HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-25 Letter to Ms. Marcy Montgomery re National Endowment for the ArtsHarry Kim
Mayor
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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Vf&AUJun* 11
(Offirr of fhrfaagor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 9 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 * (808) 961-8211 * Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg. C e Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740
(808) 323-4444 e Fax(808)323-4440
September 25, 2017
Ms. Marcy Montgomery
Executive Director
Heritage Ranch, Inc.
PO Box 1438
Kapa'au, H196755
Dear Ms. Montgomery:
As the Mayor of the County of Hawai'i, I can attest to the social, economic and cultural
difficulties that our small rural towns face. One of the main challenges in our Island's rural areas
is the development of new economic drivers in communities that have been hard-hit by
shrinking agricultural economies.
There is clearly a need to strengthen our rural economies, to create job opportunities, and to
promote pride of place for local community members. The arts community is a valuable
partner in rebuilding rural economies and identities, and I applaud your efforts to secure funding
support for arts programs that foster a sense of place and cultural development on the Island of
Hawai'i.
Your organization's Heart of Kohala Design Plan proposal, under review by the National
Endowment for the Arts, will provide a process of community input and design to assist Kohala
in identifying and designing public art installations and special events that can be integrated into
public common areas. Kohala is well known for its musicians, dancers and artists, and
combining public art with outdoor exercise and activities can greatly benefit the people of
Kohala.
I encourage your efforts in arts development and wish you the best in securing new support
from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Sincerely,
to"o
Harry Kim -r-1
MAYOR
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.