Proposed Amendments to the KNA Bylaws
#1 - Proposed Amendment to Bylaws
Proposal: Inserting the following text as a new Section 6 under Article IX – Expenditure of Funds
Section 6. Community Disbursements and Allocation of Funds
A. Non-Donation Disbursements
KNA may, upon approval by the Board of Directors, provide stipends, reimbursements, or service-related payments to individuals or informal groups who are engaged in projects or activities that directly support KNA’s mission of promoting the welfare of the Kīlauea community. Such disbursements:
a. Shall not be classified as donations or charitable contributions
b. Must be aligned with the organization's civic or educational purposes
c. Must be reasonable in amount and supported by documentation (e.g., receipts, scope of work, or invoice)
d. Must be approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors at a Regular or Special Meeting
e. Must comply with all applicable IRS regulations, including restrictions on private benefit and reporting requirements such as IRS Form 1099-NEC when applicable
B. Limits on Donations
KNA shall continue to restrict all donations to entities that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.
C. Fund Allocation After Budget Thresholds Are Met
Once the budgeted funding level for “Operating Expenses” has been met, as defined in the annually approved KNA Budget, the Board may allocate additional unrestricted funds across other approved funding categories, including but not limited to:
a. Community Giving
b. Project-Based Funding
c. Event Support
d. Administrative Reserve
The allocated amounts and categories may be recommended by the Finance Committee and approved or amended by the Board as part of the annual budgeting process.
D. Guidance for Future Planning
Disbursement and fundraising targets for future fiscal years shall be informed by the actual amounts placed into each budget category during the prior fiscal year.
#2 - Proposed Amendment to ByLaws
Proposal: Adjusting existing language under Article IX – Expenditure of Funds, Section 1
Current text for review:
KNA shall not engage in any political action, and/or support any political candidate by endorsement or distribution of funds and/or other KNA resources to any candidate or candidate committee.
Proposed revision:
KNA shall not support any political candidate or candidate committee by a distribution of funds.
Please send any questions or comments on the proposed amendments to joekilauea@gmail.com.
On November 4th, there will be continued discussion and opportunity to review and receive additional feedback. Based on that feedback, board-recommended revisions will be made.
On December 2nd (the Annual Meeting), the final draft of the proposed amendments will be shared and appear on the ballot for voting.
In order for an amendment to pass, it requires a 2/3 vote by the Board, as well as a 2/3 vote by the Membership (KNA members present at the time of the vote).