HomeMy WebLinkAboutThome, Mana
Tsuneda, Kaci
From:Hilo Town Market <hilotownmarket@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, November 3, 2026 3:45 PM
To:Council Testimony
Subject:Resolution 739-26
Attachments:Hilo Town Market Black & White Night.png
Aloha Chair and Honorable Members of the Hawai ʻ i County Council,
My name is Mana Thome, owner of Hilo Town Market, and I am writing in strong support of Resolution
739-26, which would provide $2,000 in funding through GG Foundation to help support our 5th
Anniversary celebration on Friday, November 6, 2026.
Five years ago, we started Hilo Town Market with a simple vision: to create a place where our community
could come together, small businesses could grow, local musicians and artists could share their talents,
and families could enjoy a positive experience right here in the heart of downtown Hilo.
Over the past five years, our Friday Night Market has become more than just a place to shop and eat. It
has become a gathering place for our community, bringing together local entrepreneurs, food vendors,
artisans, musicians, residents, and visitors from all walks of life.
We have seen firsthand how important these opportunities are, especially for small businesses and
individuals who are just starting out. For many vendors, events like ours provide an opportunity to
introduce their products, build relationships with customers, and take meaningful steps toward growing
their businesses.
Our 5th Anniversary Black & White Night is not just about celebrating a milestone for Hilo Town Market. It
is about celebrating the people who have made these five years possible: our vendors, musicians,
community partners, families, and everyone who continues to believe in the importance of supporting
local.
This event will be free and open to the public because we believe that everyone deserves access to
experiences that bring our community together, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The requested $2,000 will help offset essential expenses for security, insurance, and sound services.
These costs allow us to provide a safe, welcoming environment while showcasing local music, culture,
and creativity.
We are grateful to GG Foundation for its partnership and support, and we sincerely thank Council
Member Jenn Kagiwada and her team for recognizing the value of community-driven events like ours.
As we look toward the next five years, our goal is to continue building opportunities for local businesses,
supporting our creative community, bringing more positive experiences to downtown Hilo, and helping
our town thrive.
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When we invest in local events, we are investing in local people, local businesses, and the future of
our community.
I respectfully ask the Hawai ʻ i County Council to support Resolution 739-26.
Mahalo nui loa for your time, consideration, and continued service to our Hawai ʻ i Island community.
With aloha and gratitude,
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