Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Federal Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee backs HUD grant plan, lists community projects including shelter and rapid-rehousing funds
Summary
The committee forwarded Resolution 497‑26 authorizing Hawaii County to accept $2,970,000 in HUD CDBG and ESG funds for 2026 and heard project allocations that include preschool development, ADA upgrades, shelter security, fire equipment and an ESG rapid-rehousing award; members asked about federal funding stability and spending constraints.
The Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs voted April 7 to forward Resolution 497‑26, which authorizes the mayor to sign an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to receive $2,970,000 in CDBG and ESG funding for the county’s 2026 annual action plan.
Royce Shiroma of the Office of Housing and Community Development summarized the project selections from the office’s RFP process. He listed awards that the office will include in the annual plan, including grants directed to emergency services and community facilities. Shiroma named $750,000 for the YWCA to develop a preschool, $425,000 for Mental Health Kukua for ADA renovations to transitional housing, and $100,000 for security improvements at the West Hawaii domestic-violence shelter. He said the ESG (Emergency Solutions Grant) award includes approximately $270,000 for rapid rehousing services managed by HOPE Services; the resolution overall would authorize receipt of $2,970,000 in federal funds.
Committee members asked about the federal appropriations process and whether proposed federal cuts could jeopardize the county allocation. Shiroma explained that CDBG funding can be proposed for elimination at the presidential-budget stage but that congressional appropriations historically restore funding, although there is a risk for future years. Members also requested a breakdown of the administrative/planning allocation (approximately $540,000 as listed for administration/planning/fair-housing purposes) and an itemized list by program; Shiroma agreed to provide that breakdown by email to council members.
Why it matters: CDBG and ESG funds support low- and moderate-income communities, public facilities, ADA compliance and homeless services; the committee’s action allows the county to submit the annual plan and allocate federal resources to local projects.
The committee forwarded Resolution 497‑26 with a favorable recommendation; the item will proceed to the full council.
