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REPORT OF THE <br />COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br />DATE: September 19, 2023 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br />TIME: 10:00 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 445/Res. No. 255-23 <br />Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 255-23, reports as follows: <br />Resolution No. 255-23, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Communication No. 445 <br />dated August 31, 2023, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the University of Hawaii, <br />pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 46-7, for a grant to the Hawaii County Research and <br />Development Department. <br />This resolution allows for the receipt of $100,000 in federally -derived funds to assist in the <br />development and implementation of a plan to achieve equitable internet access for all Hawaii <br />residents. <br />Digital Equity Specialist Shola Kahiapo-Trevino and Economic Development Specialist Riley Saito <br />provided a presentation on this measure. <br />Committee Member Cindy Evans asked if the coalitions mentioned consisted of community volunteers. <br />Mr. Saito confirmed that the coalition does consist of community volunteers and that those volunteers <br />are also members of other organizations such as the Hawaii Food Bank, FEMA (Federal Emergency <br />Management Agency), or OHA (Office of Hawaiian Affairs). <br />Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz asked for more information on the timeframe of this <br />measure. Mr. Saito replied that the University of Hawaii must develop a five-year plan. <br />Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked what the deadline would be for the community to <br />submit applications, to which Mr. Saito stated that they are looking at six to seven months. <br />FC Report No. 73 <br />