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Laysan Unger
14 SE 71" Ave
Portland OR 97215
April 13, 2025
Resolution 131-25
counciltestimon i c ,hawaiicounty.o
Aloha Members of the Council:
My name is Laysan Unger, I currently live in Portland, Oregon, but I grew up in Waiea and
maintain a strong connection to my hometown. I am on the board of the Kona Historical Society,
and I am testifying today in support of CFR Resolution 131-25.
The Kona Beekeeping Legacy Project is a vibrant multimedia initiative that documents and
celebrates the vital beekeeping industry on Hawai'i Island. The project highlights Kona's essential
role in the global beekeeping industry through a captivating combination of a mini -documentary,
a museum exhibit, and a keiki field trip program. Its mission is to preserve Kona's diverse
agricultural heritage while inspiring future generations of beekeepers and sustainable farmers.
Funding from the County of Hawai'i Contingency Relief Funds will support the marketing and
advertising of this project, informing the public about the importance of Kona's beekeeping
industry. Over the last year, this project has carefully stewarded the resources that have been
fundraised by leveraging a significant number of volunteer hours and pursuing avenues of free
marketing and advertising (including but not limited to social media, posted fliers, the Kona
Historical Society website and mailing list, and magazine and newspaper articles about the
project). Additional funds will ensure the project can extend its reach and welcome more guests to
the exhibit.
Over the course of this last year and through the next four months when it opens to the public, the
Kona Beekeeping Legacy Project has created jobs in Kona, will educate local keiki, kama`aina,
and visitors, and will preserve vital stories of Kona's history. I strongly believe these are worthy
endeavors for the County of Hawai'i to financially support and are in line with the County's goals.
I encourage you to vote yes on CRF Resolution No. 131-25.
Thank you for this opportunity to testify.
*Itmc MrL
Laysan Unger
97215