House delegation approves $150,000 for Pacific Behavioral Center after debate over spending plan and scholarship oversight

Members of the House delegation passed House Local Bill 24-3, including a $150,000 appropriation to support operations and renovation of a facility for the Pacific Behavioral Center, after floor amendments and extended debate on funding priorities and transparency.

The floor leader offered and the delegation adopted an amendment to item B to specify that $150,000 is “to support the operations and the upgrade and rehabilitation of facility for the Pacific Behavioral Center” and to name the secretary of the Department of Finance or his or her designee as expenditure authority. The amendment was seconded and approved on the floor; a subsequent roll call recorded all 20 members voting in the affirmative on the final bill.

The measure prompted questions from several members about documentation and oversight. Representative Fadda said the $150,000 appropriation was “half of what the behavioral center is asking for. So they're basically asking for 300,000,” and asked for more detail on how the funding would be used. Representative Marissa Flores asked the delegation to require certified funds reports and drawdown reporting from agencies receiving appropriations so members can track expenditures from prior years.

Representative Aquino and other members also suggested alternative uses for limited funds, including increasing scholarships or shifting money to existing programs that already serve the same populations. Senator Castro urged the body to consider policy changes — such as loan-repayment incentives — to retain students who train off-island and later return to serve the Commonwealth.

Representative BJ (role identified in the record as a member explaining reporting requirements) said reporting obligations are included in section 4 of the legislation and that NGOs and agencies file reports when appropriated funds are depleted; those reports are filed to the chair and kept with the clerk.

Proponents said the Pacific Behavioral Center would provide services for children with autism and other developmental needs outside the public school system and that private property owners are donating or making facilities available for renovation. Dr. Hofschneider provided a presentation to members before the floor session, attendees said; members noted the center’s request included renovation and staff costs.

Several members repeatedly requested a written spending plan and a clearer breakdown of how the $150,000 would be allocated before additional appropriations are considered. The chair and floor leader urged members who wanted further changes to offer amendments on the floor; the bill as amended passed by unanimous roll call.

The delegation also spent extended time discussing scholarships and the local ‘‘Shefa’’ program (referenced in the record as a local scholarship/fund program tied to local law). Members said the delegation has historically supplemented the central government scholarship office and that prior local laws obliged set amounts to the Shefa program. Several speakers noted changes in local gaming-license collections have reduced funds available to the district and urged work with senators to amend limiting provisions in existing law so the district can restore pledged levels in future years.

House Local Bill 24-3, draft 2, passed the delegation and will be transmitted to the governor along with other approved local bills.