HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0153.008 2016-2018 QI couiu L
GOPI DIA. 15-.D
Murashige, Laura
COUNTY CLERK
From: Jennifer Eick <jennifer.eick@kalani.com> COUNTY OF HAWAI'I
Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2017 11:09 AM RECEIVED 443
To: Council Testimony Time /l.'.5-0i By
Subject: Testimony in Support of Reso. 109-17 - sustainable living rJs Bch c34/7
Re: Testimony in Support of Hawaii County Resolution No. 109-17
Aloha, Hawaii County Council Members,
Mahalo for supporting this resolution to encourage our State Legislators to enact a sustainable living
research bill into law in the next legislative session. We also thank Council Member Jennifer Ruggles
and her team for ensuring that this important conversation continues.
Current permitting processes limit access to full participation in our county due to stringent codes,
regulations, and ordinances. State legislation for sustainable living research is a key next step that
will not only expand access and participation, but will also unleash the creativity and innovations of
sustainable living practitioners throughout Hawaii County.
Since Kalani Honua's founding in 1975, our focus has been on programs highlighting nature, culture,
wellness, and sustainable living in the spirit of'ohana and aloha. Today, our retreat center and
community serve as an example of how an enacted sustainable living research bill will help more
people in Hawai'i realize the benefits of a sustainability focus.
Kalani Honua community members and over 10,000 participants in our annual programs are
ambassadors of aloha around the world. In addition to offering 50 educational activities per week,
operating with 50kw of solar power, and serving Kalani-grown and locally-grown produce, Kalani
Honua supports hundreds of local artisans, organic farmers, fishermen, and businesses. According
to
The Economic Impact of Kalani prepared by Professor David Hammes of the University of Hawai'i
Hilo in 2013:
In 2013, Kalani was responsible for attracting between$14.26 million to $15.57 million in visitor
expenditures. Using input-output models from the State Department of Business, Economic
Development and Tourism(DBEDT), Hammes concluded that through direct, indirect, and induced
effects,the initiating expenditures generated the following statewide (predominantly on the Big Island):
- $26.08 million to $28.48 million in economic output(equivalent to gross sales);
- $7.74 million to 8.45 million in earnings;
- Increased labor activities equivalent to 194 to 211 full-time jobs; and
- State and local taxes of$1.57 million to $1.71 million.
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Ref. To:
1 Ref. Date II 't .` 2011
This is a considerable economic impact that contributes greatly to the wellbeing, and the sustainability, of lower
Puna, and the County and State of Hawai'i.
We hope that we can continue to count on all of our Council Members, Senators, and
Representatives to prioritize enacting legislation like the Sustainable Living Research Bill within our
next legislative session.
Mahalo nui loa for your time and consideration.
Joel B. Tan, Executive Director
Jennifer Eick, Director of People Culture
Kalani Honua, Inc.,A 501(c)(3) non-profit retreat center on Hawaii Island.
12-6860 Kalapana-Kapoho Road I Pahoa, HI 196778
Jennifer Eick
Director of People Culture I Kalani Honua, Inc.
808.965.0468 x115 I kalani.com
12-6860 Kalapana-Kapoho Road I Pahoa, HI 196778
Facebook I Instagram I YouTube
Kalani Honua, Inc., A 501(c)(3) non-profit retreat center on Hawaii Island.
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