RES 431 Draft 01 2024-2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Project Information * 45. Project Title EXHIBIT A King Kamehameha Day Celebration 46. Project Start Date 06/11/2026 47. Project End Date 06/11/2026 48. Please select all areas of Hawaii Island where the project will be administered, delivered, and implemented. North Kohala 49. Please select the district of the Council Member from which you would like to apply for Contingency Relief Funds. Council District 9 * 50. In 2,000 characters or less, describe the project. King Kamehameha Day is a state holiday held annually on June 11, and the North Kohala community takes great pride in celebrating it as the birthplace of King Kamehameha I. Since the early 20th century, a Kamehameha Day Celebration has occurred at the original statue in Kapeau, North Kohala, making this the only celebration held on his birthday. This event is the premier opportunity to honor Hawaiian history, acknowledge the host culture, and preserve and share Kohala's rich cultural heritage. Every year, community members come together to commemorate King Kamehameha's life, beginning with the traditional Hawaiian sunrise protocol and the lei -draping ceremony at the statue. Following this, the royal court and royal societies are welcomed in a walking procession, setting the stage for a floral parade along Akoni Pule Highway, which closes at 9 a.m. for the event. The celebration continues at Kamehameha Park with a vibrant Ho'olaule'a featuring Hawaiian music, local food, arts and crafts, and educational exhibits, uniting residents and visitors in a deeply meaningful cultural experience. Since 1901, volunteers have adorned the original statue with leis, which many Native Hawaiians consider a receptacle of mana, or spiritual power. Today, about 200 mostly Native Hawaiian volunteers help bring this celebration to life, drawing up to 5,000 people from neighboring islands and beyond. For the people of North Kohala, honoring Kamehameha Pai ea —the chief who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1795—is especially significant, as the generational families of the area played a key role in his early life. The community continues this long-standing tradition with a profound sense of pride, responsibility, and reverence for their most famous "son of Kohala." *51. 501(c)(3) Mission Statement To provide local support, funding, and education for projects that benefit the community of North Kohala. * 52. In 1,000 characters or less, explain how the 501(c)(3) is connected to the project. This free community event is a signature project of the North Kohala Community Resource Center (NKCRC), established in 2002. NKCRC's founders recognized the importance of preserving Kamehameha Day as a unifying tradition and ensuring it continues for future generations. Through the dedication of volunteers, the celebration has grown into a widely attended event, drawing up to 5,000 participants from neighboring islands and beyond, providing a meaningful cultural experience that strengthens community connections and honors North Kohala's heritage. * 53. Please upload a completed CRF Grant Budget Form. KKDC COH D9 BUDGET 09 2025.xisx Public Purpose of Requested Funds Per §2-138 of the HawaPi County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), the County may grant an award only if the proposed program or service provides direct public benefits and fulfills a public purpose within the County.