Kahoolawe commission approves $257,981 FY26 budget amendment and authorizes temporary deputy appointment

The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission on Feb. 10 approved a $257,981 amendment to its fiscal‑year 2026 budget to incorporate recently awarded grants, timing adjustments to grant awards and operating funds for a newly hired culture program coordinator.

Executive Director Mike Nahope told commissioners the amendment increases the overall budget to reflect multiple grant awards and other adjustments, including a net general‑fund increase of about $14,000, an addition of $210,895 in reimbursable trust funds and $33,000 in non‑reimbursable trust funds to cover transitional staffing needs. Nahope said reimbursable trust funds are expected to be a “net wash” because projects are started with trust funds and later reimbursed by grantors.

The memo circulated with the budget amendment itemized program‑level changes: administrative program adjustments to cover a temporary deputy director assignment ($19,473 non‑reimbursable trust funds), $15,000 in reimbursable trust funds for helicopter surveys under the IMLS grant, nearly $76,415 in reimbursable trust funds for culturally focused counseling services tied to Maui recovery funding, and additions for shoreline revegetation and wetland restoration projects funded by a Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office grant and county sustainability grants.

Commissioners asked about the current trust balance and incoming donations. Nahope said the commission’s trust balance is about $769,000 and that the commission expects funds routed through the Pacific American Foundation (as fiscal agent) and direct online donations; he referenced an incoming check for the online drive and year‑end fundraising proceeds but did not supply a bank confirmation during the meeting.

After discussion, Commissioner Souza moved the motion to adopt the amendment; it was seconded and carried by recorded aye votes.

Nahope then requested authority to fill an anticipated vacant administrative officer position and to appoint the current administrative officer, Matt Hatakeyaba (named in the meeting), as temporary deputy director for up to four months to provide an overlap period for training and turnover ahead of the incumbent’s June departure. Commissioners volunteered to participate in interviews; Commissioner Pascall agreed to serve on the selection panel. The motion to authorize hiring and the temporary appointment was moved, seconded and approved by recorded vote.

The commission’s action preserves continuity by shifting pay sources for a limited period (the deputy director funded from trust funds while the new administrative officer will be placed on general funds), with staff describing a hiring timeline of roughly two months, weather and candidate availability permitting. The commission’s packet notes earlier recruitment activity and that some candidates are already under consideration.

The commission will monitor hiring progress and report back at upcoming meetings as the transition proceeds.