The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutRES 506 Draft 01 2024-2026- 46 RESOLUTION NO. 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 THE AVA SOFIA FOUNDATION TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS LIGHT IT UP BLUE CAMPAIGN. WHEREAS, the Ava Sofia Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is "WE Are Special Needs," and which provides support to entire families nurturing a loved one on the autism spectrum; and WHEREAS, the Ava Sofia Foundation is requesting funds for expenses related to its Light It Up Blue Campaign for an emcee, lighting, sound system rental, insurance, printed materials, toys, refreshments, safety supplies, electric cords, tents, and tables, which will serve a public purpose by benefiting, improving, or promoting the needs of the poor, youth, the aged, and those with physical or emotional disabilities; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAIJ 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 2 are hereby transferred to the Department of Liquor Control to provide a grant to the Ava Sofia Foundation 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: $1,600 OUT AND FROM: 1010-11-10191 Clerk -Council SVC — Contingency Relief $1,600 CREDITED TO: 1010-21-25139 Department of Liquor Control $1,600 Public Programs 530115 Misc. Contract Services (Ava Sofia Foundation — Light It Up Blue Campaign) BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the Director of Liquor Control 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 , Hawai'i, this 8th day of April 520 26. COUNTY COUNCIL County of Hawaii Hilo, Hawaii I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the County of Hawaii on 1 912026 ATTEST INTRODUCED BY: COONCIL MEMBVIR, COUNTY OF HAWAPI E CHAIR & PRESIDING OFFICER ROLL CALL VOTE AYES NOES ABS EX GALIMBA x I I USTACE x INABA x KAGIWADA x KANEALPI-KLEINFELDER x KIERKIEWICZ x KIMBALL x ONISHI x VILLEGAS x 9 0 0 0 Reference: C-808/Council RESOLUTION NO. PA 37. Project Title EXHIBIT Light It Up Blue Campaign 38. Project to Date 04/02/2026 39. Project End Date 04/02/2026 40. Please select all areas of Hawai'l Island where the project will be administered, delivered, and implemented. M 4;FfrCWfX'F Relief Funds. • April is recognized globally as Autism Acceptance Month, with April 2nd designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to improve the quality of life of individuals with Autism so they may lead full and meaningful lives as integral members of society. Since 2023, the Ava Sofia Foundation has partnered with Hulihee Palace to illuminate the palace in blue as part of the international "Light It Up Blue" campaign, joining historical landmarks across the globe in demonstrating support for the Autism community. Hulihe'e Palace became the first Native Hawaiian historical landmark to participate in this initiative, signaling Hawai'i Island's commitment to awareness, inclusion, and acceptance. In 2026, the Foundation is expanding these efforts by lighting the King Kamehameha Statue in Hilo in blue further to increase visibility and community engagement in East Hawari. This visual display is part of a broader advocacy effort to promote early identification of Autism, encourage inclusive environments, and foster community dialogue that supports children and families both in and out of classroom settings. Through this symbolic yet highly visible public display, the project aims to reinforce a unified message of acceptance, support, and equal opportunity for individuals on the spectrum while strengthening community integration across Hawai'i Island. *43. 501(c)(3) Mission Statement N rd ITEIVION P. I 19- =- III 11111�1plip The Ava Sofia Foundation, doing business as Autism Moms of Kona, is the sole coordinator and lead organizer of this initiative. Established as a community group in 2018 and granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in March 2023, the Foundation supports entire families nurturing a loved one on the Autism spectrum. The Foundation's work centers on increasing community awareness so that parents and caregivers can recognize potential early signs of Autism and seek early intervention and support at a young age, when children are most receptive to services. In addition to early identification, the organization emphasizes fostering inclusive environments by equipping families with the tools to have meaningful conversations with their children about neurodiversity. By promoting understanding among youth and encouraging peer support both inside and outside classroom settings, the Foundation advances acceptance, inclusion, and long-term community integration for individuals on the spectrum. LF:,F Budget Form,x1sx 46. 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: Jill !!I llllll!!!Il 47. In 2,000 characters or less, describe the measurable outcomes you aim to achieve with the -"- funds. 11 RM, I NO W, PFF,W MiUld[WIMIC5 11 '1 1 LF1 1- 1 5C biapplairly "V11'r1*1111dis XUti-SM. - 1 04 Fe Contingency Relief Fund Budget Form Organization Name: Ava Sofia Foundation Project Name: Light It Up Blue Campaign Other Cash Expense Description CRF Grant Total Expense Expense Justification Sources Facilitate the event through discounted and Emcee $ 200.00 $ 200.00 $ 400.00 donated emcee services from Kuehu Mauga and Gavin Tanouye of KWXX to engage attendees and promote Autism awareness. Light the King Kamehameha Statue in Hilo in Lighting $ 200.00 $ 300.00 $ 500.00 blue, with discounted services from In His Light Productions, to promote Autism awareness. Sound System $ 300.00 $ - $ 300.00 Provide amplification so all attendees can hear educational messaging. Insurance $ 346.00 $ - $ 346.00 Maintain required insurance to safely host the public event. Photography $ - $ 200.00 $ 200.00 Document the event to support future community outreach and reporting. Videography $ - $ 1,200.00 $ 1,200.00 Document the event to support future community outreach and reporting. Produce banners, brochures, business cards, Print Materials $ 300.00 $ - $ 300.00 and flyers to distribute educational information and increase awareness. Provide sensory supports, refreshments, and Toys, Refreshments, Safety Supplies, $ 254.00 $ 146.00 $ 400.00 essential safety and event equipment to Electric Cords, Tents, and Tables ensure a safe, accessible, public awareness event for individuals with Autism. Admin/Overhead Expenses - Max. 10% of $ request: EXPENSES TOTAL $ 1,600.00 $ 2,046.00 $ 3,646.00