Honolulu city officials need some help when it comes to managing federal grants.

That’s abundantly clear after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released a scathing report that included allegations of kickbacks, political favors and general mismanagement.

But HUD thinks it can help.

In fact, the federal agency has contracted with the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders to help the city come into compliance with federal rules for managing Community Development Block Grants.

That’s right. A contract group based in Texas that specializes in serving the Latino community has been hired to help the city of Honolulu comply with federal laws related to grant funds.

It’s not uncommon for HUD to contract out its technical assistance work. But in Honolulu’s case it’s just another reminder of how bad things have gotten when it comes to managing federal grants.

Of Note:

Hawaii actually has a sizable Latino community. According to U.S. Census data, 9 percent of the state’s total population is Latino, enough to put Hawaii at 18th in the country.

—Nick Grube