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Council approves $6 million in homelessness grants after contentious review and requests for clearer impact data
Summary
The council adopted Resolution 397-25 to award $6 million from the Homeless & Housing Fund to 12 nonprofit programs. Debate focused on program selection, duplication, metrics, the fund’s sunset and the need for an audit and clearer impact reporting.
The Hawaii County Council voted 5–4 on Dec. 17 to approve Resolution 397-25, authorizing the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) to award $6,000,000 in grants to 12 nonprofit programs addressing housing and homelessness.
Housing Administrator Keha Acosta summarized the application process: 23 program applications from 16 applicants were reviewed by a five-person panel using a 140-point rubric with a 98-point minimum. After ranking and partial funding decisions, OHCD recommended funding for 12 programs across outreach, shelter, long-term housing and supportive services. Acosta told the council staff reviewed budgets line-by-line, checked leases and insurance, and conducted additional post-review checks on potential duplications.
Public testimony…
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