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Harry Kim <br />Mai•or <br />County of Hawai i <br />Office of the Mayor <br />Wil Okabe <br />Managing Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy Managing Director <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />September 4, 2018 <br />Mr. Herbert Thweatt <br />Economic Development Representative <br />U.S. Department of Commerce <br />Economic Development Administration <br />300 Ala Moana Boulevard / Federal Building Room 5180 <br />Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 <br />Dear Mr. Thweatt, <br />RE: International Economic Development Council <br />Economic Recovery Volunteer Program <br />On behalf of Hawaii County, I am writing to express our enthusiastic interest in <br />partnering with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as part of its <br />economic recovery volunteer program. <br />The 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption, which is federally -declared disaster, has had <br />tremendous negative economic impacts on our residents, businesses, and <br />communities. We are reeling from the loss of 100s of homes, several roadways, a <br />major power plant, water and electrical systems, a school, and scores of businesses. <br />While the physical damage is primarily located in the vicinity of the eruption, Hawaii <br />Volcanoes National Park also closed, which is our most significant tourist destination. <br />We estimate that our total direct losses exceed $100 million, which has had a dramatic <br />ripple effect across our island economy. <br />Through phone calls, correspondence, and face-to-face meetings with the Vice <br />President of IEDC, we have learned of their volunteer -based program and research <br />capability to help disaster -impacted communities with economic recovery. We would <br />County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />