2025-02-05 Anthony Winfrey Testimony

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Item #1 Wyatt's Place LLC Given at WPC 2-6-25 Hearing 2-5-25 Anthony Winfrey Testimony From: A.Gerrit Bax To: W PCtesti mony Subject: Support for Special Use Permit for Wyatt's Place Date: Wednesday, February 5,2025 6:00:10 PM To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my strong support for the special use permit application for Wyatt's Place, a longstanding establishment that has played an integral role in the Puna community for over 30 years,under new ownership. As a local farmer and agricultural entrepreneur, I believe that Wyatt's Place is not only a vital community landmark but also a crucial partner in promoting and supporting local agriculture. Wyatt's Place is filling the gap left by Dimple Cheek, and this location has long served as a gathering space for residents and visitors alike, providing access to high-quality, locally sourced food and beverages. The location is a landmark between Kurtistown and Mountain View, and offers a unique opportunity to support the local economy and, in particular, farmers like myself. With its new ownership and approval for this special use permit, Wyatt's Place is able to further strengthen its support for local farmers, including my own agricultural business. Through direct partnerships, Wyatt's Place will create a market for locally grown coffee, vanilla, cacao, and other locally produced and procured agricultural products, ensuring that the economic benefits of farming remain within our community. I represent only one of many farms working with the owners to supply locally sourced agricultural products to a diverse clientele that we would otherwise be unable to reach in our area. The impact of this service extends beyond the agricultural community—it provides every local resident with access to fresh, locally sourced food and strengthens the local economy in a meaningful way. Approving this special use permit will allow Wyatt's Place to continue being a bridge between local farms and consumers, giving farmers the opportunity to showcase their products in a well-established and highly frequented space. This type of farm-to-table collaboration is essential in boosting local food security,reducing dependency on imported goods, and sustaining small-scale farmers who otherwise struggle with visibility in larger markets. It is important to highlight that Wyatt's Place is not a burden to agricultural land use; rather,it serves as a critical extension of the agricultural economy by directly sourcing and promoting locally grown products. By creating a venue where agricultural products can be transformed into value-added goods, Wyatt's Place is enhancing the economic viability of small farms and providing a much-needed platform for agricultural entrepreneurs to thrive. As a farmer directly collaborating with Wyatt's Place to provide high-quality, locally grown coffee, vanilla, and cacao, I can personally attest to the positive impact this establishment has on local agriculture. The restaurant's commitment to sourcing from local farms ensures that Puna's agricultural traditions are not only preserved but strengthened for future generations. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly support the approval of the special use permit for Wyatt's Place. This establishment is a community cornerstone that fosters economic growth, enhances local food sustainability, and uplifts small farmers. I urge the County to approve this permit so that Wyatt's Place can continue its legacy and serve as a vital partner in Puna's agricultural