HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 042 2017/09/19 (2016-2018) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: September 19, 2017 Re: Comm. No. 439/Res.No. 288-17
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i
TIME: 2:25 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 288-17, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 288-17, transmitted by Finance Director Collins Tomei, via Communication
No. 439 dated August 31, 2017, authorizes the Office of the Mayor to enter into an agreement
with the Department of Education, State of Hawaii.
This agreement would provide $5,500 from the Department of Research and Development to
support Kea`au High School's robotics program. Students in the program would construct a robot
to survey the internal conditions of the air conditioning duct system at Kea'au High School, and
perform routine cleaning of the ducts to eliminate dust, dirt, and mold.
Council Member Herbert M. Richards, III, questioned the fact that the County funds are being
used for something at Kea`au High School, which is a State facility.
Ron Whitmore, Deputy Director, Department of Research and Development,responded this is a
good example of the small investment that makes a tremendous impact. Mr. Whitmore explained
this is a grant award made through the department's Annual Economic Development Grant
program and falls under the Business Development section of that granting program. This small
grant is being matched by other dollars, put up by the Department of Education and other
supporters of the Kea'au High School robotics program, and will fund materials and related
supplies for the design and development of a robot that will clean the ducts in the high school.
Solving an ongoing challenge the high school faces requiring time and financial expenses on its
part.
Council Chair Valerie Poindexter clarified that the County is not maintaining a state facility, but
is helping out the State. Mr. Whitmore stated that the County indirectly helps the State, and
further added not only is it helping the robotics program but the students will be developing
robots that will be used in the school. Ms. Poindexter stated the main thing is that it goes back to
the kids. She just wanted it on record for the State Legislators to know that the County does work
in ways to help the State out with issues as well.
FC Report No. 42
FC-42 Page 2 September 19, 2017
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 288-17,
and recommends its adoption.
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AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
EOFF X
KANUHA X
LEE LOY X �
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O'HARA X .0' " '
POINDEXTER x MAILE D A ID, CHAIR
RICHARDS X FC REPORT NO.: 42
RUGGLES X ADOPTED: OCT 0 4 2017