HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0728.018 2022-2024 P/Counci l
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Aloha Councilmembers, 20711 FEB 22 AN : 17
My name is Susie Osborne and I am the co-Founder of the 501 c3 non-
profit Kilauea Recovery grant recipient Ho' oulu Lahui and the Co-
Founder and Development Director for the partnering Kua 0 Ka La
Charter School.
Mahalo for this opportunity to provide testimony in support of
Resolution 438-24
As many of you know, I lost my home, my animals, and our 600 acre
wahi pana housing both Ho' oulu Lahui and the school during the 2018
Kilauea eruption. 6 years later, the residents and businesses of Puna
are still in recovery. With the tragedy of Maui so fresh in our hearts, it is
dificult to talk about our recovery over here but one thing I have clearly
witnessed is a deeper understanding of the stages of recovery and
support required through these stages. In fact, Maui funders are setting
aside dedicated funds for short, mid and long term recovery stages.
The first phase of the Kilauea recovery funds brought our facilities into
compliance with County building codes, fire codes and securing our E
occupancy for the school.
This next round of funding from the Kilauea Recovery funds propels our
organizations forward with a giant first step into our final long term
recovery and stabilization stage by ensuring our site and facilities is
stable for generations through acquisition. It is such a monumental
moment for us and words cannot even begin to express the profound
and generational impact this will have for our community! Keiki to
Kupuna education supported by resilience capacity building iniatives
and resouces will support a thriving Puna and Hilo community.
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It is unfortunate that such a small pot of funding was available for direct
community support and It is difficult to see some of the projects that
were not able to be funded but that were so worthwhile. I pray that the
road recovery expenses come in under budget and that more funds
become available for community use.
I really want to especially mahalo Councilwoman Kierkawitz for her
unwavering understanding and support in our Districts healing. Being
so present and available has really made a difference — like an anchor in
a huge storm..
So, Councilwoman Kierkawitz and Councilmembers, I thank you from
the bottom of my heart on behalf of the thousands of students and
families that will walk through our Education with Aloha doors for
generations!