HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0372.191 2024-2026Kohala CoRst
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October 7, 2025
Ashley Kierkiewicz, Chair
Michelle Galimba, Vice Chair
Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Development
Hawaii County Council
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Comments on the General Plan — Economic Development — Partnership Between Tourism and Agriculture
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Dear Chair Kierkiewicz, Vice Chair Galimba, and Members of the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and
Development,
The Kohala Coast Resort Association is grateful to provide comments on the economic development section of the
Hawaii County General Plan, and share information on a partnership that we've been participating in with fanners,
co-ops, Hawaii County Department of Research and Development, and non-profit stakeholders.
Our first Local Food Purchasing Event took place at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort in February 2025. More
than sixty participants gathered, not only to exchange products and policies, but to share dreams: of menus
filled with Hawaii -grown produce, of farmers earning fair prices, of guests tasting the true flavor of this place.
Nearly every attendee left with new connections and renewed commitment. Across sectors — from ranchers to
resort managers — the resounding message was clear: we are stronger when we buy, eat, and thrive together.
You can see a video summary from that event here:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGflOd7vFM/A07GwZ9vvli6gAy9yHBV 1-
A/watch?uttn content=DAGflOd7vFM&utm campaign=designshare&utm medium--link2&utm source=migu
elinks&utlId=h893 e 1630 cc
Since that time, our sub -committees have continued to meet, and there is a friendly competition running
amongst our resort partners to see who will be the lead in buying, growing and producing more locally grown
products. We'll be partnering on a familiarization tour in December 2025 to two local co-ops, so that our resort
partners can see the facilities and processes first-hand.
We recognize that tourism is the economic driver for the island and the state. And we know we plan an important role in
the success of our agricultural sector as well.
Mahalo for the opportunity to share these initiatives with you. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you'd like to learn
more.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Donoho
Administrative Director, Kohala Coast Resort Association
Comm. '' I
Ref. To:
Ref. Date
PO Box 6991, Kamueia, HI 96743' (808) 747-5762' kohalacoastresortassnidamail.com • www.kohalacoastresorts.com