Laserfiche WebLink
REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> DATE: May 7, 2019 Re: Comm. No. 234/Bill No. 63 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 2:03 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 63, reports as follows: <br /> Bill No. 63, transmitted by Corporation Counsel Joseph K. Kamelamela, via Communication No. 234 <br /> dated April 18, 2019, amends Chapter 2, Article 25, Section 2-139 of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 <br /> (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to the procedure for awarding grants to nonprofit organizations. <br /> This bill proposes a$500,000 increase to the application for grants-in-aid awarded annually in the <br /> County's operating budget. <br /> Council Member Susan L. K. Lee Loy commented on having sat in on the process of the nonprofit <br /> grant-in-aid committee helps to understand the needs in the community. The nonprofits serve the most <br /> vulnerable population on the island. The Hawai`i County Code requires that only$1 million be set aside <br /> for the nonprofit grant-in-aid program but the past administrations have set aside$1.5 million. At this <br /> point in time, Ms. Lee Loy hopes that it be set in stone what the nonprofit grant-in-aid should be getting. <br /> It is a moral necessity the County continue to serve communities with the nonprofit grant program. If <br /> this bill passes, it will take effect on July 1, 2019. <br /> Council Member Karen Eoff agreed that it is timely to memorialize this $1.5 million in the code. <br /> Having sat on the nonprofit grant review committees, it was painful to see what the organizations <br /> needed and what the County is able to give. Even $1.5 million is not enough, the nonprofit agencies <br /> actually help the County save money with the services they provide. <br /> Council Member Herbert M. "Tim"Richards, III commented that the grant in aid program is like a <br /> community accelerator, it helps take care of things that might not otherwise get attention. He noted that <br /> all of the programs are hyper scrutinized by the ad hoc committee as it comes forth. <br /> Council Member Rebecca Villegas stated she agrees that the amount of money the organizations save <br /> the County is substantial and that this is an example of the networking and positive outcomes that can be <br /> achieved through nonprofit organizations and government working together. <br /> FC Report No. 37 <br />