HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 073 2023/09/19 2022-2024REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: September 19, 2023
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 10:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 445/Res. No. 255-23
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 255-23, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 255-23, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Communication No. 445
dated August 31, 2023, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the University of Hawaii,
pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 46-7, for a grant to the Hawaii County Research and
Development Department.
This resolution allows for the receipt of $100,000 in federally -derived funds to assist in the
development and implementation of a plan to achieve equitable internet access for all Hawaii
residents.
Digital Equity Specialist Shola Kahiapo-Trevino and Economic Development Specialist Riley Saito
provided a presentation on this measure.
Committee Member Cindy Evans asked if the coalitions mentioned consisted of community volunteers.
Mr. Saito confirmed that the coalition does consist of community volunteers and that those volunteers
are also members of other organizations such as the Hawaii Food Bank, FEMA (Federal Emergency
Management Agency), or OHA (Office of Hawaiian Affairs).
Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz asked for more information on the timeframe of this
measure. Mr. Saito replied that the University of Hawaii must develop a five-year plan.
Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked what the deadline would be for the community to
submit applications, to which Mr. Saito stated that they are looking at six to seven months.
FC Report No. 73
FC -73 Page 2 September 19, 2023
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 255-23, and
recommends its adoption.
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON
MATT EALI`I-
CHAIR
FC ADOPTED: OC 3
42923
AYES NOES ABS EX
EVANS
X
GALIMBA
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
LEE LOY
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON
MATT EALI`I-
CHAIR
FC ADOPTED: OC 3
42923