KIRC reviews $1 million boathouse expansion grant from Noah; staff seek reimbursement assurances before contracting

Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission staff presented a conceptual plan and funding arrangement for a boathouse expansion financed by a $1 million grant from an organization identified in the record as “Noah.” Staff said the project would add two storage wings, an on-site comfort station and a pavilion, and that the commission has asked Noah for assurances about reimbursing encumbered or expended funds before KIRC signs contracts.

Executive Director Mike showed commissioners a rendering and said the project’s priority list begins with two storage wings to store boats and equipment, followed by a comfort station (bathrooms) and then a pavilion intended for volunteer staging. He said the left-side wing would be reserved for Noah and the other wing would be closer to the parking lot and comfort station for general use.

Mike said the current cost estimate for the project exceeds $1,000,000 and that staff are seeking updated bids for the planning phase; he emphasized the grant is reimbursable. “My biggest concern about this project is that it is a reimbursable grant,” he said, explaining the commission would normally need to spend funds and submit receipts before receiving reimbursement. He said he asked Noah whether the grantee would reimburse encumbered professional-services contracts and that Noah was reviewing whether the commission could be reimbursed for purchase orders before actual expenditure.

Staff said the first step would be to secure a professional services contract for design and planning, and they will not move forward to award construction contracts until they have clarity on reimbursement. A Noah representative was present on Zoom; staff said they are waiting for Noah’s written guidance on reimbursements before making contract commitments.

Commissioners had no substantive questions and no action was taken at the meeting.