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Ashley L.Kierkiewicz --•0:1.9f.. Office:(808)961-8265 <br /> Council Member tier `; Fax:(808)961-8912 <br /> District 4 Puna ;+i��`• �yf:+ ashley.kierkiewicz@hawaiicounty.gov <br /> HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL <br /> Hawai`i County Building <br /> 25 Aupuni Street • Hilo,Hawai`i 96720 <br /> July 16, 2023 <br /> Aloha,Director Kern; <br /> I am writing to request your favorable approval of utilizing $400,000 annually from the <br /> Geothermal Relocation and Community Benefits Program, pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 36 of <br /> the Hawai`i County Code. Requested funds would be transferred to the Dept. of Parks & <br /> Recreation annually to procure a security presence 24/7/365 for Isaac Kepo`okalani Hale Beach <br /> Park in the Pohoiki ahupua`a. <br /> In June 2022, our office requested and received funding in the amount of$360,000. The cost for <br /> this type of service has increased,which is why more funding is required to cover this expense. <br /> During our work to lead the Revitalize Pohoiki planning and engagement process, we convened <br /> Pohoiki area `ohana and property owners to understand priorities and concerns related to park <br /> restoration and long-term stewardship of the area. Security of this park continues to be a top <br /> priority for our community and key to realizing the collective vision for a safe gathering and <br /> recreational space for keiki,kupuna, ohana, and visitors. <br /> Based on our outreach, we believe there is potential to advance workforce development through <br /> a community-based security and education program. We strongly urge the Dept. of Parks & <br /> Recreation work with Dept. of Research & Development (Destination Management Section) to <br /> support prototyping 'a program that empowers individuals with strong knowledge of and/or <br /> connection to Pohoiki to take care of this wahi pana(storied place). <br /> If you have any questions or require more information please contact me or my Legislative <br /> Assistant, Ku`uhiapo Jeong, at(808) 961-8026 or kuuhiapo jeong@hawaiicountv.gov. <br /> Mahalo, <br /> Ashley L.KierkieWicz <br /> Serving the Interests of the People of Our Island <br /> Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employe <br />