A state budget bill includes $20 million in grants to 112 specific nonprofits—and some may serve your industry or community.
Most Hawaii salon and personal care owners don't realize that buried in HB1800, the state's budget bill, is a $20 million appropriation that could affect workforce development, community services, or local organizations they partner with or depend on.
Here's what's actually in the bill and why it matters to your business.
HB1800 is the state budget bill. Like most budget bills, it contains dozens of line items and provisions beyond the main spending plan. Section 6, Part IV, Section 13.1 appropriates $20 million in general funds to the Office of Community Services. That office will disburse the money as named grants to 112 specific nonprofit and community organizations.
This isn't a competitive grant program. The bill names the 112 recipients in advance. Individual grant amounts range from $12,000 to $750,000 per organization. Each recipient will receive their grant through a contract between the Office of Community Services and that specific nonprofit.
The 112 named organizations cover a broad range of services: workforce training, youth programs, health services, cultural organizations, and community development. Some may operate in your area or serve populations relevant to the salon and personal care industry—such as job training programs, immigrant services, or youth employment initiatives.
Because the recipients are named in the bill itself, the money doesn't go through a competitive application process. If your nonprofit or a local organization you work with is on that list, the funding is essentially committed.
The appropriation is for fiscal year 2026-2027, which runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. That means the Office of Community Services will begin contracting with recipients and disbursing funds starting in summer 2026.
If you're involved with a nonprofit—as a board member, volunteer, or community partner—or if you're considering partnerships with local organizations for workforce development or community engagement, this timeline matters. Nonprofits that receive these grants may expand programs or launch new initiatives during that fiscal year.
Community grants can fund programs that directly or indirectly support your industry. Workforce training programs, youth employment initiatives, and immigrant services can all feed talent into salons and personal care businesses. If a local nonprofit you know is receiving funding, they may be able to expand apprenticeships, job placement, or training programs.
Additionally, if you're a salon owner involved in community work or sit on a nonprofit board, understanding which organizations are receiving state funding helps you plan partnerships and community initiatives more effectively.
The full text of HB1800 is available through the Hawaii State Legislature website. Section 6, Part IV, Section 13.1 contains the specific appropriation language and the list of 112 named recipients.
Source: HB1800, Relating to the State Budget; Section 6, Part IV, Section 13.1