2017-02-27 Letter to Jill Tokuda & Sylvia Luke re Waimea Nui Community Development Corporation

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Harry Kim Mayor Couttfg of Ttigua `l Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director C Cxe of file 4Lt ie 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg. C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 February 27, 2017 Senator Jill Tokuda Ways and Means Representative Sylvia Luke Finance Committee Hawai'i State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Senator Tokuda and Representative Luke: RE: Waimea Nui Community Development Corporation On behalf of the County of Hawai'i, 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 Hawai'ian 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. 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, Hawai'i County would stand ready to receive the funding as a grant under SUB 301 of County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.