HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0160.001 2024-2026P / counc,11
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uLupono
I T I AT I VC
Email: communications@ulul2ono.com
COUNTY COUNCIL, COUNTY OF HAWAVI
Wednesday, March 19,2025 — 9:00 A.M.
Ulupono Initiative supports Resolution 92-25, Authorizes the Acceptance of a Donation of Services
to Pursue Federal Awards and Assistance
Dear Chair Inaba and Members of the Council:
My name is Micah Munekata, and I am the Director of Government Affairs at Ulupono Initiative. We are a
Hawai'i-focused impact investment firm that strives to improve the quality of life throughout the islands
by helping our communities become more resilient and self-sufficient through locally produced food,
renewable energy and clean transportation choices, and better management of freshwater resources.
Ulupono supports Resolution 92-25, which authorizes a donation of supportive, consultive, and
technical services from Ulupono Initiative to be used by the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and
Resilience in its pursuit of federal awards and funding opportunities.
Grant writing capacity is a valuable resource that can yield a high return and long-term benefits for the
County. Our proposed Federal Funding Initiative agreement with County of Hawaii, modeled after an
ongoing partnership with the State of Hawaii, recognizes the tremendous value this collaboration can
bring to county residents. The proposed agreement establishes a framework for providing pro Bono
grant writing and technical assistance as "gifts of service," offered on a project -by -project basis. Each
potential opportunity requires mutual agreement between the county and Ulupono before proceeding,
ensuring alignment with both county priorities and our focus areas listed above. Our hope is that by
combining our team's specialized grant writing expertise with the county's deep understanding of
community needs, we will be successful in bringing federal dollars home to Hawaii Island.
The agreement's flexible, project -by -project approach ensures that every opportunity pursued aligns with
mutually shared interests and remains transparent. Furthermore, this "gift of service" approach offers
several advantages:
• No minimum number of projects required by either party
• County maintains complete control as the independent submitter of all applications
• Access to specialized federal grant expertise at no cost to taxpayers
• Focus on high -impact opportunities from major federal programs
Ulupono is committed to collaborating with the County to identify the most appropriate and impactful
funding opportunities that advance shared goals. Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Respectfully,
Micah Munekata
Director of Government Affairs
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