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iT <br /> ~ <br /> <br /> - _ i B ~ unnr P <br /> i i <br /> ~ N l 61 Maher <br /> 1'(1. If... 1I1 VV..n..k.. 111 Y(.I21 <br /> March 13, 2006 <br /> Councilman Fred Holschuh <br /> Chair, Nonprofit Grant Review Committee <br /> Committee Members <br /> Aloha, <br /> The Honoka'a Business Association became aware of a fiscal crisis at the YWCA <br /> Hamakua Youth Center in December 2005, and several of our members joined <br /> forces with other community members and organizations to form a new Youth <br /> Center Advisory Committee. We then learned that the Center had to close its <br /> doors for 2 weeks and that it was on the verge of having to close permanently <br /> due to funding and staffing issues. Fortunately, the Center reopened with new <br /> vitality and is now going strong. We understand that the Center has over 175 <br /> youth attending at different times and that as many as 60 youth per day may be <br /> enjoying themselves there. <br /> We also have been told, however, that despite the active involvement of youth, <br /> parents, and members of the Advisory Committee that funding is still a serious <br /> problem. The Honoka'a Business Association strongly supports this wonderful <br /> community resource for youth. Without a place for the youth to relax, do <br /> homework, visit their friends and play, these intermediate and high school youth <br /> would be in danger of succumbing to drugs and alcohol. The Center plays a vital <br /> role in the community and we cannot recommend more highly a program that <br /> deserves substantial fiscal support from the County. Please consider it's funding <br /> one of your highest priorities. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Lois Keb, President <br /> Comm. No. <br /> Ref. To: <br /> Rof. Uate <br /> <br />