2017-09-25 Letter to Ms. Marcy Montgomery re National Endowment for the Arts

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Harry Kim Mayor Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director Count44 Vf&AUJun* 11 (Offirr of fhrfaagor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 9 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 * (808) 961-8211 * Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg. C e Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 (808) 323-4444 e Fax(808)323-4440 September 25, 2017 Ms. Marcy Montgomery Executive Director Heritage Ranch, Inc. PO Box 1438 Kapa'au, H196755 Dear Ms. Montgomery: As the Mayor of the County of Hawai'i, I can attest to the social, economic and cultural difficulties that our small rural towns face. One of the main challenges in our Island's rural areas is the development of new economic drivers in communities that have been hard-hit by shrinking agricultural economies. There is clearly a need to strengthen our rural economies, to create job opportunities, and to promote pride of place for local community members. The arts community is a valuable partner in rebuilding rural economies and identities, and I applaud your efforts to secure funding support for arts programs that foster a sense of place and cultural development on the Island of Hawai'i. Your organization's Heart of Kohala Design Plan proposal, under review by the National Endowment for the Arts, will provide a process of community input and design to assist Kohala in identifying and designing public art installations and special events that can be integrated into public common areas. Kohala is well known for its musicians, dancers and artists, and combining public art with outdoor exercise and activities can greatly benefit the people of Kohala. I encourage your efforts in arts development and wish you the best in securing new support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Sincerely, to"o Harry Kim -r-1 MAYOR County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.