Haw. Rev. Stat. § 42F-104

An appropriation for a grant shall be disbursed by a contract between the state agency designated the expending agency for the appropriation by the legislature, and the recipient of the grant. The contract shall be effective as of the first day of the fiscal year for which the funds for the grant are appropriated; provided that up to one-fourth of the total amount appropriated may be disbursed prior to the execution of the contract.