LIHU‘E — The county is looking to apply for $2 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursements for money relating to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a memo from county Managing Director Michael Dahilig dated June 29.
In March, the county asked the Kaua‘i County Council for an emergency $2 million to battle COVID-19 from the reserve, which is what this FEMA money will effectively reimburse.
The amount is based on personal protective equipment and labor costs through the end of the year. Since March 18, the county has spent about $129,000 on personal protective equipment. The county estimates about $519,000 in labor costs are FEMA eligible for departments like Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Kaua‘i Police Department, Kaua‘i Fire Department, Parks and Recreation, Planning Department, Public Works, Finance and Water.
On Wednesday, Dahilig asked the council to allow the county to request on a rolling basis, per the request of the federal government.
“Due to the unusual nature of the Pandemic Disaster, the application for reimbursement from FEMA will be on a rolling basis,” Dahilig wrote. “Should the amount requested go beyond $2,000,000.00 before the end of 2020, we will return to the council for further authorization.”
Last month, the county received $28 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds toward direct assistance, economic and supply chain resiliency and preparing for a potential next wave of the novel coronavirus as a sub-recipient to funds given to the state.
Additionally, the county asked for approval to use $650,000 from the $2 million previously appropriated by the council from CARES Act funds for six additional supportive housing units at Kealaula on Pua Loke, which should begin housing residents later this summer. There are eight duplex and three studios in the original plans.
“This is a housing first solution to their challenges,” Dahilig said.
Councilmember Felicia Cowden shared her approval of this addition. “If we’re able to move those parts of the community that are struggling with life choices into this therapeutic housing here, I think that would be great.”
Councilmembers urged the county to ensure these units would go toward residents in need. The county has partnered with nonprofit Women in Need to do community outreach.
Cowden again asked the county to go directly to county beach encampments and recruit.
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Sabrina Bodon, public safety and government reporter, can be reached at 245-0441 or sbodon@thegardenisland.com.
