HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0856.004 2020-2022 P/FC
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2077 JUL AM � i
July 18, 2022
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P.O. Box 266
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Holualoa, HI 96725
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To: County Council Committee on Finance
Re: Please Approve Resolution NO.449-22 in Support of Friends of Amy B.H.Greenwell
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Ethnobotanical Garden,for their Stewardship Grant Request to PONC(Public Access,Open Space,and
Natural Resources Preservation Fund)
To the Members of the Review Committees and the PONC Commission, I am writing in support of this
grant proposal by the Friends for the Amy Greenwell Garden to the County of Hawai'i PONC Stewardship
Fund as they continue their efforts to restore and maintain the Garden. Their goal is to prepare for
eventual full-time opening and programs,after years of closure.
My name is Kamuela Meheula. I worked at the garden from 2010 to 2015. 1 created an after-school
youth agriculture program, Hua o ke Ao. 1 also took care of the Kalo (Taro)collection which happens to
be one of a few in the state.This cultivar collection is extremely important to mahi'ai (farmers),
researchers and all kala enthusiast.This collection holds approximately 70 Hawaiian varieties of kalo. It
is becoming more and more important to preserve our kupuna kalo as more and more crosses are
introduced.
Amy Greenwell Garden is a source not only for plants but, knowledge, stories, names, recipes, people
and practices associated with these plants of Hawai'i.The Grow Hawaiian Festival event that was held
yearly pre-covid,shares authentic cultural and horticultural experiences grounded in Hawaiian and
environmental values.The garden is looking forward to bringing back this Grow Hawaiian Festival for the
community.
The project areas that the Friends are proposing will support the Garden to thrive through preservation,
protection, and maintenance of invaluable plants and trees set amongst historic archaeological remains.
The restoration of the historic building that was Amy Greenwell's original home will create new space
for children's education,visiting students and scientists, educational meetings, and cultural activities.
Plant mapping will also bring together 30 years of invaluable records and new plantings will replace
those lost or missing or now endangered.The peace and tranquility of public Garden space has a lot to
contribute to everyone at all times. Open spaces and trails allow for walking trails and self-guided
education. I urge Hawai'i County and the PONC Commission to consider supporting this important
Garden!
Sincerely,
Kamuela Meheula
Comm. No. 0.4
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