Committee forwards code defining R&D duties and a $1,000,000-per-year community grants floor

The committee voted to forward Bill 179 to full council with a favorable recommendation. The bill would codify the duties of the Department of Research and Development (R&D), allow the department to adopt administrative rules for grantmaking, and establish a community-based economic development grant program with no fewer than $1,000,000 appropriated annually for grants. The measure repeals the prior aspirational language in the code and substitutes clearer kuleana (duties) for R&D.

Director Benson Medina introduced the department’s support for the measure: "I'm Benson Medina. I'm the director of research and development for the County Of Hawaii," he said, and added that the code largely reflects work the department already performs. Deputy Director Lynn said the department currently manages roughly $1.4 million in grant funding and welcomed the clarity administrative rules will provide. Council discussion focused on whether the $1,000,000 should be explicitly described as grant dollars (sponsors agreed to clarify the language), whether the director or finance director should be able to recommend reductions during downturns, and whether the department has the staffing capacity to manage awards and reporting. The director agreed to provide transparency and periodic reports; the committee recommended the bill to full council (8–0, one absent).