Food, social and educational programs were the focus of Hawaii County Council members as they split $100,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.
A nonprofit called Hawaii Rise (a channel of Vibrant Hawaii) received most of the funding, receiving $172,000 in donations from five council members from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
A nonprofit called Going Home Hawaii that assists in restoring residents into society after serving time at correctional facilities received $57,000 from five council members.
Council members' interest was peaked when they heard of Vibrant Hawaii establishing food hubs in communities in other districts.
“I directed CARES funds to Hawaii Rise Foundation to support the Vibrant Hawaii Resilience Hubs Initiative as I wanted to keep as many federal dollars circulating in our local economy as much as possible and amplify the positive impact of every dollar,” Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz told West Hawaii Today. “One component of the initiative is to purchase meals prepared by area restaurants, which source ingredients from local food producers. The bonus is hot meals for keiki, kupuna and ohana in need.”
South Kona/Ka‘u Councilwoman Maile David divvied up her $60,000 donation to Hawaii Rise to go toward food hubs and computer hubs.
“I just really, really wanted to focus on the kids and especially on the food in the volcano area,” David said.
Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy directed $50,500 for personal protective equipment to go toward the Merrie Monarch festival.
“The world-renowned Merrie Monarch Festival is important for our community, for our culture and for our economy. What happens at Merrie Monarch 2021 could offer a glimpse into the future of many of our island’s signature events,” Lee Loy said. “Even without a live audience for the competition, the need to keep halau, judges and production crew members safe and healthy requires this kind of investment and should new medical advances emerge, PPE will remain relevant.”
To view the list of recipients, click here.