HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 134 2026-03-17 2024-2026REPORT 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
FC-134 Page 2 March 17, 2026
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 140, and
recommends its passage on first reading.
Ikh
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,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
MA NEALI` KLEINFELDER,
CHAIR
FC REPORT NO.: 134
ADOPTED: APR 0 8 2026