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Project Information <br />* 37. Project Title EXHIBIT A <br />2025 Hawaii Farmers Union Annual State Convention <br />38. Project Start Date <br />10/24/2025 <br />39. Project End Date <br />10/26/2025 <br />40. Please select all areas of Hawaii Island where the project will be administered, delivered, and implemented. <br />North Kona <br />South Kona <br />41. Please select the district of the Council Member from which you would like to apply for Contingency Relief <br />Funds. <br />Council District 3 <br />*42. In 2,000 characters or less, describe the project. <br />The 2025 Hawaii Farmers Union Annual State Convention will be held October 24-26 at Kamehameha School's Kahalu'u <br />Ma Kai site in Keauhou, Kona. This year's theme is "Mahi'ai Makahiki'- honoring the vital role that farmers and food <br />producers play in sustaining our communities, especially during the opening of Makahiki season, a time traditionally set <br />aside for reflection, rest, and gratitude for the harvest. Farmers are at the heart of that cycle, and this gathering is about <br />lifting them up. The convention will bring growers from across Hawaii together to share knowledge, build stronger <br />networks, and push forward real solutions to the challenges we're facing in the agriculture sector today. It's a practical, <br />action -focused event- but also a time to pause and celebrate our farming community. We're committed to making this <br />event accessible- the convention itself will be free- and we're prioritizing local vendors, chefs, and musicians, especially <br />from Hawaii Island. Our goal is to keep costs low for working farmers while creating something meaningful and rooted in <br />place. County Council support would go toward a convention with hundreds of attendees from across the islands- not just <br />from HFU's 830+ members, but producers across ag sectors. The convention will include food producer -led panels on the <br />realities of local ag: water access, land use, food hubs, market resilience, and regenerative practices for near shore <br />fisheries and loko `ia. A panel of ranchers will spotlight Hawaii agriculture - from cattle and crops to education programs <br />and cultural practitioners. We will host a community celebration on Saturday evening at Kahalu'u Ma Kai, including local <br />food, music, traditional Makahiki games, cultural protocol, and recognition of the people doing the work to steward our <br />`aina. Importantly, our convention will provide a space for multi -generational knowledge sharing- farmers gathering to <br />learn from one another and connect across islands. <br />*43.501(c)(3) Mission Statement <br />Our mission is to advocate for the sovereign rights of family farmers, ranchers, and fishers to create regenerative and <br />sustainable agricultural communities that benefit the people of HawaPi through education, cooperation and legislation. <br />*44. In 1,000 characters or less, explain how the 5O1(c)(3) is connected to the project. <br />Formed in 2015, Hawaii Farmers Union Foundation (HFUF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is managed by a Board <br />of Directors representing each of Hawaii's four counties. HFUF's primary purposes are to support the sovereign right of <br />farmers to create and sustain vibrant and prosperous agricultural communities for the benefit of all Hawaii through various <br />scientific, educational and charitable activities. HFUF supports Hawaii Farmers Union's Annual Convention. <br />* 45. Please upload a completed CRF Grant Budget Form. <br />CRF Budget Form HFUU.xlsx <br />Public Purpose of Requested Funds <br />Per §2-138 of the Hawai'i County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), the County may grant an award only if the <br />proposed program or service provides direct public benefits and fulfills a public purpose within the County. <br />