HONOLULU (AP) — The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission has collected $38,000 in donations after a month-long crowdfunding campaign, but is still facing major budget problems. ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) — The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission has collected $38,000 in donations after
HONOLULU (AP) — The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission has collected $38,000 in donations after a month-long crowdfunding campaign, but is still facing major budget problems.
Hawaii News Now reports (https://bit.ly/1GsyGPR ) the agency had requested $6 million in state funding this past legislative session, but only received $2 million.
KIRC officials say staffing cuts are imminent. As many as eight of the 18 employees at the organization could be let go.
The commission has been funded by a $44 million dollar trust since the island was returned to Hawaii in 1994. In 2013, a state audit concluded the money would dry up in 2016.
KIRC executive director Michael Nahoopii says his plan is to run at a limited capacity, then make a renewed charge for funding from the state in the next legislative session
