HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0353.001 2016-2018 MR.
Murashige, Laura COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY or I-wow.
From: whipmkealoha@aol.com
Sent: Monday,July 31, 2017 5:01 PM 2017 AUG -1 AM fi:0
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Ohara, Eileen
Subject: Testimony for Council Meeting (August 1, 2017) - Finance Committee/RE: Bill 53
Aloha Council Members,
The purpose for this letter is to lend full support to Bill 53, introduced by Ms. Eileen O'Hara, regarding the Geothermal
Relocation and Community Benefits Program. I appreciate Ms. O'Hara's effort in this regard.
The geothermal royalties received by the County have been designated for specific purposes, which are detailed in the
original documents. Over the years, the legal language contained therein, require reevaluation as our community
grows. The parameters set forth by the existing conditions for expenditures from the geothermal royalties fund, are
potentially inhibiting "best use"of these funds.
Therefore, as the needs change for our community in Puna, (which has been the fastest growing community in the State),
I respectfully submit it is time to reassess the current legal description(s) of the Relocation and Community Benefits
Program, and allow the proposed changes presented by Ms. O'Hara.
Please support Bill 53, as it will provide for better defined, comprehensive use of our geothermal royalties, of which come
from our Puna district. Our community is in dire need of support in several areas, and this change would allow for more
services with regard to health, safety, and contribute to the overall well being of our community.
In closing, mahalo for your continued efforts towards a better future for our people, our children, and our mo'opuna on
Moku o Keawe. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your kind
consideration.
Warmest regards,
Kuuleiohuokalani Kealoha Cooper-Springer
Trustee, James K. Kealoha & Miulan P.Y. Kealoha Estate
Address: 1440 Kinoole Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone Contact: (808) 934-7799
CommNo.
353'
Ref. Toe
Ref. Date AUG 01 NV
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