HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-24 Letter to Jill Tokuda & Sylvia Luke re Grant-In-Aid submitted by Waimea Nui Community Development Corporation (WNCDC) �.41:17,?.!' ''� Wil Okabe
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February 24, 2017
Senator Jill N. Tokuda
Chair, Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Representative Sylvia Luke
Chair, House Committee on Finance
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Senator Tokuda and Representative Luke:
RE: Grant-In-Aid submitted by Waimea Nui Community Development
Corporation (WNCDC)
On behalf of the County of Hawaii, I would like to express my support for a grant
in aid that has been submitted by Waimea Nui Community Development Corporation
(WNCDC) (contact person Michael Hodson). The request for $3,200,000 would fund the
completion of development of 161 acres in Waimea (Kamuela), a system of community
facilities designed to enhance the quality of life for Hawaiian homesteaders and all
residents of Waimea.
WNCDC already has a lease for the 161 acres. Earlier funding for this project,
administered by the Department of Agriculture, is being used for roads and the
installation of two 100,000 gallon water storage tanks with water pumps; this work is
expected to be completed this summer. The expected start date for the next phase
would be later this year.
Funds received from this grant would enable WNCDC to complete the
construction of the Agricultural Park through the following steps: (1) grade the access
road to the existing agricultural park parcel, (2) support the erection of 100
greenhouses, (3) bring safe drinking water to the parcel and (4) develop an alternative
energy source for the operation of the two water pumps being installed on the parcel.
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
WNCDC has proven its capacity to complete this ambitious and worthwhile
project, and I would urge that its GIA request be approved. However, if for any reason
the Legislature would want the County to be involved in the administration of these
funds, Hawaii County would stand ready to receive the funding as a grant under SUB
301 of the State Budget, similar to the funding Kauai received in 2016 under SUB 501
for its Moloaa well and post-harvest facility project.
Thank you for your consideration, and your hard work on behalf of the people of
Hawaii.
iRpectfully Submitted,
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Harry Kim
Mayor
CC: Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi
Speaker of the House Joseph M. Souki
Senator Mike Gabbard
Senator Lorraine R. Inouye
Representative Cindy Evans
County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.