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Committee approves $80,000 increase to Akaku grant to cover higher broadcast costs
Summary
BFED recommended first reading of a budget amendment increasing the FY25 grant to Akaku by $80,000 to cover increased costs from additional public meetings and broadcasting demands.
The committee recommended first reading approval of a budget amendment to increase the FY25 grant to Akaku (the local public-access broadcaster) by $80,000 to cover higher-than-anticipated broadcasting and meeting-coverage costs tied to increased numbers of public meetings and special sessions.
Budget Director Leslie Milner explained that Akaku's contract had been budgeted at $140,000 but recent demand exceeded the allocation. The additional $80,000 would be drawn from carryover savings to ensure continued live broadcast and archiving of council and committee meetings.
Multiple members voiced support. Committee members asked for confirmation that Akaku covers public meetings broadly and noted Akaku's role in ensuring public access to government proceedings. The committee approved the recommendation on first reading; staff said FY26 budgeting for Akaku would reflect ongoing coverage needs and a separate appropriation would be included in the next fiscal cycle as appropriate.
