HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 137 2026-06-02 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: June 2, 2026
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 912/Res. No. 576-26
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred Resolution
No. 576-26, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 576-26, transmitted by Research and Development Deputy Director Dennis Lin via
Communication No. 912, dated May 11, 2026, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an
intergovernmental agreement with the State of Hawaii, Department of Business, Economic
Development, and Tourism (DBEDT), to receive a grant for the Kona Low Business Recovery
Program.
Resolution 576-26 allows for the receipt of $500,000 to be provided to eligible Hawaii Island small
businesses that sustained material economic or physical damage from the recent Kona Low storm.
Mr. Lin was present in the Hilo Chambers to answer questions on this resolution. He said that the
Department of Research and Development was contacted by DBEDT at the end of April to say that
there was $5 million in Emergency Disaster funds to help with recovery after the Kona Low Storms
and that $500,000 was being allocated to the County of Hawaii. Mr. Lin explained that some of the
guidelines and details were still being finalized. He stated that the deadline to distribute these funds is
being extended from June 30 until August 31, 2026.
Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz clarified that these funds are for small businesses that
were impacted by the Kona Low storms. Mr. Lin confirmed. Member Kierkiewicz asked if members
would be eligible for federal funds as well. Mr. Lin said duplication of funds for the same expense is a
consideration that their office is looking into creating guidelines around before granting the funds and
that they are working on methods of verification. Member Kierkiewicz asked about how the
information will be going out to the public as well as what documentation would be needed to apply.
Mr. Lin clarified the process and deadlines. Mr. Lin said that once they receive complete applications,
they would be able to provide the funds to qualified applicants.
Committee Member James E. Hustace asked about the timing of the grants and resolutions. Mr. Lin
said that the turnaround time was extremely tight and they are grateful DBEDT was able to adjust their
deadlines.
Committee Member Heather L. Kimball asked about the cap on the five percent for administrative
costs. Mr. Lin said that he believes that amount will be sufficient to cover costs. Member Kimball
mentioned that the memorandum of agreement should be substituted for one reflecting the updated
GOEAC Report No. 137
GOEAC-137 Page 2 June 2, 2026
deadline. Mr. Lin agreed and said that the date change was waiting for the Deputy Attorney General's
review and would be available by the next meeting.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution No. 576-26, and recommends its adoption.
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AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI'I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VH,LEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
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OPERATIONS AND
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JEW kAGIW CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 137
ADOPTED: JUN 1 7 2026