HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0856.010 2020-2022 i
Qa 22
AC 55(
August 3rd, 2022
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To: Chair Maile Medeiros David, Vice Chair Aaron S.Y. Chung, and
Members of the Hawai'i County Council
From: Rose Schilt, Board Member
Friends of Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
Re: Support for Resolution 449-22 :{t
Awards a Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources D
Preservation Maintenance Fund Stewardship Grant to Friends of
Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair and Members of the County Council,
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 2o16 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
PONC Maintenance Fund Stewardship Grant to the Friends and Garden.
The s2-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, and it 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.
comm. No.
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Ref. gate 2022
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 Chair 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.