REP FC 134 2026-03-17 2024-2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: March 17, 2026 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 3:31 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 770Bill No. 140 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 140, reports as follows: Bill No. 140, transmitted by Housing Administrator Kehaulani M. Costa via Communication No. 770, dated February 27, 2026, amends Ordinance No. 25-45, as amended, the Operating Budget of the County of Hawaii for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. This bill appropriates revenues in the following accounts: Housing Choice Voucher — Dolphin Bay ($23,912), Dolphin Bay Rental Income ($50,000), Department Charges ($176,610), and Sundry Revenues Current — Dolphin Bay ($8); and appropriates the same to the Housing Dolphin Bay accounts: Other Current Expenses ($243,986) and Equipment ($6,700). Funds would be used for operating and maintenance activities. Housing Administrator Kehaulani M. Costa and Housing and Community Development Specialist Gary "Toi" Wong were present to provide background on the measure and explain the departmental charges. Mr. Wong stated that Dolphin Bay is supported by two grants, the Affordable Housing Production fund and the Homeless and Housing fund. Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi requested more information about these grants. Mr. Wong explained that the Homeless and Housing fund designates two units to prioritize unhoused individuals and helps cover rent, while the Affordable Housing Production fund is for capital improvements. Mr. Onishi asked whether this grant is related to the Homeless and Housing fund offered to nonprofits. Ms. Costa clarified that this is a distinct, revenue -generating project, and the fund is intended to assist individuals who will be housed at Dolphin Bay. Mr. Onishi asked if the target market is primarily families with children. Mr. Wong replied that qualified applicants include individuals, families, unhoused individuals, and kupuna, and that there is no specific target group. Mr. Onishi then asked if they are working with nonprofits to reach people who are currently unhoused to encourage them to apply. Ms. Costa confirmed that they are. Committee Chair Matt Kaneah'i-Kleinfelder asked if some Dolphin Bay units will be eligible for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Mr. Wong confirmed and added that more than half of the applicants have applied with a Housing Choice voucher. i FC Report No. 134