HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0097.006 2024-2026From: Cory
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 8:33 PM
Subject: support Comm 97 Acasio GOEAC Feb 4
testimony in support of
Communication 97, appointment of Laura Acasio
as administrator of the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience
Committee On Governmental Operations and External Affairs
9 AM Tuesday February 4, 202S, Hilo Council chambers
from Cory Harden
I strongly support Laura Acasio, and congratulate Mayor Alameda on his choice.
My support is based on personal experience with Laura, and on the values she has spoken about and worked
for.
Here are some quotes from her, from a 2024 Civil Beat article:
"As a sitting senator, every time I joined colleagues to conduct state business in a space where there was no
public presence, I felt like I was betraying the public trust."
"I will focus on building a firewall against future homelessness by working to develop programs that help those
most at risk of falling into this debilitating situation. Re-entry programs for those exiting the criminal justice
system and support services for veterans are sorely needed."
"Another important way to improve Hawaii's economy is to create strategies that keep tourism dollars in the
state. Currently most of it leaves the economy either directly through offshore ownership of tourism assets or
indirectly when industry workers spend their paychecks on imported goods."
"Diverting resources from a bloated state tourism budget to the development of regional economic models is a
primary step justified by the unnecessary duplication of promotional efforts made by private sector, county and
state bureaus. Moving forward, we need to focus on attracting visitors who stay longer and do less damage
under a model called regenerative tourism."
"District 1 is a hotbed of innovation around two additional, highly promising models —regenerative agriculture
and waste -to -wealth. The first increases profits and reduces the costs associated with food production by
enhancing soil fertility. The second diverts valuable resources headed to landfill or incineration into wealth -
building programs."
"Realizing the potential of these models requires an investment in capital improvements. Entrepreneurs
capable of succeeding at these ventures need access to agricultural lots, commercial real estate and
warehouses. Too many privately and state held assets are falling into blighted conditions when they should be
put to use instead."
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