(BIVN) – A pointed discussion took place on Monday between the Hawaii County Council and their lawyer, Corporation Counsel Joseph Kamelamela, over delays in dispersing council-approved contingency relief grants.

The back forth took place during a Finance Committee meeting in Hilo.

Kamelamela said that his office needs better information on some of the awards, in order to make the determination of whether or not it is an appropriate use of the money. Some councilmembers chastised Kamelelamela for overstepping his responsibility.

Puna councilwoman Jen Ruggles brought the communication forward, requesting the discussion with the county’s top government attorney regarding the “public purpose and process” for the use of the funds, which are equally allotted to each council district. However, Ruggles was not present for the talk and so councilmembers agreed to bring the matter up again at a later date.