HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 129 2026-03-03 2024-2026REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: March 3, 2026 Re: Comm. No. 749/Res. No. 478-26
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 11:48 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 478-26, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 478-26, transmitted by Interim Fire Chief Daniel J. Volpe via Communication
No. 749, dated February 12, 2026, authorizes the payment of funds of later fiscal years and authorizes
the Mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the United States Federal Emergency
Management Agency to receive grant funds for twelve firefighter positions.
This resolution allows for the receipt of $2,678,274.60 in staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency
Response grant fund from Federal Emergency Management Agency to fund twelve firefighter
positions.
Interim Fire Chief Daniel J. Volpe and Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen were present in Chambers.
Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz and Mr. Volpe provided background on this resolution.
Ms. Kierkiewicz shared that even if the committee approves these funds today, it's still not enough
and implored fellow Committee Members to urge the administration to commit to funding the Fire
Department. She added that she had heard these federal funds would be declined by the administration,
therefore she stepped in to ensure the department secured them. Ms. Kieikiewicz questioned why these
funds would be declined. Ms. Schoen was unable to provide an answer as she is not authorized to
speak for the administration.
Committee Members Holeka Goro Inaba and Committee Member James,. E. Hustace spoke in support
of this measure and raised critical points about the importance of these positions, especially within the
communities that they serve, which tend to be dry, and wildfires and brush fires could easily start.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 478-26, and
recommends its adoption.
iu,
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
ON FINANCE
MATk KANEAL�' I-KLEINFELDER,
FC REPORT NO.: 129
ADOPTED: MAR_ l 02