HomeMy WebLinkAboutTestimony – Aaron K. AunaTHE CHURCH OF
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OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
HILO HAWAII STAKE
President Aaron K. Auna
Hilo Hawaii Stake President
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints
1373 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
March 5th, 2022
Mrs. Albrecht
Executive Director
The Food Basket Inc.
40 Holomua St.
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Mrs. Albrecht:
I am writing to voice our full support for the proposed development of the acreage across from our church on
Ponahawai St. to be used to further the mission of The Food Basket's "to end hunger in Hawaisi County".
Their shared vision, as a member of the County of Hawaii Coalition participating in the Economic
Development Administration's Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant, is of an Agricultural Cluster that
builds its capacity to sustainably generate new jobs and income suited to unique resources and communities
in Hawai'i County and to provide improved disaster preparedness and resiliency. The Food Basket's proposed
project that will include sustainable crop development, agricultural and gardening education programs, a
food, and agriculture innovation center inclusive of food processing, along with a food bank and community
center, will help our region to better navigate natural disasters such as the recent Kilauea Lava flow,
Hurricane Lane, and the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic.
We are excited to support the work of The Food Basket and its partners through their collective efforts to
build a more sustainable future and improved food security for our community. We look forward to having
them as neighbors and collaborating through mutual advocacy and outreach activities for the health and
well-being of our Hawai'i Island community.
Sincerely,
u
President Aaron K. Auna