HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 133 2026-05-19 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: May 19, 2026
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 873Bill No. 156
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Bill No. 156, reports as follows:
Bill No. 156, transmitted by Council Member Holeka Goro Inaba, via Communication No. 873,
dated April 20, 2026, amends Chapter 2, Article 25, Section 2-137, of the Hawaii County Code
1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to appropriation of funds to nonprofit organizations.
This bill requires a nonprofit organization applying for County grant funds to certify, under penalty
or perjury, that the organization has internal policies relating to management, audits, fiscal
procedures, nepotism, and conflicts of interest.
Member Inaba explained that he worked on this bill with the Department of Finance. He explained
that in the Waiwai grant process there has been a lot of time and work spent by staff in trying to
obtain documents from nonprofit organizations and ascertain whether or not they meet all of the
requirements. He said that this bill is to clarify that the language provided by the organizations
meets the standards and requirements stated in the County Code. He said this ordinance will
simplify the process and create greater consistency in meeting these requirements.
Committee Member Matt Kaneah'i-Kleinfelder spoke in favor of this bill and mentioned that he
will work with Member Inaba on an amendment.
Committee Member Heather L. Kimball asked if this declaration would be filed once a year.
Member Inaba said that was the intention and the Finance Department would be working on that.
Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked for clarification on whether the issue has been
documentation and staff time that is required to sort through the bylaws. Member Inaba said "yes."
Chair Kagiwada asked whether or not one individual Council Member could require additional
documentation or take additional action against a nonprofit based on this new language. She was
concerned about proper checks and balances.
Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen explained that this entire section affects nonprofits applying
for any type of grant. She said that the language in this section is regarding eligibility and would
not be contributing to a situation like what Chair Kagiwada was suggesting.
GOEAC Report No. 133
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May 21, 2026
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Bill No. 156, and recommends its passage on first reading.
slm
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 GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
JEKN KAGI ADA, CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 133
ADOPTED: JUN 0 3 2026