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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN GREDC 2020/06/16 2018-2020 Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development 22nd Session Hawaii County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawai i June 16, 2020 CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic ORDER: Development was called to order at 11:38 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Chair Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Vice Chair Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Member Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Member (via videoconference from Kona) Ms. Karen Eoff, Member (via videoconference from Kona) Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member Ms. Valerie Poindexter, Member Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, Member Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member (via videoconference from Kona) STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items. PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to speak, and came forward when called by the Chair: Joshua Montgomery: Res. 666-20 (Comm. 970), in support. Hannah Hedrick: Comm. 430.34, comment. Smiley Burrows: Comm. 430.34, support. (Representing Kapoho Crater-ILP) Nicolette Douvris: Comm. 430.34, comment. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you so much. Seeing as there are no other testifiers, I'll be closing public testimony at this time and moving on to business of the day. Mr. Clerk, if we could start with communications. GREDC-22 June 16,2020 COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, CATIONS: Communications. Comm. 430.34: REQUESTS A PROGRESS REPORT FORM THE 2018 KILAUEA ERUPTION RECOVERY TEAM From Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, dated June 8, 2020. Motion to Close File: Mr. Richards moved to close file on Comm. 430.34. Seconded by Ms. Poindexter. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: If I could call for the Recovery Officer, Douglas Le. (Note: At this time, Recovery Officer Douglas Le came forward to address the members of the Committee.) CHR KIERKIEWICZ: You know, prior to COVID this is probably one of our most important issues that we as Puna and a county, were tackling. And so wanted to just do a pulse check, with you and the team around. I think a number of decisions that were just kind of hanging out there that community wanted answers to in order to just move beyond the space of being in limbo. And can make some decisions about next steps for their individual lives, and us as a community. And so a number of things here on the communication. You know, what it's been like to collaborate with community. I wanted to make sure that we were elevating community voice where we could, in every possible way. I know that Neighborhood Place of Puna's case management contract is coming to an end in August, but I would like you to clarify any detail in what that experience has been like and their work to assist impacted households. And then big decisions that you're going to be announcing today. I know you met with Imua Lower Puna earlier, but about reconstructing critical infrastructure in the lower Puna area. And other things like the CDBG (Community Development Block Program), our Action Plan, what that is looking like. I know there's a public engagement process so we're very keen to know when we can see a draft and how we will be working to ensure community mana`o is incorporated. And then also the recovery plans. I mean earlier today we saw a contract extension for Tetra Tech in order to complete the final work product related to the recovery plan. So just wanting to understand when it's going to be available for the public to review. I know you shared a copy of it with the recovery team. And we're also very interested to know how the economic recovery strategy, which seems now more important than ever, is coming along that was developed by Institute for Sustainable Development. And finally some really good news that we released on Monday, yesterday, about community being able to access the Bill 146 funds. Page 2 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 So that's a recap. And I just wanted to note on here if you could talk on anything about the resilience hub concept, that I know Bob was leading that was very important too, to Hannah, and to many members in our community. MR. LE: Protocol, mask no mask? CHR KIERKIEWICZ: You can remove. MR. LE: Okay, thank you, appreciate it. Good morning, Douglas Nam Le, Disaster Recovery Officer with the county. You know, I appreciate the communication, and ongoing cooperation with Council and many of the leaders in our community, who are, you know, charging the way around recovery from the 2018 eruption. You know, given the breadth of the topics in the communication. I will try to cover them all and be and kind of be in succinct, but happy to have broader conversation. I think the first piece really in terms of our ongoing work with the Disaster Recovery Task Force, this is a body that was convened in December that has members of the Council kind of leadership, as well as members of the community who are working through, you know, as some of the testifiers really describe, complicated issues to kind of get direction. We've been meeting regularly and over the past—after the initial kickoff meeting, you know, we've met to cover some preliminary review of the draft Kilauea Recovery Plan. We've spent time to really work through considerations, data points, impacts related to road restoration. We have met up with HVO (Hawai`i Volcano Observatory), actually a briefing on, the reality of temperatures and cooling following this eruption what folks can expect in some of the areas that were inundated. And most recently kind of also met about the components and design about of a voluntary buy-out program. Really it's a national model, that we have flexibility to adapt to meet our immediate needs and our priorities. And so that was really helpful, a robust conversation. That also happened in this current moment of social distancing, so it was a number of focused virtual conversations. And most recently kind of getting feedback on the Kilauea Recovery Resilience Plan, which I'll talk about in a minute. I know, you know, one of the big sets of decisions that has been really critical to people's lives and livelihoods in lower Puna who have been affected by the eruption is decisions on road restoration. You know, with Department of Public Works, and Finance, and kind of our(inaudible) team, work has been put in, and early this spring we were able to come to an agreement on a dollar value for the restoration of the county roads that were inundated by the eruption. The total dollar value is $82 million. That represents 75 percent grant on the Federal side of$61 million, and local match 25 percent of$21 million. Page 3 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 The way that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) funds work is reimbursement based, so what we have is obligation and we have the access to the dollars. Like with any FEMA funding time and memorial, the jurisdiction does the work and then gets reimburse for it after the fact. One of the key pieces to be able to move forward, is to make an articulate decision related to what infrastructure that was damaged and was part of this grant agreement will be restored. FEMA has paths, kind of really to be adaptive to any of the local community to recover around restoring the infrastructure, identifying alternative projects and this 420 program also provides for alternate projects with any excess funds. Really coming out of the deliberation with the taskforce, which really weighed the complex decisions related with each road restoration. Understanding the geological conditions, that now exist today following the eruption. Conditions that would change, as we seen overtime from previous eruptions. We're prepared to kind of announcing some decisions around road restorations. The first decision is around Leilani Avenue, so quite an extent of Leilani Avenue is inundated. And we are kind of moving forward with restoration of the extent of Leilani Avenue that connects to Pohoiki Road, in Kahukai Street. And this will provide access to kipuka in Leilani Estates where there are kind of several homes, parcels, and some farming as well. We do not advise, and do not plan to restore the rest of Leilani Avenue. And part of this decision has been conversations with the community in Leilani Estates. We do plan to restore the 900 feet of Lighthouse Road that was inundated, at four corners. You know, it's been clear that access to that shoreline, even prior the eruption is really important to the community. Open space is important to the community. And since the eruption the area has changed so much as well. We think restoring the Lighthouse Road is important as a decision. But we also know that we need to come together, descendants, property owners, you know, engaged community members working with the county and the state to understand what the management of that area of Kumukahi, it's significance, the sensitivity at the area around natural and cultural resources. It's got to work together. I think restoring Lighthouse Road is a first step to that, but there's still a lot of work we have to come together around in terms of public access and management for that area. But yes, short is Lighthouse Road we are looking to restore. For Highway 137. You know, we're prepared to restore the extent of Highway 137 that abuts the Vacationland and Kapoho Subdivisions. You know, the community has made clear that they have plans to restore their private road network, and kind of have folks who choose to restore their homes and farms there to be able to return. We're ready to work with them on kind of being able to Page 4 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 provide that county road access. And on the other end of 137, the temporary extent, you know, at Opihikao, where right after the eruption we were able to provide access until Isaac Hale Beach Park from 130. We feel it's important that we restore that to a more permanent standard as part of this work. You know, I think it's clear from community conversations including this morning, and testimony from members of the public that there is ongoing concern about not restoring the full extent of 137 that was inundated by the eruption. You know, I think if we—you know, these decisions are where we are right now, and I want to continue to kind of lift up the priorities and concerns folks are raising. You know,justI think more on that just enlighten up these decisions. But I think for these decisions on restoration and the roads that we are not restoring, which also includes the roads that service the Lanipuna Gardens area, Hinalo, Lauone, Honua`ula. Really we considered strongly community input kind of desire and direction from the impacted residents wanting to return for farming, or for living, and also the geological conditions. And the hazard areas too, for future eruptions. You know, the taskforce provided a lot of input in terms of weighing all these considerations. There's no question about for folks who continue to prioritize the restoration of all of 137, that it is a priority. You know, I think where we need to work is having everyone understand,just, you know, where we are in terms of that decision not to restore that extent. What the balance of those inputs are, into that decision. I think to close down the roads, I know timelines are very critical. And in kind of questions about kind of how each project can move forward, you know, with Pohoiki which is been articulated as a next priority for restoration, you know, the county is ready to go, we're waiting to just get confirmation from FEMA on their notice to proceed to be able to start work there. For each of these other road segments, and this applies to any kind of FEMA funded infrastructure projects. We have to kind of cross different milestones to be able to get construction ready. This includes obviously kind of looking at these road segments in terms of final cost and scope, and confirming that with FEMA relative to the full scopes that were initially submitted for the grant agreement. This also includes completing permitting and right of ways on the county sideI'm sorry right of entries, my apologies—on the county side. And working with FEMA on environmental historic preservation review. Several of these can work simultaneously on the county and on the FEMA side. So the decision, much like Pohoiki, you know, the decision to restore these additional road segments really lies with our team in collaboration within the county hui of folks involved in recovery and with ongoing in consultation with members of the community. With each road project, it's a project in of itself. It has a scope of work, it has a timeline. What we're focused on is, being able to Page 5 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 articulate those milestones that get us to a construction start, and articulating what the timeline is from the construction start. I think we experienced it with 132, that the clarity was very important to the community and within the county family as well. When there was rope up like heat, we were clear about that. And so in terms of process and how we want to move forward, we want to continue looking at 132 as the way we do it. But each kind of road segment that I've just explained will have kind of its timeline that, you know, we'll work to articulate as those milestones become clear. I think with Pohoiki Road, you know, while we are waiting for the notice to proceed from FEMA on this specific project, you know,just in consultation from DPW (Department of Public Works)the full completion of the project could take as much as a year. We'll think about and plan for efficiencies and what not. But to give a context to timelines and what it takes to mobilize and complete these projects, I think it is really key along that timeline, to be communitive about where we are and where we're going. Around those ends. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Douglas, could you clarify real quick? You talked about each project taking about a year given the process. MR. LE: Yeah. No, so that was only specific to Pohoiki Road. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. MR. LE: So where we're most advanced along the way. We don't have a timeline in terms of duration, or start/finish for these other products that I've identified today. But we will get there. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: And you'll be working on projects in parallel to one another? MR. LE: There's a lot of benefits and efficiency in terms of mobilization of resources, for sure. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. MR. LE: On the additional kind of Federal funding front, you know, Parks and Recreation has been working along the same timeline with all the other agencies around their own public assistance grant. And currently, you know, for the damages or lost assets at Isaac Hale Beach Park, and Ahalanui Beach Park, Parks and Recreation is still negotiating kind of the final dollar value cost estimation. I think we've covered this in the past, and I think it continues to be an issue. You know, working within the FEMA system, and its process for cost estimation it's affirmation for independent review with Army Corps for larger projects and the realities of construction on our island, as well as the realities of working with Page 6 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 lava. And you know, the models aren't necessarily built for lava, they're built for other types of disaster events that rest of the country faces more frequently. You know, this has been one part of this process, right? Understanding and getting to final agreement and eventual obligation around funding for Parks and Recreation's assets. I think a really exciting and important milestone, is the initiation of a public common period for the Disaster Recovery Block Grant funding that HUD (Housing and Urban Development) is providing. The $83.8 million that has been allocated to the county. We expect to kind of finalize the draft for public comment at the end of this month, to open up a 30 day public comment period, and after that comment period is closed to kind of synthesize, you know, categorize and respond to comments including any updates the plan that are driven by the comments. Our deadline to submit this Action Plan to HUD is August 31. And we anticipate, you know, with the timing of the public comment period to be able to meet that deadline in good time. You know, I think a lot of folks are curious about what the HUD Action Plan is, right, and it's just the requirement that specify to the HUD funding, you know, what HUD requires, and what we will include. Including planning coordination, community engagement efforts, what they call a citizen participation plan. You know, how during the life cycle of the grant we as a jurisdiction will be working with the community around changes and communication. We have to provide demographic and market information, really for the disaster impacted area. Part of this is around satisfying HUD's mission around ensuring fair housing, right. So understanding who's in our community, what the housing market looks like, and any amounts that it impacts—impediments to fair housing. We have to quantify our main recovery needs to date, including any resources and that have been provided into the county. And also identify projects. So what specific projects are we talking about? You know, a voluntary residential buy-out program being key to it, and how it shapes national objectives, which is a HUD term. And finally it includes a pre-award implementation plan. So what are the operational and capacity aspects that counties put in place to be able to implement the grants successfully. So folks can look out for that when we're prepared to put up the document. Like any jurisdiction all action plans are public and so if folks want to see how other jurisdictions do it. We do that research too, around best practices. A lot of this is publically available, for other people's action plans that have been adopted. You know, (inaudible) are also working through the Kilauea Recovery Resilience Plan, which aims to kind of chart a course for our recovery across the board, across all sectors. Really the vision is to build resilience communities in the impacted area. Thinking about and kind of really lifting up `aina, land management, supporting community recovery from the 2018 eruption, building Page 7 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 capacity to mitigate against future disaster events, and reducing risk to life and property, and prioritizing economic opportunity (inaudible) for residents. That's our broader vision, you know, our near-term, long term goals and the plan. Near term really to facilitate projects, and efforts that provide that immediate relief for needs that are ongoing for residents and businesses impacted by the eruption. The long-term goal is to really look at strategies, policies, projects, that protect public health and safety in light of volcanic hazards, enhances community wellbeing, and kind of helps to create a more resilience economy, following this eruption event. The strategies really boil down to eruption recovery, thinking about disaster resilience. So building capacity on the operational side, community planning, disaster preparedness. And then the final strategy focuses on community development. So where do we need to build networks and capacity within the community, to invest and target revitalizations in Puna to support disaster resilience and economic growth. And also to kind of carry, and identify areas for natural cultural resources management, and opportunities for economic or agriculture development. The disaster economic recovery plan, is more focused on the economic sector. Really, you know, this plan its goal is to have a road map for job creation, and facilitating public-private investment. Much like the recovery resilience plan, it's structured around, you know, vision, strategies, and projects associated with strategies. And at every high level, you know, the strategies include a commitment to kind of a place-based economy that really honors our natural cultural resources, really building workforce development opportunities at a different scales, and in different ways. There are resources and programs out there, how can we do differently or expand in light of this volcanic eruption but also to meet broader community needs around work force development. To enhance kind of economic, and entrepreneurship support system on our island. To identify critical infrastructure that supports economic development, and facilitate private investment. Building financial capability like the household, and entrepreneurship level, and thinking about kind of managing risk. So how does the economic kind of ecosystem and business sector work with government to kind of think about managing future risks. So this is really what the plans are putting forth. You know, we're taking the next couple weeks to finalize it, you know, before public release. And just want to get some context of where we are, and where we're going in terms of both of these recovery plans, which I think will be very central. And finally, you know, to provide an update to the work of Neighborhood Place of Puna and their Administration with the county of the disaster case management program. The staff at Neighborhood Place of Puna have been kind of up and Page 8 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 running since September. They have reached out to over 1,500 disaster impacted individuals to really assess to what their recovery needs are. The program works kind of twofold where the grant from FEMA provides the resources to bring the Neighborhood Place of Puna and their case managers on board,to provide that direct assistance to survivors from the eruption. And then the Kilauea Hui that's made up of several nonprofits, that are leveraging kind of their funding and from profit dollars to provide immediate assistance to these households. You know, the folks that we've been serving through Neighborhood Place of Puna are people who really have a lot of unmet needs felt to their recovery. About 205 individuals have completed the full intake and needs assessment process after outreach. We've had as many as 165 individuals complete full recovery plans, and of that 106 remain active. So you know, cases that we continue to work through. In total across the board we've been able to make 723 referrals to other services beyond the support that Neighborhood Place of Puna provides. And through the really coordinated effort with Kilauea Hui, you know, over $320,000 has gone directly to the disaster survivors. That has been going to meet the most immediate unmet needs, which is really folks looking for stable housing, reconstruction of their housing, and also repairs to building systems, like catchment systems. So really Neighborhood Place of Puna brings these cases to Kilauea Hui, and they have a kind of two handed partner based process of allocating this funding to these survivors. I think also very important for families who went through the FEMA individual assistance program, the advocacy that Neighborhood Place of Puna has done on behalf of the families has also netted an additional $49,000 of individual assistance. You know,post what was originally granted by FEMA. So these are all kind of real benefits, and the work that Neighborhood Place of Puna continues to do, you know, month by month with Kilauea Hui additional folks are being served. The funding for Neighborhood Place of Puna through the disaster case management program initially was set to expire in May, essentially two years after the start of the eruption with the federal disaster declaration. This is how much the FEMA funding programs flow. Automatically two years. An extension is based on program need or different channels. Soup until this point just given a need for the ongoing work. We are continuing to work through the current date of August. But just last week we submitted an additional extension to be able to provide additional time for us to spend down the funding we have available to us and continue to provide the services that are needed. This helps to bridge the time to deploy additional recovery resources for families, like the buy-out program. But this request falls within a larger authority, that FEMA provided all its grantees in terms of related impacts to COVID. Page 9 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 So you know, there's no question that for some families that were doing okay, within the Neighborhood Place of Puna program, the effects of the COVID pandemic, and the impacts of the economy have really impacted them too, right. And so that's one of the recognitions. But also so much of this work relies on the actual activities of the nonprofit at Neighborhood Place of Puna and those that are involved in Kilauea Hui, they've also had impacts related to the downturn and the pandemic. And so the request for additional time of six months has been submitted, and we're looking forward to getting an affirmative from FEMA on that so we can continue the work. And finally, you know, we we're excited yesterday to announce the opening of the Kilauea Recovery Grants Program. This was funding that the Council was able to move forward with Bill 146, Ordinance 2020-28. All the information is available on the Kilauea Recovery website, recovery.hawaiicounty.gov. Application forms, instructions, and also our staff are here to help people navigate the process. We've already gotten questions back just over the last day, which is exciting to see given the interest for accessing these grants. The grants really will go to support recovery, and repairs for the physical damage of the eruption. And the deadline to submit applications is July 24, you know, details will be there. And please folks in the community should not hesitate to reach out to us, kind of with questions. And finally, you know, I think for some time we've been working on the Puna Strong Grants Program. We finalized our fee for the program and preparing to release the request for proposals to seek a nonprofit partner with relevant experience to work with the county to design and administer this Puna Strong Grants Program. And so that's the next milestone, is just kind of getting to the release of that request for proposals. I hope that kind of painted the whole picture. And happy to take any questions or have a broader conversation with the members Council. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thanks, Douglas. I have questions, but I'll turn it to my colleagues first to see if they have any comments. Mr. Richards and then Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. Thanks for that extensive report, but I expect nothing less from you. Question, a lot of these economic recovery plans were formulated pre-COVID-19, and from the way I view that we have a working economy that helps stand up a program that is trying to rekindle, restart, now we don't have a working program. Or, excuse me, a working economy. And so has that been taken into consideration as far as moving forward? MR. LE: For the disaster recovery, economic recovery plan, yes. It for sure is a consideration. You know, with everything happening at the same time, you know, our team works really closely with other members of the county who are Page 10 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 working on—(technical difficulties). How's this? Okay. We work closely together, you know, even though these are two very kind of parallel but different responses. So I think there are lessons and proposals from our effort around the eruption recovery that, you know, folks have already run with given the urgency and the availability of resources, and COVID-19. And you know, the mirror reflects the other way around too, alright. So understanding what we seen in terms in of the direct impacts of the economy, and what can be done to kind of support the rebound. We're looking that when we have the more specific focus on the eruption related economic recovery. MR. RICHARDS: Okay, because I can see how the efforts could be complimentary, but also without having the larger economy helping stand up what you're trying to retool, that's problematic in itself. Okay, Chair, in the interest of time I'll yield, but I'll come find you. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Sure. Thanks, Mr. Richards. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Thought he had his light and wanted to ask some questions. If not let me check in with Kona. Sorry there's some strange feedback happening here, one second. Can you hear me now? Okay. MS. EOFF: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz, there aren't any questions in Kona right now. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. Thanks, Ladies. Alright Douglas, I kind of want to work backwards from your presentation. Thank you, by the way. You and your team have continued to work really hard to serve Puna, and the County and so I really appreciate your leadership, and what you bring to the table. So thank you. Neighborhood Place of Puna case management, is this a no-cost contract extension? Are we receiving additional federal money, in order to keep Neighborhood Place of Puna on? MR. LE: Sure, great clarification. Any additional time with Neighborhood Place of Puna, is a no-cost extension with FEMA. So like I mentioned earlier, this FEMA program is also reimbursement based. Given the time that we had to stand up the program, you know, we were confident and have the numbers around being able to because you need to run the program even for an additional six months within the original grant. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, that's great to hear. And just to clarify that grant from FEMA to support this program, it can only be used to do the programmatic outreach? We cannot grant or loan money to community using this bucket of funding. MR. LE: That is correct. Page 11 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. MR. LE: Yeah, Case Management Program is a national model that FEMA deploys, and that is their structure. So other folks have their Kilauea Hui in their local places. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, awesome, thank you. You talked about plans being available in a couple of weeks. Did I hear that correctly both the Recovery and Resilience Plan by Tetra Tech and Economic Recovery Strategy from Institute for Sustainable Development? MR. LE: Correct. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. And again, there's going to be a 30-day public comment period for those documents? MR. LE: For the HUD Action Plan, there's a 30 day public comment period. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. So with the HUD action plan, 30-day comments beginning the end of June and then from there, what is the process to either incorporate or resolve comments from community? MR. LE: So one thing that is part of the HUD process is for any public comments that we receive in person, written, email, we actually have to identify them. Kind of summarize them for HUD, and provide a response. And this is all part of this record of the Action Plan that gets adopted. So full transparency in that sense. After the conclusion of the public comment period for the HUD Action Plan, you know, that's where we make any updates, or really revisit what may need to be based on the comments that are provided. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: And then from there you submit it to the Housing Agency, which is the non-legislative function of this Council for review. Again, more public comments. MR. LE: Correct. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: We need to approve for it to be submitted to the Federal Government. MR. LE: That is correct. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, great. I just wanted to make sure everybody's crystal clear on the many processes that we are juggling here. I want to get back to the plans for just a second. I love strategies. You know, it's great to kind of set out long term where we're going, and then we can steer,tweak, depending on Page 12 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 what hits us. But beyond just kind of having a vision on for where we want to go, are these plans also going articulate some tactics or tools for how we get there? That's often the criticism I have of many plans that we have as a county, is we speak very thematically about where we would like to go. But really the hard work that it takes to get there, those details haven't been ironed out. So I'm just wondering are we going to have a very detailed Action Plan within these strategies? MR LE: Yes. So you know, for today's purposes, I wanted to cover the overview and really give directional where we're headed with strategies. Really complementing each strategy, is a least a dozen projects. You know, these projects are ones that we've talked about today, right. Between road restoration, related planning, following from road restoration, but also kind of priorities that have come up from the community. So really kind of identifying the lead, the partners, and potential funding sources for any number of projects. And I think as a kind of quick tieback that I didn't bring up earlier, you know,the work that our team's been convening around resilience hubs, is one big kind of portfolio of those projects to really taking the leadership of members in the community. You know, COVID forced us to really put a pause on the symposium we were convening, but we are actually working on reconvening in a different way. Really working with our team the participants in resilience hubs and the Puna CDP Action Committee to kind of reinvigorate that. And so we know folks have been waiting and I'm happy to follow up with Ms. Hedrick and others as well. But that's kind of next in our agenda. I forgot to mention that. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, that's great to hear, thank you. When you mentioned Parks and Rec and their 420 application, I didn't really hear kind of the conclusion around their interaction with Federal Government. And so has a dollar amount been assigned to say, you know, Ahalanui for instance. And what can we expect from the Federal Government in order to restore any natural assets, recreational assets in the area? MR. LE: So one of the challenges is that in our experience working with our Federal partners our understanding and our estimation for the loss of these assets is pretty far apart from where FEMA came back in terms of the numbers. You know, I don't want to get ahead and make a decision for FEMA, by putting a number out there, right. But just to be very clear, you know, we went from kind of double digits, to maybe looking at single digits. Between Ahalanui and Isaac Hale Beach Park. When I say double digits to single digits, in the scale of the millions of dollars, right. I think early on initial estimates were anywhere in the kind of low $20 million between the two assets, and I think we are in the single digit range now. Page 13 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 I think it's challenging and complicated in terms of how we work with our Federal partners in doing cost estimates. I think the agencies across the board, have worked really hard to provide every scrap of data and real-time information around the cost of doing business here, the value of those assets. You know, this is something I experienced in New York, but I think we experience it here too. FEMA doesn't think about landscaping as grass, or FEMA doesn't like to fund landscaping. They think about cutting grass, but in reality what is landscaping but kind of ensuring these areas are kind of functional, cleared spaces in our unique and dynamic natural environment. In coastal areas or around kind of water quality issues, green infrastructure, grass, plantings can also serve ecological benefits, right. So that's the forefront of where our Federal partners are trying to go to. But I'm not saying this is the issue, but this is just an example of some of the challenges we face. And how do we think about loss related to lava relative to other known quantities like, flooding, mudslides, and wild fires. We are unique in that respect, within the country. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Yeah, I'm struggling to understand the Federal Government's sort of valuation in metrics around these assets. MR. LE: Yeah, we work closely with our Federal partners. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah, in working with our Federal partners do you see any lag time in response from them because of COVID? MR. LE: It's hard to say. I mean there's no question that much like our own community and our county, the state, FEMA Region IX, FEMA headquarters. There is a filed team of FEMA in Honolulu, the Long Term Recovery Office and they've been amazing supports. I really value their partnership, and their ally-ship. But like with any government process we got to through all the levels of approvals. You know, questions come back and we answer those questions when we seek these kinds of requests. And so I think it's fair to say there's a lot more on everyone's plate. But it's hard to say that things are slower, because, you know, I don't want to jump ahead and say there's like a baseline. Government at all levels wasn't necessary fast, prior to COVID. And so we have to work through our due process, right, and that's really important. I think that's very important at the local level but also working with our State and Federal partners. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you for doing your best to kind of corral everyone, and to kind of coordinate everybody so that we're on the same page. Road restoration, I'm glad there's finally a decision. You know, in hearing some of the testimony that was presented today and kind of reflecting on that. You know, there's gratitude, but there's also a bit concern around the decision making. And so I just wonder, you know, as it relates to 137 in particular, you know, if folks are saying that we need to have alternate emergency routes out of the area. You know, is that something we can put on the table? I mean if it's not fully restoring Page 14 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 137 as to what it was, you know, what other solutions are we going to be considering as a body, right, as a recovery team, as a community, to ensure that people have multiple routes out of the community. MR. LE: Yeah. I think with the decisions made today that's really important direction. I know and have had many conversations with directly impacted individuals about what a lack of decisions has meant for their lives. I do think that with the decisions today, we can have this conversation that you're offering, right, around making sure that we are thoroughly evaluating this emergency evacuation issue as it relates to decisions on the county roads that were inundated during the 2018 eruption. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: How are you going to map this out? You know, like when we were working on restoration of 132, one of the things that I asked Public Works develop was like a checklist of the process so that we knew where we were, and what we achieved so we can check it off our list and it seemed so gratifying to see all those boxes being checked off and knowing we were making some real forward progress. Is that something we can consider having on the website, so that people know the status of these various projects? It seems to me it's about the same process for each of these projects. And so just letting folks know in a very transparent way on the website where we are. I think it will go a long way to letting them know just a kind of status, and progress that's being made. MR. LE: Sure, I think in support of implementing these decisions, one thing we've talked about within our team, given that each project has a very similar life cycle, right, even if the conditions of these projects is unique, really putting a template out there. So folks know if it takes 14 steps, exactly what those 14 steps are. I know those are points that we address a lot in spaces like this. But I can appreciate the value of having just, you know, even if each project may have its own path, these are the quote, unquote 14 steps. And then providing status kind of as these projects get underway, it's also something, you know, our team can work on in terms of information to the public. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah, I mean we always talk about how can we better build up community capacity, and have community be a partner in the decision making. It starts with making sure they have the information that we have access to, so they fully understand all of the implications and what's involved. And you're going to get back to us on timeline after we kind of.you know, discuss a little bit more in detail the road restoration piece and other decisions that have been made. I think it's important for us to just kind of map out in the calendar, you know,just some timeframes people can expect some action to be taken. Okay, I don't have anything else for now. I know Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder is back, so just wanted to give him some opportunity to ask questions. Thank you, Douglas. Go ahead, Matt. Page 15 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Doug, so you mentioned getting a notice to proceed from FEMA, what is our timeline on something like that? Is it a set timeline? I guess that would be a better question. Set timeline or is it every project is a different timeline? MR. LE: So on the notice to proceed from FEMA for the start of Pohoiki Road there isn't like a required x number of day window. You know, we submitted the request to FEMA, we followed up. There is no specific date in terms of numbers that they have to get back to us. And so our work is following up, and trying to get an answer. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So it's completely opened ended on their part? We submit to them, and then they get back to us when they have time? MR. LE: With follow up on our side. Given the importance of moving forward. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Oh. So like some of the departments in the county if there's a 60-day window, they don't get back to you then notice to proceed basically granted. MR. LE: Yeah, no such requirement is in place. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Funding for Parks and Rec 428, what is Parks and Rec with their estimated numbers? MR. LE: So I think it's in the several million dollars. You know, I think it's MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: For what we lost, in completion. MR LE: For what we lost. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Several million dollars. MR. LE: Yeah. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: For the boat ramp—oh that's the state? Is the state ? MR LE: The Isaac Hale Beach Park. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: The beach park. MR. LE: Yeah. And Ahalanui Beach Park. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Say's several is like three, five? Page 16 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 MR. LE: I am cautious only because, you know, given the deliberations that are ongoing with FEMA, and our folks on the county side. But it's within that scale. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: That's disturbing. MR. LE: It's a challenge, you know. And I think our Parks Department has worked really hard, to make it really clear what this has meant on the loss of these assets. Not only kind of the physical piece of it, but, you know,the impacts of the community who relied on it. It boils down to kind of these cost estimations, and civil engineers, and those kinds of discussions in the agreement process. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Wow. I think the value to the community would be way more than several million dollars, even for what we lost,those facilities. Surprise they came back with a number that low for beach front, beach facilities. MR. LE: Yeah, it's still in progress, so I don't want to, but I think it's fair to say that this is where things are headed. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Wow. What was the original estimate from the county? MR. LE: From what I understand it was like over $20 million, between the two assets. At Ahalanui Beach Park and Isaac Hale Beach Park. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Wow. MR. LE: Yeah, that's a big difference. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: By 25 percent. MR. LE: Yeah, it's unfortunate. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you for your time, appreciate it. And thank you for keeping this moving, it's been hard during the pandemic to have meetings. But you managed to get everyone together, and had what, two meetings we had back to back? MR. LE: Yeah. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. And as usual a very detailed report. Page 17 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 MR. LE: Yeah, it's a team effort, not only within our recovery team. But with our resources and leaders across the whole county family, and with the community. So glad to speak to all the progress. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: You know what, one follow question just came to me. Portions of 130 before you hit the Kaimu chain of craters road, can we qualify funding for those areas as well? And they weren't directly affected by lava from this eruption, but they are part of like economic build out. MR. LE: Haven't drawn a picture yet, so 130 ? MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: You go to the very end of 130, stops turns into gravel and then connects back into the community behind that. And that eventually it actually go to Chain of Craters Road and back to the National Park. And if I've had some—actually I have a petition that was sent to me via email to ask for better improvements on that road. Because I guess we have been committing a lot of funds to just doing temporary fixes. MR. LE: Okay. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So that may be an area of interest. And I know the community is very interested to see that built out. It may not be thousands of people, but it is hundreds of our citizens in Puna who want something better. And if we have funds for roads, then we should apply in that area. MR. LE: Okay. We can follow up to kind of, and we talk details. I'd like to bring DPW (Department of Public Works) into that. Appreciate that. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Where are we with Kikala-Keokea? MR. LE: So, you know,the 40-acre park site at Kikala-Keokea— MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Four acre. MR. LE: Four acre, correct. Parkside at Kikala-Keokea. You know, I think we're having conversations ongoing with Parks and Recreation about that site. I understand while the subdivision is Department of Hawaiian Homelands, that site was EO'd (Executive Ordered)to the county some point and time ago. An environmental assessment was done kind of many years ago as well, kind of in terms what could be done with the site. From you know, what I understand in order to move forward I think we have to really talk to the community about kind of the programing and the uses of what that park site could be. And ensure it, because of the length of time since the last environmental assessment, and what Page 18 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 may come out of kind of community dialog, pursue kind of an additional environmental assessment, to understand what would go with that park site. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. The community is very much wanting that has been since the 90's. And I've expressed that to you and I've expressed that to Parks and Rec and we had the conversation. And I'm just putting it out there and making it clear. So thank you. MR. LE: Of course. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you for helping with that too as well, I appreciate it. Okay, thanks, Doug. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Douglas, one other question. You mentioned land resource management once Lighthouse Road is restored. And so I know Leila Kealoha and Uncle Keoni Kelawe and a number of folks have come together to kind articulate some kind of plan. But I'm also aware of burial treatment preservation plans that were approved by Burial Counsel, and State Historic Preservation Division, SHPD. So wondering if there's any way to leverage recovery dollars, to kind of implement and see through these plans? MR. LE: It's possible, but really what it will determine is what happens next, right? I mean, I think the two burial areas the cemetery as well as the other burial area, and some of the very cultural significant sites are on private property right now. And really understanding what the future of the area holds in terms of jurisdiction and any additional amenities or kind of really assets to make it accessible in an appropriate way. Clearly consideration of the burial sites and culturally sensitive assets will be central to that. You know, if it's a full on recovery project just like how we talked about the roads having to go through a (inaudible)preservation review, we'll have to go through that process as well. But essentially it does depend what really is planned for the area. But we know. It's top of mind. And it is really critical that these issues of, you know, Iwi Kupuna, and the burial sites are addressed first so we can move forward with thinking about kind of what the future holds. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. Thanks for acknowledging that, and briefing us. Any other questions or comments? Thank you, again, for this very, very comprehensive update. You know, I certainly appreciate it, I know Matt really appreciates the team being very inclusive and engaging us and in community and I think that's really foundational for how we proceed. You know, we need to be moving in synchronization, and we can't do that if we're not working together. And I feel really confident in the fact that the recovery team, the county, are working in partnership with community on this. And so thank you, I appreciate it. Alright we have a vote on the floor to close file Communication 430.34, all in favor please say "aye." Page 19 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 Vote on Comm. 430.34: The motion to close file on Comm. 430.34 was carried by Filed the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Douglas. And then Mr. Clerk, when you're ready. Are we going to move forward with Resolutions that are on the agenda, or shift back to Public Works? Okay, we can move forward. We'll move forward with resolutions, thank you, Mr. Clerk. ORDER OF The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions. Res. 665-20: URGES THE ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO KEY SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMY UTILIZING THE STATE-PROVIDED ALLOTMENT OF CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) FUNDING TO PROMOTE SAFETY, HEALTH, AND WELL-BEING IN HAWAII ISLAND AND COMMUNITY IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Requests that CARES ACT funding be utilized to support businesses, and at-risk Communities and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Reference: Comm. 969 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to recommend adoption of Res. 665-20. Seconded by Mr. Richards. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Matt, go ahead. MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: We are scheduled to receive about $80 million in CARES funding, which will be incredibly beneficial if used correctly. And towards the right sectors in our economy to help rebuild what we have loss over the past few months. This resolution in front of you is simple, it is an urge to our Administration to do exactly what we all know needs to be done. And I believe it's imperative that we as a body recognize that, and I know that we already have and we are. So I'm just making it extremely transparent, what my opinions are and where we need to focus. This does not cover everything, and there will be more. But for right now this is what my office thinks is important Page 20 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 for us to focus on. And that is our responsibility as leaders, and that's where I stand. So I ask for your support today for 665-20. Relatively simple. If you have any questions, I'm here to answer them. Thank you. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Questions or comments? Okay, seeing none, we have a motion on the floor. All in favor to forward 665-20 to the Council with a positive recommendation please say "aye." Vote on Res. 665-20: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 665-20 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz–9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Clerk, next Reso. Res. 666-20: URGES THE ADMINISTRATION TO USE $5 MILLION OF THE FEDERAL CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACT TO FUND A MICRO-GRANT PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Requests the establishment of a program to provide small businesses affected by COVID-19 to apply for micro-grants for financial relief up to $10, 000. Reference: Comm. 970 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to recommend adoption of Res. 666-20. Seconded by Mr. Richards. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Matt, go ahead. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Let me begin with, I did try and change the number of this resolution because it does disturb me that I got luck of the draw with this number. But I was denied the privilege of changing the number so I had to leave it with that. Because I'm a numbers person and that number does bother me. But beyond that I have—being one of the few Council people that owns a small business. And over the past few months watching other businesses around Hilo struggle, and feeling a little bit helpless in watching that and going through our own struggles as a business in Hilo. I feel that's imperative that our county provide grants. This maybe something that our Administration is working on Page 21 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 currently, and I have no doubt that they are. But I felt incredibly powerless like I said, and that I needed to do something. So this is my response. I feel a good portion of these funds should go to funding grants to small businesses. There are details in Exhibit A, which is attached to the resolution. I worked on this with the help of SBDC (Small Business Development Center) with Judy Mellon, and Jason Ueki from HIplan. They were wonderful in helping craft some of these basics. As well, different counties have already implemented a grant system for businesses. And this is built on their recommendations. There could possibly be some amendments to this, and I'll be open to that. But as a whole I feel like the Council really needs to step up, and this county needs to step up and take care the businesses. Businesses provide jobs, businesses pay taxes, businesses support families. And although we have been willing to offer loans, and many of them have received PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans from the Federal Government and EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) loans. Loans come with attachments, grants are free. Grants provide instant money to businesses that are struggling still. For a personal story, three days ago I picked up dinner from a restaurant in town and there were three tables on a Saturday night. And although they had many takeout orders, three tables on a Saturday night being open, it was depressing to see. And I feel like that is going to be very consistent moving forward, is that we're not going to instant opening, we're not going to see a lot of money coming into these businesses that we all love and support. And see some which are not going to open. Recent trends that I'm seeing across the state, are the belief that 10 to 30 percent of small businesses and restaurants will not reopen ever. The UHERO (University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization) reports put it at five percent, but I feel that is off. That concerns me. Especially when you drive around downtown Hilo, and you see boarded up windows still. And that is a huge concern, and we can address that if we're willing to put funds towards it. So I look forward to any comments from the rest of the Council, and if there's any comments from the different departments here. I see R&D (Research and Development) and Finance. And again, I feel like we're all working on this, and this is just my way of doing it. So I appreciate your thoughts. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Matt. If I could actually call up Director Ley from Research and Development. (Note: At this time, Research and Development Director Diane Ley came forward to address the members of the Committee.) CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Diane, you and your team has been excellent to work with. I appreciate all the hard work to kind of stand up the resilience program that we launched some weeks ago, and I know that you guys are pedal to the metal, churning out some ideas on how we can help our community kind of recover and Page 22 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 get through this. So do you want to just provide us an update on some initiatives that you might be working on as it relates to, you know, economic resiliency in supporting small businesses? MS. LEY: Sure. Diane Ley, Director for County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development. First I'd like to acknowledge the Council Members both here in Hilo, as well as in West Hawaii for their leadership during these challenging times for not only businesses, but for our families, our communities as a whole. But together, imua, we're going to be strong, right. So yeah, what are we doing? Well first of all, you know, the county has not received the $80 million. That's really important, it's important for our communities to know that, our businesses to know that. You know, when the CARES Act came out, we were all excited. We thought oh, we'll get a share, and then we were told no and then now we were told yes. But we are still waiting. The Administration has submitted an outline of initiatives that includes support for businesses, families, as well as a range of other initiatives that will keep us safe, and moving forward through the months ahead. So that plan has not been approved yet, so we still do not have the check in hand. Steve Hunt is here from Finance, so if we need to get into more specific details. But if you like I can address some of the initiatives we have been working on. I do want to acknowledge that we did, and thank you for the Council's support utilize some of the county's resources to put together an emergency loan program for the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) category of family's kind of those middle ones in between that have been living paycheck to paycheck. So that has been moving forward, we're able to, let me quickly give you a quick summary about the latest update we get almost daily updates on this. There's been a total of 176 applicants, and a total of 24 loans have been approved totaling $77,600. So that is good news. We've also had a lot of applicants that have been denied, because they're below the ALICE threshold. So then they are referred to some our social service agencies for other resources. Some of the people have been withdrawing for various reasons, we're not completely sure. And frankly one of the things I find with some regularity in particularly with businesses, if they're not fully, you know, legal. And so businesses, you know, while there is a cash economy out there, we need to be paying into play. So I think that's really important. And Research and Development has resources, to help businesses come up to speed and get legal. So we'll continue to support this program, look at options as we need to make adjustments with it. So those are county resources that are going out there. That is a zero percent loan, for up to five years. When we approached it to the Mayor, he was very concern we were putting families or businesses in further debt. But we said this comes as a debt consolidation initiative, zero interest. So if you borrow say $5,000, you pay it back over the course of five years. You may be paying, you know, under Page 23 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 $100 a month and no interest. And then it also comes with some counseling. And we have been doing that with families, and we are moving forward to put an initiative forward to bring some counseling services for businesses as well at no cost to the businesses. So that's on that side. For the (CARES) ACT money, thankfully, you know, we will be receiving resources. We do have to follow the U. S. Treasury guidelines, as to how those dollars are utilized. And I urge people to review those, they're available on line at the U. S. Treasury website. Because I think it's important to understand the context of how Congress passed this bill, or this Act and intended it to roll out. It is a safety net intended to stop, if you will, the bleeding now. And so the ACT had a number of other initiatives, but the money that we can utilize we've identified, from the business perspective, we've identified a small and micro business grants, we are looking at as many communities are reimbursement for things that have not been reimbursed by other Federal programs. It's important for us not to duplicate benefits. There will likely to be audits, so we don't want to be asking for money back or for the county to be obligated to give back. So we're looking at these micro grants, and it's important to realize while we may be getting $80 million, we have over 22,000 small businesses on this island. And good majority of those are very marginal income, ranging from $10,000 a year to $25,000. So it may be a person has two businesses, you know, to make ends meet. But we know that we need to focus those efforts. So that's one of them. And we'll be again, setting it up so we avoid programs that they may have received a Federal loan for or the payment protection program. Want to look at where there were reduced sales or suspended operations, or increase cost of business because of COVID. So we'll be setting that up. We will also for the most part all of the initiatives besides this will need to go through some form of procurement to meet Federal obligations. So lots of pieces and steps to go in between. Some of the other initiatives the county is looking at, we want to make sure that we're supporting our business with continued education on safety. On how to disinfect their facilities, make sure that we're wearing our mask. And I apologize, but it's easier to hear me. And we want to make sure that folks have access to cleaning supplies and masks and things like that. So those would probably something we can reimburse businesses for. And I know as a business person, Matt's probably thinking, "Well wait, I don't have any money how do I get reimbursed if I can't pay my rent, I can't pay for supplies?" What we would look at is potentially setting up a line credit, so that we can reimburse for the first $4,000 worth. And then maybe the county, or the entity that manages this cuts a check and then we come back for additional ones. We know that there's been a lot of disruption in our supply chains, particularly our food. Agriculture has been hard hit, many of them relied on businesses Page 24 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 associated with the visitor sector, restaurants and then hotels. So we want to target some resources that potentially can put resources back into the food system, for purchase of local ag products that can go into restaurants. Then outcomes maybe 20 meals a day from this restaurant, 20 meals or 40 meals from that one and then those go out into the community where there's need. And so we're looking at initiatives such as that. We know there are childcare needs, both families that have, or businesses that have to increase their cost because their classroom size is shrinking by half. How do we build out more businesses like that, that is serving or a capacity of a childcare operation to make those adjustments? And then because our island is rural, and even we find in our more urban areas of Hilo and Kailua-Kona we find that the digital connection is not always what it needs to be. Whether it's having tablets or having the bandwidth to reach families that are now mom and dad are working from home and it's required. And they got kids at home that are trying to do their school work. And then there's our seniors who are not able to go to senior centers any longer and connect with their friends and their families. So how do we get some of that social safety net out there that will provide for us to continue to stay safe in our homes, but stay connected? So we are looking at some initiatives, to basically put WiFi on mobile wheels out into various communities. I think I covered most of them. Oh, and then probably some direct assistance to families for rent and utilities. Wherever again, those gaps are that are not being provided for with other. And then the Administration has a few other initiatives. So that's kind of what we're looking at for the CARES Act from R&D side of the equation. And then I will say that we know that this is just if you will the immediacy of the of the CARES Act money. It's important money. The Mayor has told us he would like to see as many dollars as possible from the CARES Act go into our economy directly. Because for each dollar coming in UHERO is estimating it's worth 1.5 dollars. So if we can keep the dollars here and circulating that's really critical, because as Mr. Richards indicated earlier, you know, our economy has had, you know, it's missed some heartbeats. And so how do we get the palpitation going again. So that's going to be really critical. But we've also go to look for other resources. But I think what's really important is MR. CHUNG: Madam Chair? MS. LEY: Oh, sorry. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Go ahead, Chair Chung. MR. CHUNG: Sorry to interrupt. You know, I know this is all great information. I don't know if it's germane to what we're talking about, right here. I mean it was Page 25 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 kind of like maybe to the other resolution, but you guys having any kind of micro grant programs for the businesses? MS. LEY: So currently, we don't have any micro grants available for businesses. MR. CHUNG: Are you planning? MS. LEY: We are planning them, we do not have financial resources. MR. CHUNG: Okay, that's what we're talking about right now. MS. LEY: Excuse me, yeah. Yes, I sorry. MR. CHUNG: Just didn't want to go too far off. Sorry. MS. LEY: Getting a little excited. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: It's great to hear they have a plan, Chair Chung. MR. CHUNG: Yeah, I mean that was all good information, but we got to focus on the issue at hand. MS. LEY: Yes, excuse me I apologize. We are waiting for the state to give us the green light, and then we will proceed with moving forward on these grants. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: When you say the state, who do you mean? Do you mean the governor or the legislature? MS. LEY: Governor's Office. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Governor's Office. Needs to sign off on our plan? There's a lot of layers of bureaucracy here. MS. LEY: I'm going to ask Steven Hunt to adjust address that. (Note: At this time, Deputy Finance Director Steve Hunt came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. HUNT: Steve Hunt, Deputy Director of Finance for the record. We did submit a plan to the Governor's Office and also to the State Tax Director, Rona Suzuki, who's basically been appointed to do the reviews for the three counties that are submitting for this fund. Of course, Oahu got there's and City and County got theirs direct. So as part of the agreement that we signed on to,there is some stipulations. Both including a review and approval of the plan, as well as interim reviews of the expenditures and reporting requirements, which actually Page 26 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 we're hoping to renegotiate somewhere along the way. Only because they've taken out some time that we can spend. They've reduced it by having our final report due December 20th. For reconcile of the report. Whereas the Federal government say's we can spend it through December 30. So losing that time really kind of puts in a bind, because in order to get final reports done for the state we really have till the end of November to spend down. So we're hopefully going to be able to renegotiate that final report date, with the state as well. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, thanks for clarifying. And then timeframe, Diane, for standing up the small business micro-grant program that you folks have been working on for some time now. Are we leveling emergency procurement, I mean we can't get money to our community fast enough. MR. HUNT: In the last guidance that we got from the FAQ's on May 28, new inclusion which is the 2CFR 200 which is the procurement reporting requirements which wasn't in any of the guidance prior. Now kind of puts in a little bit of a bind. So yes, we will be going out, hopefully with a very quick procurement process. And identifying those third parties that might be able to assist us to get quick response time. So yes, we are looking at expedited procurement process. Not just for the business, but also other services that we might be relying on third parties to assist with. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. And to be clear we're not creating more government bureaucracy, we are simply supporting social services agencies, non-profits out in the community already doing the incredible work to serve, but just has simply run out of money to help, you know, residents. Point of Order: MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah. Point of Order Madam Chair. With no disrespect, but I'm still waiting to talk about the $5 million of coronavirus aid and small businesses. I know we going all over the place, and this is a good report to have at some point. But we have Pubic Work stuff to get to also, and its 1:00. I've not had lunch, I've been picking, thank you, Aaron, for having that so I don't go into a CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah, thank you. Ms. Poindexter. I was just clarifying, because there is a resolution on the floor. However they have already been working on a program that goes beyond $5 million. MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah, but CHR KIERKIEWICZ: I just wanted to get the timeframe because it's so important. Our businesses are bleeding, they are beyond being patient. They need money, or they're not going to survive. So just trying to clarification around the Administration around what kind of quick action are we taking to accelerate the infusion of capital into our community? Page 27 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 MR. HUNT: So to the extent that we have RFP's from other counties and jurisdictions to expedite the drafting and also a quick turn time. I think we're looking at putting it out maybe just for a week, and identifying those third parties that could help us to facilitate and implement these programs in advance. So that they could begin to work on their responses quickly as well. That is the intent. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Great, let's move. Any other questions or comments? Mr. Richards, Chair Chung? MR. CHUNG: Yeah. So let me get this straight, so the Administration is looking at a micro-grant program at some point? I mean the reason why I ask that is, you know, we have before us a resolution which urges the Administration to do a certain thing. Now I'm wondering if, you know, both Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder the author of this resolution and Administration have at least been dialoging. Because, you know, when you urge someone to do something it's like they're not doing it, so you got to urge them, right. As opposed to maybe this could be supporting the Administration's efforts in doing a certain thing. Because I want make sure that the public doesn't get the impression that you guys aren't doing something so you need the push from the Council. That we're all working together on this thing, right. So I don't know what's going on here, right, but I just want to make sure that we don't give the public a wrong impression of what you guys are doing and what we're trying to accomplish here. That's why I wanted to stick to the issue instead of, you know, going—but I understand, you know,the Chair trying to get some latitude on this as well. Are you guy's working on a micro-grant program? MS. LEY: Yes. And I don't know if you define it as a micro MR. CHUNG: Well whatever it is, something right. MS. LEY: Yes, we definitely are, and we sincerely, when I saw the resolutions I said it's great that the Council is supportive. Because that's what we need, we need partnership on this. MR. CHUNG: So we're supporting your efforts. MS. LEY: Well or urging. MR. CHUNG: Urging, supporting. MS. LEY: Yes. MR. CHUNG: You guys are doing it. MS. LEY: Yes, we're doing it. Page 28 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 MR. CHUNG: Okay. Very good, thank you. MS. LEY: Thank you. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Great. Any other comments? Hold, I want to check in with Kona. Ladies in Kona, comments or feedback? MS. EOFF: No. thanks for checking. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Alright, thank you, ladies for your patience. Matt, go ahead. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you for the semantics, discussion that was fun. The purpose of this is for us, because this is our job as a Council is we urge things. And Administration hears us, and they see this. And yes, I could have a private conversation, but the public needs to participate as well. And you know I'm part of different associations, and this is what I'm hearing from the public. This is SBDC, this is myself, this is restaurants, this is what I feel makes a difference. And like I said from the beginning, I know you're working on it. I know the Administration has plans and I saw the plan. I also know we have a hard deadline of December 30'h to spend these funds that we need to be prepared and moving in with a purpose. And I think we all know how dire the situation is on our island right now, and I know that other counties have already begun doing this. Do we have CARES funding of any sort that could be applied to this program now? MR. HUNT: No, we have not received any CARES funding that could be advanced, prior to state providing us the funding. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: We have no money from the governor to apply to our CARES funding at all? MR. HUNT: No. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Nothing. And then procurement, who's in charge of procurement here? MR. HUNT: That would be Diane Nakagawa in Purchasing. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. That's the normal contact? MR. HUNT: Yeah. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Yeah, I remember Deanna saying, substantially related to COVID. Businesses that shut down, any business that shut Page 29 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 down was mandated to be closed during COVID-19. To me that's substantially related to COVID. Again, a loan is a loan, no matter how you look at it. A grant is a grant, businesses need funds to continue operations. And my job as a Councilman, my responsibility is to uphold my community. And urge the Administration to do what I feel is right, and my community feels is right. That's exactly what this resolution is, and I don't want to muddy it up with too much conversation and get lost in semantics. But I think you get the gist of what I'm putting across in resolution what three six is on it. Thank you. I appreciate your time, did you want to add anything? MR. HUNT: Just the extent that when we're going through these we're actually looking at grants not loans. So it is consistent with the resolution that would be a grant, because any monies that would be returned, have to be basically out again. And the timing to process some of this is going to be awhile, so I don't think we're be able to build some kind of revolving fund that continues to operate and be expended all in and out before December 30. And we do have to look at all of the other sources, as Diane mentioned earlier too. You know, if they receive PPP or EIDL, and it was for specific purposes, that we're not duplicating that. And from a paperwork standpoint just so that we're clean when we do get the audit, we do want to do this on a reimbursement basis. So if someone and again, begins as of March 1, if someone who was in business and slowly got bled and had to shut down because of the proclamations and other things, they had expenses prior to that they can bring in, they can be reimbursed. Re-spend those monies, come in again and get reimbursed. So they could get qualified up to higher amounts and do it on draws, but we do need that paperwork from the reimbursements in order to fund. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I understand what you're saying. Thank you. And yeah, we just need to get the funds in our account and be ready to run those programs, regardless if it's been approved or not. So when it hits, then we can move and we get that money right into the community, yeah. Thank you for your time, I appreciate it. Thank you for your support. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Val, go ahead. MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah. So with, you know, the CARES funding you guys said you submitted a plan on how you guys are going to spend the money, right? Was there a section for the small business funding, for small businesses? MR. HUNT: Yes. There were six categories that we broke it into. Community Assistance, Public Safety, Hawaii Island Recovery Initiative, which is where that portion lies. Property Acquisition, Housing Construction MS. POINDEXTER: Okay, so that portion is just a small piece of the puzzle, of that entire caption that you put it under correct? So that's why I'm supporting the Page 30 GREDC-22 June 16,2020 triple 666-20 right here, resolution. Because this is a strong urge that this is important and there needs to be a bucket of money. And if we just leave it to that category that you've said that well, it's just an assumption that all of that is under there. Then come down to it and planning and then, "Oh gosh, we're short of money now what are we going to take out?" "Oh, this is not the businesses and stuff." So you know,this helps to secure in our mind that we made it clear to you that small businesses need help. And this is the way to go with their micro-grant. So that's why I'm supporting this. And like you said, it's good that the Council comes and lets you guys know we're thinking where the priorities should be. So thank you, Matt for bringing this forward, very important. Okay, thank you for all your work. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Alright. Seeing no other questions or comments, we have a motion on the floor. All in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 666-20: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 666-20 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Diane and Steve for being here. BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of ORDINANCES: business, Bills for Ordinances. (There were none.) CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Can I get a motion to adjourn? ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 1:13 p.m., Ms. Lee Loy moved to adjourn MENT: the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Richards and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kierkiewicz—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Page 31