HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0757.005 2022-2024 p/ CRCoC
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From: Kawehi Inaba
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 5:50 PM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Kimball, Heather; Inaba, Holeka; Kagiwada,Jennifer; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kati alii-{ .04p
Kleinfelder, Matt Galimba, Michelle M.;Villegas, Rebecca; Evans, Cynthia FM.; Lee` soy,
Sue; 'Sharon Sakai'
Subject: TESTIMONY- Support of Early Childhood Resources Program &Correction of R&D
PowerPoint Presentation Error
Aloha Communications, Reports, and Council Oversight Committee,
My name is Kawehi Inaba, the Executive Director of La'i'Opua 2020 (L2020), a 501(c)3 non-profit
organization located in Kona. I am writing to address an error that has come to my attention regarding
L2020's purported involvement with the Early Childhood Advisory Council.
While I fully support the Early Learning initiatives proposed by the County of Hawaii's Department of
Research and Development, I wish to clarify that despite being referenced in a PowerPoint
presentation to the council, L2020 is not affiliated with the Early Childhood Advisory Council, as
erroneously stated. Therefore, I am providing this testimony to correct the record.
Upon discovering this error on March 18th, I promptly e-mailed Ms. Angela Thomas, the Early
Childhood Resource Coordinator for Research and Development, requesting that any mention of
L2020 be removed from her PowerPoint presentation. Furthermore, I asked her to provide verbal
clarification during her presentation to the County Council on March 19th. This request was made to
protect L2020's non-profit status, maintain the integrity of our organization, and ensure transparency
in all matters.
While I remain optimistic about the potential benefits that the ARPA funds may offer to our
community, it is essential that L2020 maintains neutrality to prevent any misconceptions about our
involvement with the Early Childhood Program, including ARPA Funding.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Mahalo,
Ms. Kawehi Inaba—Executive Director
Physical Address:74-5210 Keanalehu Dr. Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1764 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
www.laiopua.org /808.327.1221
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Ref. To:
Ref. Date MAR 1
1