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Chris Whidden <br /> ctwhidden@gmail.com <br /> 808-640-1119 <br /> Written Testimony on item #2 PL-SMA-2022-000025 <br /> Hawaiian Ola Brewing Corporation <br /> for Windward Planning Commission, 9 AM Thursday, April 6, 2023, <br /> Hilo County Council Chambers <br /> Aloha, <br /> Thank you for considering my testimony today. My name is Chris Whidden, and I am submitting <br /> written testimony today in support of item #2, PL-SMA-2022-000025. The prospect of having a <br /> distillery here in Hilo that will bring over 200 new jobs and career opportunities to our la hui <br /> and simultaneously support the growth of our agricultural industry is incredibly important. <br /> It is clear that Ola Brew is pursuing this project to celebrate a culturally significant plant and <br /> highlighting 'Okolehao - a spirit unique to Hawai'i, of which they have already won international <br /> gold medals. As a community and employee-owned business, they care about the potential <br /> environmental impacts and are therefore working with engineers, architects, and cultural <br /> practitioners to ensure that this project has the best outcome for not only their community of <br /> shareholders, but for our'aina and la hui as well. <br /> Given their dedication to our community over their last five and a half years of business, I trust <br /> Ola Brew Co. will continue to pursue this project with integrity—keeping the community, and <br /> their impacts on our 'aina at the forefront of everything they do. <br /> Mahalo for your time and consideration and I am happy to answer any questions you may have <br /> regarding the above information. <br /> Mahalo, <br /> A - e <br />