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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0390.000 2014-2016 • William P. Kenoi -"VI OF of , Deanna S. Sako Mayor ��;• Director • Lisa K. Miura ,`,�_� Deputy Director ,TE OF•M'i� . • County of Hawaii Finance Department 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2103 • Hilo,Hawai`i 96720 0 (808)961-8234 • Fax(808)961-8569 v, O(--) c.. D July 17, 2015 Dru Kanuha, Council Chair and Members of the Hawai`i County Council Hawaii County Council o 25 Aupuni Street O Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Re: Provide Funds to the Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council The Department of Research and Development wishes to provide $220,000 to the Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. County funds will be used to supplement the operation of a Transmedia Accelerator Program (TAP), encouraging economic diversification, creating employment opportunities, and supporting innovation in the field of media production. These funds will match the commitment of the State's Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation (HSDC), and the in-kind commitment of Global Virtual Studio (GVS), to set up a dynamic working studio with cutting-edge production equipment and office space. Enclosed is a resolution authorizing the Department of Research and Development to provide $220,000 to the HCEOC, pursuant to Hawai`i County Code (2005 Edition as amended) Chapter 2, Article 25, Section 2-139(a)(3)(A). The Department of Research and Development requests that this resolution be waived from the Finance Committee, and be placed on the August 5, 2015 Council Agenda in order to expedite the funding of this project. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to call Dorm Mende, Deputy Director of the Department of Research and Development, at 961-8366. i Deanna S. Sako Director of Finance Enc. cc: R&D (Res. Comm. No. 39Q)%3A-‘5) Ref. To: GC -C /PO--� Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider Ref. Date JUj 2 0 2015u Form #: B-52 7/18/91 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION DEPARTMENT: Research and Development DATE: July 14, 2015 STAFF CONTACT: Donn Mende, Deputy Director PHONE: 961-8366 A. REQUEST: Pursuant to Hawai'i County Code Section 2-139(a)(3)(A), the Department of Research and Development requests Council approval to award $220,000 to the Hawai'i County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC). These funds are part of the Department of Research and Development's funding for FY 2015-16 to promote sustainable economic development. County funds will be used to supplement the operation of a Transmedia Accelerator Program, encouraging economic diversification, creating employment opportunities and supporting innovation in the media production field. These funds will match the commitment of the State's Hawai'i Strategic Development Corporation (HSDC) and the in-kind commitment of Global Virtual Studio (GVS) to set up a dynamic working studio with cutting-edge production equipment and office space. HCEOC maintains 501(c)3 tax exempt status. B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED): The transmedia industry includes the sectors of film, television, software development, web-based media, digital publishing, music, and related areas. These are some of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world and some of the most competitive. The goal of the Accelerator is to jump start content creators in Hawai'i that will create commercially viable products for a global market. This will in turn help build a community of transmedia entrepreneurs and professionals in Hawai'i that will generate jobs, stimulate economic growth, and celebrate the people, stories, and cultures of these islands. The Accelerator's role is to support entrepreneurs as they create a strategy that can be funded, produced and marketed in the private sector to a global audience. This funding continues the County's involvement in this project. Funding was first awarded in the amount of $113,000 in FY 2013-14, and $210,000 in FY 2014-15. SIGNED: — DATE: 7/14/2015 Department Head KAREN EOFF N`•�• " AARON S.Y. CHUNG Chairperson I�i%< MAILE"MEDEIROS"DAVID .;�� .,•„ ; •/, •••••• GREGGOR ILAGAN VALERIE T. POINDEXTER -'s'� DRU MAMO KANUHA Vice Chair %•," �'." DENNIS"FRESH"ONISHI `,°f• DANNY PALEKA MARGARET WILLE HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL County of Hawai`i Hawai`i County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 July 20, 2015 Dru Mamo Kanuha, Chairperson Hawai`i County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 RE: Resolution No. 232-15 : RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TO AWARD FUNDS TO THE HAWAII COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL Pursuant to Section 2(g) of Rule 4 of the Rules of Procedure of the Council of the County of Hawai`i, this written request is submitted with my approval that the above-referenced matter be waived from the Committee on Finance to the full Council for immediate action. In reviewing this matter, timely approval is crucial. It is therefore advantageous that approval is granted and the matter be placed onto the next Council agenda for review. However, in the event this request is denied, for whatever reason, I understand the matter shall be referred to the Committee on Finance for placement on its future agenda. Sincerely, ekito1/44/r"--?I/4 1(Karen Eoff, Chairperson Committee on Finance .roves Date/Waive to Council: Disapproved/Date/Refer to FC: yw'l 7/2-0!/5 be/Dru Mamo Kanuha, Chairperson Dru Mamo Kanuha, Chairperson Hawai`i County Council Hawai`i County Council KE/wb Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer