HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 444 Draft 01 2024-2026COUNTY OF HAWAI`I
RESOLUTION NO.
STATE OF HAWAI`I
444 25
A RESOLUTION TRANSFERRING/APPROPRIATING AN APPROPRIATION OUT
AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITING SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE SANCTUARY OF
MANA KE`A GARDENS FOR ITS 20TH ANNUAL AVOCADO FESTIVAL.
WHEREAS, the Sanctuary of Mana Ke`a Gardens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
whose mission is to offer educational and purposeful options for self and global renewal through
the dynamic interconnectedness of sustainability, spirituality, and providing information to
promote a healthful and vibrant vegan lifestyle; and
WHEREAS, the Sanctuary of Mana Ke`a Gardens is requesting funds to cover expenses
for the venue rental fee, audio/visual equipment rental fee, guest chef, signage, and public
outreach efforts, including radio advertisements, a graphic designer, and a social media manager
for its 20th Annual Avocado Festival, which will serve a public purpose by benefiting,
improving, or promoting the interests of educational concerns, public health and welfare, and
culture and the arts; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I that, in
accordance with section 2-139(a)(2)(C) of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as
amended), Contingency Relief funds from Council District 7 are hereby transferred to the
Department of Research and Development to provide a grant to the Sanctuary of Mana Ke`a
Gardens for the expenses and purposes identified in "Exhibit A," a copy of which is attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference, in the following amount as set forth below:
FUND: General
AMOUNT OF
APPROPRIATION: $2,500
OUT AND FROM:
1010-11-10191 Clerk -Council SVC — Contingency Relief $2,500
CREDITED TO:
1010-11-16122 Department of Research and Development $2,500
Agriculture R&D OCE
530115 Misc. Contract Services
(Sanctuary of Mana Ke`a Gardens — 20th Annual
Avocado Festival)
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit a copy of this
resolution to the Director of Research and Development and Director of Finance, and that the
Director of Finance is hereby authorized to make the necessary transfers in accordance with the
terms of this resolution.
Dated at [bona , Hawai`i, this 23rd day of January , 2026
COUNTY COUNCIL
County of I Iawai`i
Hilo, Hawaii
I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by
the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the
County of Hawaii on January 2�3, 2026
ATTEST:
INTRODUCED BY:
COOWIftfEMIBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI`I
CL AIRPERSON & PRESIDING OFFICER
ROLL CALL VOTE
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NOES
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HUSTACE
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KAG I W ADA
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KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
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KIERKIEWICZ
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KIMBALL
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VILLEGAS
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6
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3
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Reference: C-679/Council
AA 4
RESOLUTION NO.
2
Project Information
* 40. Project Title EXHIBIT A
20th Annual Avocado Festival
41. Project Start Date
02/07/2026
42. Project End Date
02/07/2026
*
43. Please select all areas of Hawaii Island where the project will be administered, delivered, and
implemented.
South Kona
44. Please select the district of the Council Member from which you would like to apply for Contingency
Relief Funds.
Council District 7
* 45. In 2,000 characters or less, describe the project.
The Avocado Festival, sponsored by the Sanctuary of Mena Ke'a Gardens, is an annual community event that
celebrates the avocado's role in Hawaiian culture, agriculture, and sustainability. Now in its 20th year, this year's
festival will be held at Hale Halawai and offers a rich blend of educational and cultural experiences, including
presentations on avocado grafting, growing, and maintenance, as well as workshops on other agricultural topics like
composting, beekeeping, and macadamia nut cultivation. Attendees enjoy a lively festival atmosphere with local arts
and crafts, stage entertainment featuring live Hawaiian music and hula, and organic fashion shows promoting
sustainable clothing. Beyond agriculture, the festival emphasizes sustainability through initiatives such as zero -waste
management and renewable energy demonstrations. Local chefs contribute by presenting avocado -based recipes,
often culminating in a tasting contest that highlights innovative culinary uses of avocados. The event also fosters
community healing and wellness through modalities offered in a large tent space. It serves as a vital gathering for the
local food community to reinforce a "Grow Local, Eat Local" ethos while celebrating the avocado's cultural and
nutritional significance. The festival typically draws thousands of attendees, combining education, culture, agriculture,
and entertainment in a festive, family -friendly environment that respects Hawaiian traditions and promotes sustainable
living.
*46. 501(c)(3) Mission Statement
To offer educational and purposeful options for self and global renewal through the dynamic interconnectedness of
sustainability and spirituality and provide information to promote a healthful and vibrant vegan lifestyle.
*47. In 1,000 characters or less, explain how the 501(c)(3) is connected to the project.
The Sanctuary of Mana Kea Gardens is directly connected to the festival through its mission to promote sustainability,
education, and community wellness —core values reflected throughout the event. As the sponsoring 501(c)(3), the
Sanctuary organizes and delivers the festival's educational workshops on agriculture, renewable energy, and
sustainable living, which align with its purpose of fostering self and global renewal. The festival's emphasis on plant -
based food education, environmental stewardship, and holistic wellness also supports the Sanctuary's commitment to
encouraging a healthful and vibrant vegan lifestyle. By hosting cultural performances, community healing activities,
and interactive learning opportunities, the Sanctuary creates a space where its mission is put into practice. The festival
serves as a key outreach effort that brings the organization's values to the wider community while celebrating
agriculture, local culture, and sustainable practices on Hawaii Island.
* 48. Please upload a completed CRF Grant Budget Form.
Contingency Relief Fund Budget Form.xlsx
Public Purpose of Requested Funds
Per §2-138 of the Hawal l County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), the County may grant an award only if the
proposed program or service provides direct public benefits and fulfills a public purpose within the County.
49. According to §2-136, "public purpose" is defined as a benefit to, improvement of, or promotion of the
interests in the following areas. Please select all the public benefits to be derived from your County fund
request:
Culture and the arts
Educational concerns
Public health and welfare of the people and the environment
50. In 2,000 characters or less, describe the measurable outcomes you aim to achieve with these
funds.
The Sanctuary of Mana Wa Gardens aims to achieve measurable outcomes by allocating funds to enhance community
wellness, environmental stewardship, and cultural education. These include expanding educational workshops and
events, such as agricultural training and festivals, that promote sustainable living and healthy vegan lifestyles. Funds
support animal rescue initiatives and welfare activities that contribute to local biodiversity and humane care. The
Sanctuary also measures outcomes by increased community engagement in spiritual and environmental programs,
promoting intergenerational knowledge sharing and cultural preservation. Additionally, funds are used to maintain the
Sanctuary grounds as a place for healing, spiritual growth, and community collaboration, with the goal of improving
the region's overall social and ecological health. Quantifiable targets include participant numbers in events and
workshops, volume of educational materials distributed, acres maintained or restored, and the number of animals
cared for or rescued. Collectively, these efforts foster a vibrant, connected community while promoting sustainability
and spirituality in alignment with their mission.
Contingency Relief Fund Budget Form
Organization Name: Sanctuary of Mans Ke`a Gardens
Project Name: 20th Annual Avocado Festival
Expense Description
CRF Grant
Other CashSources
Total Expense
Expense Justification
Venue Rental of Hale Halawai
$
400.00
$
-
$
400.00
To host a free cultural and educational event.
Entertainment
$
-
$
600.00
$
600.00
Live entertainment to support engagement.
Featured Speakers
$
-
$
500.00
$
500.00
Supports sustainability and wellness presenters.
Audio/Visual Equipment Rental
$
400.00
$
-
$
400.00
Support educational workshops and presentations.
Guest Chef
$
200.00
$
400.00
$
600.00
Supports cooking demonstrations featuring
healthy, sustainable, plant -based dishes.
Prizes
$
-
$
500.00
$
500.00
Incentivizes participation in activities and contests.
Games
$
-
$
250.00
$
250.00
Family -friendly activities to support engagement.
Decorations
$
-
$
250.00
$
250.00
For a welcoming, culturally aligned environment.
Volunteer Stipend
$
-
$
500.00
$
500.00
Supports volunteers assisting the festival.
Signage
$
500.00
$
$
500.00
Wayfinding and informational signs for public
guidance and safety.
Posters
$
-
$
200.00
$
200.00
Printed public outreach to promote the free event.
Radio Advertisements
$
600.00
$
600.00
$
1,200.00
Radio public outreach to promote the free event.
Printed Program Guide
$
-
$
500.00
$
500.00
Provides schedules, vendor info, and content.
Graphic Designer
$
300.00
$
-
$
300.00
Produces materials for public outreach highlighting
the event's free educational and cultural programs.
eBlasts
$
-
$
200.00
$
200.00
Email outreach to promote the free event.
Supplies
$
-
$
200.00
$
200.00
Supplies for activities and event operations.
Festival Coordinator
$
$
1,000.00
$
1,000.00
Oversees event planning and program delivery.
Social Media Manager
$
100.00
$
100.00
$
200.00
Supports digital outreach to promote the free
event and engage the community.
Admin/Overhead Expenses - Max. 10% of
request:
Administrative Support
$
-
$
250.00
$
250.00
ISupports event coordination and documentation.
EXPENSES TOTAL
$
2,500.001
$
6,050.00
1 $
8,550.00