive funding, we propose amending the
current $500,000 grant maximum to apply to each application cycle. This
adjustment will enable a broader range of nonprofits to benefit from the
program, fostering a more equitable distribution of resources among deserving
organizations.
Comm. o.
Ref.T
Ref. Date JU L 2202
Men of PAA
4. Clarify that the maximurn award does not count against nonprofits in their role as
a fiscal sponsor: To encourage nonprofits to act as fiscal sponsors for smaller
organizations without hindering their- ability to access funding for their own
recovery initiatives, we recommend clarifying that the maximum grant award
does not count against nonprofits in their role as fiscal sponsors. This clarification
will remove potential barriers and facilitate the valuable role that fiscal sponsors 3
play in supporting smaller organizations throughout the recovery process.
5. Specify that an application is necessary to request funds: To streamline the grant
application process and avoid any confusion, we suggest explicitly stating within
the bill that an application is required to request funds from the Kilauea Recovery 3
Grant Program. This clarification will ensure that all interested parties are aware of
the proper procedure and will promote transparency and fairness in the
allocation of funds.
We firmly believe that these proposed amendments will enhance the Kilauea Recovery
Grant Program's ability to facilitate a robust recovery and contribute to the long-term
resilience of the affected communities. By addressing these concerns, the bill can better
serve its intended purpose and provide a solid foundation for sustainable growth and
revitalization.
We sincerely thank you for your time, dedication, and commitment to serving our
community. We are confident that your support, combined with these suggested
amendments, will make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the
Kilauea eruption. We are available to discuss these recommendations further or provide
any additional information that may assist in the legislative process.
Once again, thank you for your attention to our concerns. We look forward to
continuing to work together to ensure a strong and resilient future for our community.
Sincerely,
lopa Maunakea, Executive Director
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Men of PA'A
808-960-3893
15-204-Kahakal Blvd. Pahoa HI 96778