City Solicits Grant Proposals for Leeward Assistance, City and County of Honolulu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2006

CITY SOLICITS GRANT PROPOSALS FOR LEEWARD ASSISTANCE

The City Department of Community Services is accepting applications for grant awards for private and non-profit organizations to implement programs and projects specifically designed to serve and benefit the Leeward Oahu communities of Kalaeloa, Kapolei, Honokai Hale/Nanakai Gardens, Ko Olina, Nankululi, Maili, Waianae, Makaha and Keaau.

Individual grants of more than $25,000, but less than $100,000, will be awarded for public service activities addressing homelessness, persons with addictions or other special health needs, seniors, low-income individuals or families, and individuals who are either unemployed or underemployed. The grants also may be awarded for projects to renovate or rehabilitate public, community-based and neighborhood-based facilities.

“We are following through on the commitment I made to provide special benefits for the communities affected by the Waimanalo Gulch landfill,” Mayor Mufi Hannemann said. “This is just the first step toward making good on that.”

Community Services Director Debbie Kim Morikawa, said, “We are excited about the opportunity to offer these additional services to the Leeward Oahu community.”

In addition to these community grant funds, Mayor Hannemann authorized an additional $1 million for parks improvements specifically in those target communities. Those projects are being identified by the Community Benefits Advisory Committee and implemented by the City Department of Parks and Recreation.

Grant applications must be filed with the department no later than 2 p.m., Friday, October 27, 2006. The awards will be made on December 15, 2006. Applications are available on-line through the City’s website at www.honolulu.gov/dcs/sprojects.htm . They also may be picked up at the following locations: