HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0343.001 2010-2012Murashige, Laura
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From: Leanne Okamoto [leanneokamoto @me.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 12:00 PM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony for Gokseong County sister city resolution
Attachments: Testimony.doc; ATT00186.htm
To Whom It May Concern:
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Attached you will find my testimony for the sister city resolution. I have also copied and pasted the
information below in case you are unable to open the attachement.
Mahalo,
Leanne Okamoto
Hawaii FFA Foundation
Leanneokamoto @hotmailcom
808 - 938 -5398
9/20/2011
Comm. No.
Ref. To: Primed own cti
Ref. Date ' 2 2 O
343.1
September 20, 2011
To: Hawaii County Council Members
SUBJECT: WRITTEN TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF THE RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH
A SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOKSEONG COUNTY, SOUTH KOREA.
Date: Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Time: 9:00 AM
Place: Hilo Council Chambers
Aloha County Council Members,
My name is Leanne Okamoto. I am a 3`d generation farmer and business owner, born and raised
in Pahoa. I am also the Executive Director for the Hawaii FFA Foundation, which is a non - profit
organization whose mission is to "build positive collaborations in agriculture and education that
supports an active and sustainable agriculture industry, for the leaders of tomorrow." On behalf
of the Hawaii FFA Foundation, and myself, I am writing this letter in strong support of
establishing a sister city relationship with Gokseong County, South Korea.
There are many reasons that a sister city relationship would /could be beneficial, however the
main topic I would like to discuss is Cho Natural Farming. Since the Hawaii FFA Foundation
learned about the benefits of Natural Farming a little over a year ago, we have been making leaps
and bounds in helping to educate farmers and gardeners across the State. With all of our work in
the agriculture industry we have noticed that in recent years there has been a strong sense of
urgency to become food sustainable. Food security seems to be a recurring topic especially with
the rising costs of oil, which equates to a rising cost for almost everything we consume here in
Hawaii. Master Cho's Natural Farming methods help farmers to reduce costs and increase yields
without using harmful chemicals. I feel that Natural and Organic foods along with the slow food
movement is one of many key growth areas and that by targeting key growth industries, sister
cities can build on regional and National strategic economic goals to maximize both economies.
Another benefit of sister city relationships is cultural understanding. I think it is important to
remember that cultural and economic objectives do not need to be mutually exclusive. Although
they may be more difficult to measure, cultural objectives can increase tourism (especially agri-
tourism), attract foreign students, enhance overseas reputation, establish business contacts, etc.
If planned properly the list of benefits can go on and on.
The Hawaii FFA Foundation is in full support of this resolution and is willing to assist the
County in any way that it can to help support this sister city relationship.
Mahalo nui loa,
Leanne Okamoto
Hawaii FFA Foundation
Leanneokamoto @hotmail.com
808 - 938 -5398