HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-27 Letter to Jill Tokuda & Sylvia Luke re Waimea Nui Community Development CorporationHarry Kim
Mayor
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Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
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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.
Jill Tokuda, Sylvia Luke
Page 2
February 27, 2017
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
Hawai'i.
Sincerely,
c: Senator Ronald Kouchi,
Senator Lorraine Inouye
Senator Mike Gabbard
Representative Joseph Souki
Representative Cindy Evans
County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.