Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Hawaii County Finance Committee reviewed routine fund transfers, change orders, and budget status reports. Key discussions included updates on the Oli Ekahi wastewater treatment improvement project receiving $113,000 in HOME funds, progress on the HPP fire station improvements expected to go to bid in summer 2026, and the county's fund balance of $270.5 million as of June 30, 2025. Five police department grant appropriations totaling approximately $480,000 for traffic safety programs were forwarded to council with favorable recommendations.
Key Decisions (6)
HOME Funds Transfer to Oli Ekahi Wastewater Project
Transfer of $113,000 from tenant-based rental assistance program to the Oli Ekahi wastewater treatment improvement project using 2024 HOME funds. Motion to close file passed 7-0.
Police Department Roadblock Program Grant Appropriation
Bill 114 increases federal grant revenues and appropriates $17,961 to Hawaii County Police Department roadblock program account.
Occupant Protection Program Grant Appropriation
Bill 115 increases federal grant revenues and appropriates $13,255 to the occupant protection program account.
Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant Appropriation
Bill 116 increases federal grant revenues and appropriates $54,814 to Hawaii County Police Department 2023 selective traffic enforcement program account.
High Intensity Impact Grant Appropriation
Bill 117 increases federal grant revenues and appropriates $340,000 to the High Intensity Impact Grant Program account.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Grant Appropriation
Bill 118 increases federal grant revenues and appropriates $54,098 to Hawaii County Police Department pedestrian and bicycle safety program account.
Development Activity (4)
Oli Ekahi Wastewater Treatment Improvement
Wastewater treatment improvements receiving $113,000 in HOME program funds transferred from tenant-based rental assistance program
HPP Fire Station Improvements
Fire station improvements including fire sprinklers and fire alarms required under MOU. Engineering Partners contracted for permit plans. Project expected to go to bid in summer 2026.
Richardson's Center Renovations
Facility renovations funded by external source with additional county-funded parking lot paving completed
Temporary Morgue/Cold Storage Facility
Cold storage facility with security cameras ($65,000 change order) and air curtains/temperature control ($12,000 change order) completed. Now under Police Department management.
Market Signals (4)
Infrastructure
County investing in wastewater treatment improvements at Oli Ekahi, indicating infrastructure development in that area.
Housing Demand
County maintains 17% vacancy rate in staffing positions, contributing to approximately $27 million in lapsed salary and wages expenditures.
Sentiment
Real property tax and transient accommodations tax revenues exceeded budget projections by approximately $28 million combined, suggesting stronger than anticipated economic activity.
Infrastructure
County implementing new Oracle Connect financial system since July 2025, experiencing implementation challenges but expecting improved budget reporting within 1-3 months.