HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1127.009 2016-2018 pfcounal
COMM. ( (27
From: Karen Kimmerle
To: Council Testimony
Subject: In Support of Resolution 728
Date: Saturday,October 13,2018 7:29:21 AM
October 12, 2018 ='
Council Member Tim Richards --'-s —i
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720rn
To Council member Richards and all members of our Hawaii County Council:
My self and my husband own and operate a specialty orchid nursery and shipping business
Island Sun Orchids. We are located in Kapoho on Papaya Farms Road and have been in
operation for over 25 years. I also serve as Trustee and have been a long time member of
Orchid Growers of Hawaii, a commercial orchid growers association.
I am urging support of Resolution 728 that would lift the cap on the maximum payout for the
Noninsured Crop Disasters Assistance Program (NAP) for the farmers affected by this recent
volcanic eruption.
As a farmer who was threatened throughout this eruption by the same losses, I know what it
would take to start over again and the maximum payout as it stands is simply not enough for
these farmers to purchase land, construct greenhouses, shade houses, purchase planting stock
etc. and wait the 5 years it generally takes to begin generating income.
Precedents have been set for this cap being lifted in other disasters and considering at least
80%of the cut flower orchid industry here has been wiped out, translating to 9 orchid
nurseries and at least 2 larger foliage farms this qualifies for your urgent help if any of these
farmers will have a chance to recover.
Your help of raising this cap for our Big Island Farmers by supporting this Bill is much
appreciated.
Sincerely, Karen Kimmerle •
Owner, Island Sun Orchids
808 936-1054
•
Comm. No. 1 111'q
Ref. To: P I council
Ref. Date OCT 1 7 2013