HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 176 2026-09-01 2024-2026REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: September 1, 2026 Re: Comm. No. 1054/Res. No. 666-26
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 10:36 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 666-26, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 666-26, transmitted by Research and Development Director Benson Medina via
Communication No. 1054, dated August 4, 2026, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an
intergovernmental agreement with the United States, Department of Labor, Employment and
Training Administration, to receive a grant of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program
Funds.
This resolution allows for the receipt of $1,300,000 in federally -derived funds to be used to provide
services that enhance employment opportunities, job retention, earnings, skill development and
literacy.
Research and Development Deputy Director Dennis Lin and Workforce Development Specialist
Clinton Mercado were present and provided background on this matter.
Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz asked for more details on where to apply for this
program and expressed support of improving workforce opportunities, especially for youth.
Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi asked for an update on their collaboration with Hawaii
Community College and our County departments. Mr. Mercado stated that they recently brought on
a couple of interns to the Department of Environmental Management. Mr. Onishi suggested
implementing a program like this for the Police Department and maybe the Fire Department.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 666-26, and
recommends its adoption.
ik-1,
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
MATT NEALI-KLEINFELDER,
CHAIR
FC REPORT NO.: 176
ADOPTED: