Council requests county audit of housing and homelessness fund, cites need to evaluate effectiveness

The Hawaii County Council on Feb. 4 unanimously approved Resolution 445‑26 requesting a performance audit of the use and effectiveness of real‑property tax revenues appropriated for housing and homelessness programs.

The resolution, introduced by councilmembers Inaba and Campbell, directs the county auditor to evaluate how funds align with the Office of Housing & Community Development’s strategic roadmap, examine data indicators and metrics, and assess compliance with county code and nonprofit grant rules. Councilmember Kimball said committee discussion provided strong support and asked colleagues to finalize the resolution. The auditor was present for council questions.

Councilmembers asked the audit to consider not only people who were housed with the funds but also those who were prevented from becoming homeless because of early interventions. One member requested confirmation that the scope includes nonprofit recipients and the depth of financial review into how organizations spent awarded funds; auditor staff confirmed the resolution’s language covers those points. The council recorded the motion to approve and carried the resolution with an aye vote.

Proponents said the timing is appropriate because the dedicated county housing and homelessness fund has completed two of five intended cycles, and an audit now can inform future budget and policy decisions. The council asked the auditor to ensure the audit’s scope clearly addresses compliance with nonprofit grant code and contract terms.