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47, Project Title EXHIBIT
<br />2025 Hala Festival
<br />48, Project Start Date
<br />09/20/2025
<br />49, Project End Date
<br />09/20/2025
<br />50. Please select all areas of Hawal"i Island where the project will be administered, delivered, and implemented.
<br />Puna
<br />51, Please select the* district of the Council Member from which you would like to apply for Contingency Relief
<br />Funds.
<br />Council District 5
<br />* 52. In 2,r0OO characters or less,, describe the project.
<br />The Hala Festival is a free, 'ohana-friendly gathering that celebrates hala, a plant of deep cultural and ecological
<br />importance in Hawaii. Hosted by the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) in partnership with P6haku Pelemaka,
<br />the festival will take place on Saturday,, September 20,, 2025, at Maku"u Market in Puna. Through weaving and planting
<br />workshops., live music, hula, and educational exhibits, the event connects participants to place,, honors traditional practices.,
<br />and encourages the protection of hala for future generations. Puna is known for its strong traditions of lauhala weaving,
<br />and the festival uplifts these skills and practitioners while creating new opportunities for learning and cultural exchange.
<br />Pandanus trees historically protected large stretches of the Hawaiian coastline, helping to reduce storm surge flooding and
<br />erosion. Hala is highly resilient to salt and wind, making it an important species for protecting coastal areas. With growing
<br />development in Puna and the presence of the coconut rhinoceros beetle on the west side of the island, caring for hala is
<br />critical. Last year's first annual festival drew nearly 1,,000 attendees, reflecting strong community interest in both culture
<br />and conservation. With expanded outreach and promotion, we anticipate 1,,200 participants this year. The festival builds
<br />and strengthens bonds across generations and organizations, which in turn improves the ability to face invasive species,,
<br />natural disasters, and other challenges that impact our communities. By bringing people together in celebration of hala, the
<br />festival deepens cultural connections,, highlights ecological benefits, and fosters resilience rooted in both '5ina and
<br />community.
<br />* 53. 501(c)(3) Mission Statement
<br />The mission of Big Island RC&D Council is to assist the people of the Big Island in achieving sustainable development while
<br />caring for, and appreciating their natural environment; to ensure broadened economic opportunities, enriched communities,
<br />and better lives. The vision is to conserve,, enhance,, and promote the economic, cultural, and natural environment of
<br />Hawai'i.
<br />* 54, In 1,,000 characters or less,, explain how the 501(c)(3) is connected to the project,
<br />Big Island RC&D provides the nonprofit infrastructure for BIISC, serving as our fiscal sponsor and administering the grants
<br />that make projects like the Hala Festival possible. This partnership allows BIISC to carry out invasive species management
<br />and community engagement work without the administrative burden of operating as a standalone nonprofit. RC&D's
<br />support ensures that BIISC can remain focused on protecting Hawaii Island's' natural and cultural resources while also
<br />delivering community -centered events such as the Hala Festival.
<br />* 55. Please upload a completed CRF Grant Budget Form.
<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.
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