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Home My WebLink AboutRES 450 Draft 01 2024-2026COUNTY OF HAWAI`I RESOLUTION NO. STATE OF HAWAI`I 450 26 A RESOLUTION TRANSFERRING/APPROPRIATING AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITING SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO PUNA MAKAUKAU FOR ITS FERN ACRES COMMUNITY OPERATIONS CENTER. AND EMERGENCY WHEREAS, Puna Makaukau is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that strengthens the greater Puna community by building readiness and resilience through education, resource coordination, and community empowerment, the organization supports families, community groups, and emergency response efforts in preparing for and recovering from natural and human - made disasters, thereby fostering strong, connected, and self-reliant communities; and WHEREAS, Puna Makaukau is requesting funds for office supplies, safety and storage supplies, emergency response supplies, search and rescue supplies, radio station supplies, food distribution supplies, workshop equipment, infrastructure materials, and administration, which will serve a public purpose by benefiting, improving, or promoting the needs of the poor, youth, the aged, those with physical or emotional disabilities, and the public health and welfare of the people and the environment; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI°I that, in accordance with section 2-139(a)(2)(C) of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), Contingency Relief funds from Council District 5 are hereby transferred to the Department of Research and Development to provide a grant to Puna Makaukau for the expenses and purposes identified in "Exhibit A," a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, in the following amount as set forth below: FUND: General AMOUNT OF APPROPRIATION: $6,045 OUT AND FROM: 1010-11-10191 Clerk -Council SVC — Contingency Relief $6,045 1010-11-16122 Department of Research and Development $6,045 Agriculture R&D OCE 530115 Misc. Contract Services (Puna Makaukau — Fern Acres Community Resource and Emergency Operations Center) BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the Director of Research and Development and Director of Finance,) and that the Director of Finance is hereby authorized to make the necessary transfers in accordance with the terms of this resolution. Dated at Hilo COUNTY COUNCIL County of Hawaii Hilo, Hawaii , Hawai'l, this -4th . day of February 520 26. I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted b the COUNCIL of the County of Hawai'i on February 4, 2026 ATTEST: INTRODUCED BY: ROLL CALL VOTE AYES NOES ABS EX GALIMBA x HUSTACE x INABA x KAGIWADA x KANEAL I'l -KLEIN FELDER x KIERKIEWICZ x KIMBALL x ONISHI x VILLEGAS x 8 0 1 0 Reference: C-697/Council JR, V71-:1; CIS COUNTY CLERK CHAIRPERSON & PRESIDING OFFICER RESOLUTION NO. 2 Project Information * 47. Project Title EXHIBIT A Fern Acres Community Resource and Emergency Operations Center 48. Project Start Date 10/01/2025 49. Project End Date 06/30/2026 50. Please select all areas of Hawaii Island where the project will be administered, delivered, and implemented. Puna 51. Please select the district of the Council Member from which you would like to apply for Contingency Relief Funds. Council District 5 *52. In 2,000 characters or less, describe the project. This project supports the Fern Acres Community's effort to develop a Community Resource and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for Upper Puna. The goal is to expand services for underserved families, provide a central gathering place, and operate as a fully functioning EOC during disasters. Volunteer -driven services are being developed, including the Food Basket distribution program, Neighborhood Watch, Volunteer Fire Department, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Certified Sawyers Team, a farm produce exchange, agricultural support, and the monthly Kupuna Lunch Program. The community has also begun developing the Fern Acres Emergency Plan to provide coordinated disaster support for Fern Acres and nearby areas. Once equipped, the Emergency Hub will distribute water, food, and cold -stored medications; deploy trained teams for first aid, search and rescue, evacuation, road clearing, and animal rescue; and offer basic medical and social support. The site is connected with Civil Defense and recognized as a resource distribution center. All activities are based at the Hub, located next to the Fern Acres Community Center at 11-3602 Lehua Street in Mountain View. The site includes Hale Halawai, a 37' x 42' pavilion for events and operations, two covered containers for emergency and community storage, and a paved area with drive -through access for distributions. One container is being outfitted as an EOC with CERT supplies, office space, and a ham radio, while the second supports Food Basket operations, Neighborhood Watch, and event storage. The project also expands programs such as the farm produce exchange, agricultural workshops including hoop houses, hiigelkultur, aquaculture, and bonsai, as well as green waste chipping and composting. Through Puna Makaukau and strong community engagement, Fern Acres is building a more resilient, connected community. A large portion of the project budget supports the EOC build -out and Food Basket program. *53. 501(c)(3) Mission Statement Building resilient communities through education, preparedness, and connection. Puna Makaukau strengthens the greater Puna community by building readiness and resilience through education, resource coordination, and community empowerment. The organization supports families, community groups, and emergency response efforts in preparing for and recovering from natural and human -made disasters, thereby fostering strong, connected, and self-reliant communities. * 54. In 1,000 characters or less, explain how the 501(c)(3) is connected to the project. Puna Makaukau was founded in 2018 by Fern Acres residents in response to the growing need for emergency preparedness and community resilience in Upper Puna. Based in Fern Acres and working with the Fern Acres Community Association, the organization's mission serves all of Upper Puna —a rural, underserved region facing economic, social, and infrastructure challenges. After Hurricane Iselle, communities in the region experienced deep isolation —physically, electronically, and socially —making a grassroots, community -led response essential. Puna Makaukau emerged to help households and associations prepare for emergencies, strengthen connections, and build resilience. Since then, the organization has built a strong volunteer network, established its operations center, and expanded outreach through neighborhood -based programs. With support from an active community association, Puna Makaukau now operates a central, welcoming site —featuring Hale Halawai and its Emergency Operations Center. * 55. Please upload a completed CRF Grant Budget Form. CRF Budget Form (Excel Version)_(2).xlsx Public Purpose of Requested Funds Per §2-138 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), the County may grant an award only if the proposed program or service provides direct public benefits and fulfills a public purpose within the County. 56. According to §2-136, "public purpose" is defined as a benefit to, improvement of, or promotion of the interests in the following areas. Please select all the public benefits to be derived from your County fund request: Needs of the poor, youth, the aged, those with physical or emotional disabilities Public health and welfare of the people and the environment 57. In 2,000 characters or less, describe the measurable outcomes you aim to achieve with these funds. The outcomes from this project are simple: a stronger, connected, more resilient upper Puna. 1. A well -supplied and functional Emergency Operations Center (EOC). While Puna Makaukau hopes they do not have to stand up their EOC for a disaster, they plan to be ready, prepared, and effective should they need to. 2. Upper Puna will have emergency resources. 3. Increase Puna Makaukau's CERT membership by 100%. 4. Sustain Puna Makaukau's Volunteer Fire Department membership at 15. 5. Double the number of Puna Makaukau Ham radio operators (8). 6. Increase Puna Makaukau's certified Sawyer team by 5. 7. Continue Puna Makaukau's Food Basket food distribution program and increase numbers by 10% each year. 8. Supplement the Food Basket program with local produce. 9. Strengthen Puna Makaukau's Neighborhood Watch program with greater community engagement. 10. Network Neighborhood Watch programs with neighboring subdivision teams. 11. Offer monthly agricultural support workshops and expand participation for both students and instructors-6 workshops serving approximately 40 individuals. 12. Encourage local farmers and producers to grow their skills as instructors, learning to share their mana'o with neighbors. 13. Increase community engagement in all programs; Puna Makaukau will endeavor to double the number of community members engaged in volunteering. 14. Host neighboring subdivisions and establish greater connectivity and support. 15. Grow a resilient community. Contingency Relief Fund Budget Form Organization Name: Puna Makaukau Project Name: Fern Acres Community Resource and Emergency Operations Center Other Cash Expense Description CRF Grant Total Expense Expense Justification Sources Office Supplies (status boards, lights, clock, and Equip the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with staples) $ 381.35 $ - $ 381.35 supplies to support emergency coordination and benefit the community during disasters. Safety and Storage Supplies (solar lights, Enhance secure operations and support containers, tarps, safety equipment, fuel cans, $ 590.06 $ - $ 590.06 community programs and disaster preparedness bins, buckets, and lids) for the Hub. Emergency Response Supplies (first aid kits, $ 314.90 $ $ 314.90 Enable volunteers to assist residents during charging devices, food saver, cables, and cords) disasters, supporting public health and safety. Search and Rescue Supplies (bullhorn, air . $ 18460 $ $ 184.60 Improve emergency response capabilities for the horns, and rope) safety of the community. Radio Station Supplies (antenna) $ 122.04 $ - $ 122.04 Ensure reliable communications for emergency response and community information sharing. Food Distribution Supplies (stop sign, road stanchions, mylar food storage bags, and an A- $ 620.68 $ - $ 620.68 Support the Food Basket program with supplies to frame sign display) increase food access for underserved residents. Workshop Equipment (battery -powered tools, $ 600.11 $ $ 600.11 EOC equipment to support hands-on emergency hand truck, sawhorse light) and li g ) preparedness, promoting public safety and welfare. Infrastructure Materials (hand wash station, To build out the EOC to support community pop-up tent, tables, light fixtures, wiring, $ 3,031.26 $ - $ 3,031.26 gatherings and emergency operations in the Hub, outlets, roof panels, hinges, and canopy) promoting public welfare and resilience. Admin/Overhead Expenses - Max. 10% of $ request: To manage and coordinate project activities, Administrative Expenses $ 200.00 $ - $ 200.00 ensuring effective use of public funds and community benefit. EXPENSES TOTAL $ 6,045.00 $ - $ 6,045.00