HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0856.008 2020-2022 /FC,
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July 18th, 2022
To: Chair Matt Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder,Vice Chair Heather Kimball, and
Members of the Finance Committee of County Council '
From: Rose Schilt, Board Member `^
Friends of Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
Re: Support for Resolution 449-22
Aloha Chair,Vice Chair and Members of the Finance Committee, -
My name is Rose Schilt, and I'm a founding and current Board Member of the Friends of Amy
Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and a retired archaeologist. We formed our nonprofit in
2oi6 and raised funds to purchase the Garden by 2019 when it had been closed, neglected and
in jeopardy of being lost forever. The County's commitment with its Conservation Easements
made a huge difference to our efforts with federal, state and nonprofit funders.
We are inspired to be here today as you consider Resolution 449-22 to award a POMC
Maintenance Fund Stewardship Grant to the Friends and Garden.
The 12-acre Garden with trails overlooks Kealakekua Bay, and is one of the few easily accessible
public lands in South Kona with forested and open trails that is close to Mamalahoa Highway.
Also,the Garden and community forest is the only publicly-accessible land that represents a
traditional ahupua'a on Hawaii Island. Over 25o native, endangered and Hawaiian canoe
species are maintained in four ecological zones, all with extensive archaeological sites.
Our project will support the preservation, plant mapping, nursery, and invasive species control
to maintain sensitive ecosystems, as well as fencing and repair of buildings. After restoration,
Amy Greenwell's original home and property will host adult and children's education, and
community and cultural activities.
In summary,the Garden is bringing alive a beloved community resource—a living'aina with
critical stewardship and conservation needs. Stewardship maintenance will help us remedy
years of neglect and delayed maintenance.
We are grateful and thrilled to be here today! We appreciate the support of Council member
Maile David and your entire Committee in bringing the work forward.We have a real sense of
gratitude for the work of public servants especially in these Covid times-the PONC
Commission, Parks and Recreation Department,the Finance Department and this Committee.
Mahato nui for this opportunity to testify.
Comm. No.
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