Hawaii County Council approves nonprofit grants totaling $2.52M for fiscal 2025-2026

The Hawaii County Council convened on June 4, 2025, to address several resolutions and key administrative matters. The meeting began with a discussion led by Corporation Counsel Renee Shaw regarding the potential need for an executive session. However, after deliberation, the council opted to proceed without further discussion in private.

The council then moved to vote on Resolution 183-25, which was approved with a vote of 8 in favor and 1 excused. This resolution's specifics were not detailed in the transcript but were acknowledged as having been previously discussed.

Next, the council addressed Resolution 185-25, which concerns the continued employment of Leon Kunihiro, Brooke, and Kim as special counsel for the Human Resources Workers Compensation Division. The resolution proposed an additional compensation of $120,000, bringing the total compensation to a maximum of $420,000. Council member Kanyeli Kleinfelder made a motion to postpone this resolution until the June 18 council meeting in Kona, which was seconded and passed unanimously.

Following this, the council considered Resolution 190-25, which awards $2,520,000 in grants to 66 programs operated by eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for the fiscal year 2025-2026. Council member Kimball emphasized the importance of reviewing the accompanying report, which included a graphical representation prepared by the special assistant to the chair, Jessica Valdez.

The meeting concluded with the council's approval of the nonprofit grants, marking a significant step in supporting community programs across Hawaii County. The next council meeting is scheduled for June 18, where further discussions and resolutions will be addressed.