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Lorna Lovett <br /> PO Box 721229 <br /> Na'alehu, HI 96772 <br /> 06/27/2024 <br /> Chairman Dennis Lin <br /> Windward Planning Commission <br /> 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 <br /> Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 <br /> Dear Mr. Lin, <br /> This testimony letter is regarding Applicant: Hope Dia-Mend Ministries, <br /> App# PL-SPP-2023-000058 and their positive influence and service to our Ka'u community. <br /> I've had the privilege of visiting this church since 2020 and I now consider it my home <br /> church because of the many things they do to benefit the community. <br /> Hope Dia-Mend Ministries is an important, indispensable presence in Ocean View and <br /> Ka'u. It provides a vital need of feeding the hungry, fulfills spiritual needs and offers a <br /> tangible place for people to learn and develop a character of integrity and honor. <br /> Since 2014, our church, Hope Dia-Mend Ministries, has offered essential community help. <br /> • Hunger needs in the community are filled by Hope Dia-Mend Ministries. <br /> 1. Once a week, 500-800 bags of pre-cooked food from YWAM Kona is given out <br /> by our church's hard workers. They package, transport and hand it all out to <br /> the hungry. They give of their own time and resources to serve the <br /> community. <br /> 2. As an official distributor for The Food Basket, food is given out <br /> once a month to those in need. <br /> 3. Over 20,000 hot meals were given out during COVID (500 plates a day). <br /> • Holiday Celebrations for our local communities: <br /> 1. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter community celebrations with free bags <br /> of groceries and turkey giveaways, free clothing, toys and gifts to celebrate <br /> our Christmas season, Easter egg hunts to delight the young and old. <br /> 2. Sit down meals that help build enjoyable relationships with our local <br /> residents and lessen the worry of having to provide a holiday meal for <br /> their family. <br /> 3. We also give out safe candy to our community keiki on Halloween. <br /> • Spiritual needs and character-building needs provided. <br /> 1. In addition to our Sunday church services, Pastor Pamela Ako does <br /> Weddings, Celebration of Life services, and Home Blessings. <br /> People are encouraged in their grief and lives are celebrated. <br /> 2. Because of the sound biblical teaching at our church, Hope Dia-Mend makes <br /> a difference in developing people with a character of honesty and integrity. <br /> The lives of individuals and their families are improved. <br /> 1 <br />