Social agencies
request funds

Social service providers are seeking community support to urge Gov. Linda Lingle to release money the Legislature set aside for their programs.

A provider, ORI Anuenue Hale, has seen its state appropriation of more than $300,000 two years ago drop to $75,000 last year.

"There are threats again of about 41 percent additional cuts. We possibly will have to close shop if that happens," said Yvonne de Luna, director for the program that provides vocational training for the developmentally disabled and economically disadvantaged.

The nonprofit agency operates other programs and seeks out other sources of funding, but the bulk is from the state, said Chief Operating Officer Ann Higa.

ORI and other social service providers receive state grants through the Office of Community Services, which has had 43 percent of its budget, or $1.6 million, withheld. Lingle ordered administration-wide spending restrictions earlier this year because she said the state is facing a deficit of more than $150 million over the next two years at the current rate of spending.

Office of Community Services Executive Director Sam Aiona said the administration is planning to replace restricted grant money with federal funds.

"This administration is not going to cut services for the most needy," Aiona said.

Lingle has said she will decide whether to release restricted funds following the next report from state economists who estimate future state tax collections. The economists on the Council on Revenues are expected to release their report tomorrow.

"We're urging the governor to release the funds immediately in the wake of what we anticipate to be a very good report from the Council on Revenues," said Pat McManaman of the Na Loio Immigrant Rights and Public Interest Legal Center. "All the information that we've heard from both the governor and different representatives of the executive branch point to a healthy economy."

At the end of the last fiscal year that ended June 30, tax revenues exceeded estimates by $98 million. And so far this year, revenues are also exceeding estimates.

The providers say if the state has the money, it should release it immediately.

"If you don't fund right away, if you prolong this funding strategy, service providers start to close shop," said Tom Matsuda of the Honolulu Community Action Program, which provides services for low-income people and operates employment programs for young people and senior citizens. HCAP also operates the Head Start Preschool and Child Care programs.