HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0970.008 2018-2020 3
From: Womenof Hawaii
Seat: Tuesday, July 07, 2020 6:03 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Resolution 666-20 COUNTY
CLERK
OF HAWAII
RECEIVED
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Time
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Aloha mai kakou, Date JUL 0 7 2020
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My name is Monique DePonte, and I am testifying on behalf of our women owned small business, Women Of Hawai'i. We
began building this business in January of 2020, with the idea of motivating and educating people on how to start, manage and
grow a successful business. Each one of the members of Women Of Hawaii are small business owners here on Hawai'i Island
and are here to support our fellow entreprenuers. We will host motivational and educational workshops, seminars and offer
one-on-one consulting.
Our business goal was to launch in mid March. COVID appeared along with the closures, and we've had to reorganize our
strategic plan. Over the past four months we have seen so many businesses struggle and some closed their doors for good.
This experience has confirmed that the community needs additional services such as the ones we provide. Our goal has always
been to support our community.
We support Resolution 666-20. Small businesses need the fudning to cover additional expenses caused by the COVID
closures, and also to cover the costs incurred to innovate or change their current business model to stay in
business. Furthermore we see the need for a broader use of the grant funds. Along with non-profits, organizations that
support economic and business development should be considered as grant recipients. A partnership with these organizations
will stimulate and support economic recovery. Mahalo for your consideration and time today.
Monique DePonte
Co-Founder Women Of Hawai'i LLC
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Ref. Date. JUL 0 9 2o2 '
Aloha. My name is Monique DePonte, and I own and operate Ocean Tile LLC with my husband Wallace. I am
writing today in support of resolution 666-20.
Our business has endured personal tragedy, financial hardship and now we face the economic battle of closures and
restrictions due to COVID-19. We are fortunate to have been able to sustain ourselves by adjusting our business
model and also utilizing other resources provided by the CARES ACT. But we see that our community, ourselves
included still are in need of business support services and grant funding. We support the effort to create and distribute
grants to small businesses. Our small contracting company has not been able to purchase {affordably} the neccessary
PPE (N95 dust masks) required by OSHA for protection against silica. In addition we have had to add and pay for
more digital services to accommodate CDC health guidelines for clients and employees. I am also seeing a surge of
unemployed who are in need of not only a stable income, but temporary support services to get their finances back in
order. In addition to reimbursement of certain items and services, if we received funding, we would like to be able to
use a small portion of that for gas cards for employees to make sure they can get to work affordably. We want to
continue to be a part of the economic recovery and support the members of our community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Monique DePonte
Ocean Tile, LLC - Owner
moniquet .oceantilellc.com
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