HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0089.026 2020-2022 CAOWCj
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From: Diane Riley
Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2021 2:27 PM
co: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony in STRONG SUPPORT of Resolution 35-21, February 17, 2021, hearing before the
Hawaii County Council Committee on Government Operations, Relations, and Economic
Development, Leimomi Riley
Dear Councilmembers,
My name is Lelmomi Riley, and I am a Hawaiian Mother, musician, Tutu, and resident of the Big Island of flawall. I.
thank you for this opportunity to testify in strong support of Resolution 35-21, "Urging the County of Hawaii to
establish a job corps program for Hawai'i Island to address unemployment impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and to
support economic diversification ".
I was born in Hilo in 1956, and I have seen many changes through the years. Plantations closed and resorts opened.
f'ourism became a major provider of employment to the people of Hawaii.
I raised my children on the Big Island, and I worked at many jobs as a single mother in order to provide for my
family, sometimes working at 4 different part time jobs at a time, and I am aware that it is a struggle for many
families to provide for their households in Hawai'i.
'Fhe Covid-19 pandemic has presented further complications in so many ways. We need to support green jobs and
programs like KUPU to help address unemployment impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to support businesses
which are edifying to the natural resources of Hawaii and which are not dependent upon tourism.
I appreciate your time and consideration regarding this matter. Mahalo and Aloha!
Sincerely, Lelmomi Riley
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