FTR Proposal at Ways & Means - Passed!

[JerryCarr]

Assuming that this passes and is signed into law, there will still be work to be done. An equitable process for distributing funds will have to be set up, and then the Council will have to allocate funding from the fuel tax proceeds to the private subdivisions. Although the Mayor and several Council members have expressed support for this legislation, the real test will come when it's time to hand over the cash. While anything is better that what we get now, which is nothing, the county' continuing budget crunch may make it easy for them to offer token help now with a promise more in better times. Puna and Kau districts have significant numbers of private subdivisions, so their Council reps can be counted on for generosity. For this to work, though, at least three other Council reps will have to do the right thing even though it might mean less funding for their own districts. It should be interesting, and despite my cynicism, the current Council appears far more likely to act equitably than the last.

[missydog1]

Congratulations! []

[KeaauRich]

Anyone want to hazard a guess how much HPP, Orchidland or other subdivisions will get? Think were talking real money, or just a token amount?

[Rob Tucker]

My guess is that this will begin with rather modest grants as a system develops and performance of the grants are documented. If the first year of fundings are a success, the intended worked are completed and funds accounted for then it would expand depending on funding available.

The current system of allocating Highway Funds is a bit out of whack and needs revision with or without a grant-in-aid program.

First HB 1626 needs full passage, which has not occurred yet. Then the council needs to form a grant-in-aid committee to study and propose a mechanism. My guess is that grant applications will be competitive based on need and ability to perform and complete.