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Council approves community grants, event funding and recognizes local ocean‑safety hero

Hawaii County Council · March 18, 2026

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Summary

At the March 18 meeting the council approved multiple small grants and transfers for community events and programs, accepted a donation of footwear for lifeguards, and presented the March Hawea award to ocean‑safety officer Kalani Awol for two rescues.

The Hawaii County Council approved a slate of routine appropriations and community grants during its March 18 meeting and recognized an ocean‑safety officer with a council award.

The council presented the Hawea (Veil) award to WSO2 Kalani Awol for two off‑duty rescues; Ian McVay, a Kona lieutenant who served as acting captain, described Awol’s role in coordinating air and water assets during a big‑surf rescue at Kahalu Beach Park. Awol accepted the award and thanked his family and the council: “I just like to say thank you guys for having me, and I’m very honored accepting this award.”

The council accepted a donation of 207 pairs of footwear and 150 reusable bags from Olukai Retail LLC (estimated value $16,500) for the Hawaii Fire Department’s water‑safety officers. Assistant Chief Ola Ikovaleo described the company’s ongoing support for junior lifeguards and program proceeds.

Councilmembers also approved numerous small transfers and grants, including $33,500 to Na Pula Pula Inc. for Kao Family Fund expenses; $8,000 and $10,000 in Merry Monarch Festival support across two items; $8,500 for a Kona Town night market; $5,000 for Hamakua Health Center; $1,000 for the Older Americans luncheon; $5,000 for Ulu Agroforestry producer education; $12,500 in a community foundation award to fund a West Hawaii Food Systems Network specialist; and $3,332 for a community garden gazebo and picnic tables. Motions on these items carried, generally by 8 ayes with one member excused.

The council also recognized 'March for Water Month' with remarks from IAPMO and Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 675. Sam Barrett Jr., business manager of Local 675, told the council the month is a global initiative to raise awareness about water, infrastructure and reuse technologies.

Ending: The council handled the routine appropriations and recognitions in a single block of business and adjourned at 10:35 a.m.