2019-05-07 Letter to Gov Ige from Mayor Kim re Act 9 - Relating to Natural Disasters

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Harry Kim Mayor Cntr1utf3 of Patix f`l Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director i ffh r of flit Apr 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 May 7, 2019 Honorable David Y. Ige, Governor State of Hawai`i Executive Chambers State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Aloha Governor Ige, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your support for the residents of Hawai`i County as demonstrated by you signing Act 9 into law on April 16, 2019. The $20 million appropriated for relief, recovery, mitigation, and remediation is so desperately needed for the neighborhoods and communities that were devastated by the May 3 to August 7, 2018 Kilauea eruption. Additionally, the $40 million loan that was appropriated for use as Hawai`i County's match for federal funds will also expedite our efforts to replace vital public infrastructure that was lost during the lava event. This path to recovery could not have been made possible were it not for the efforts of the Hawai`i State Legislature and your office. We are truly thankful for your compassion and generosity. As a condition of the release of funds, the Hawai`i County Council was required to adopt resolutions requesting the release of funds from the State. On March 13, 2019, the Hawaii County Council passed Resolutions 90-19 and 91-19 requesting the release of the $20 million grant and $40 million loan, respectively. Therefore, we are requesting that the appropriated funds be released immediately so that we can move forward with our plans to assist our residents and neighborhoods in need. Sincerely, Harry Kim Enclosures cc: Budget and Finance County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.