The bill empowers the Department of Human Services to appoint an existing employee to focus on applying for and managing grants. Furthermore, it allows the department to seek grant writing assistance from other agencies or to contract an external capture manager. This dedicated role aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in securing funding that can benefit families and communities across the state of Hawaii.
House Bill 785, introduced in the 32nd Legislature of Hawaii, addresses the challenges faced by the Department of Human Services regarding grant writing and management. The bill acknowledges that while there are significant public and private funding opportunities available, state agencies often lack the necessary expertise to navigate the complex grant application processes. To streamline this effort, the bill proposes the appointment of a dedicated individual within the department to oversee grant applications and management.
Overall, HB 785 seeks to enhance the state's capability to take advantage of funding opportunities, thereby supporting various community needs. However, the implications of the employment terms for the capture manager role and the potential impact on job security for existing employees may require further discussion among stakeholders.
One notable aspect of HB 785 is the provision for the capture manager's employment structure. The bill allows the capture manager to be either a contractor or a temporary employee, thus potentially raising concerns around job security and benefits compared to permanent employees. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department report to the legislature on the grants applied for and received, ensuring transparency in the funding process and accountability for the funds managed.