My name is Katie Whiticar. I humbly write to you in strong support of reinstating Adaptations Dance Theater’s (ADT) funding in 2025. I have been a dancer with Adaptations Dance Theater since 2016 and have directed community youth programs with the company. I grew up in Wailuku, dancing at Maui Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA), where fellow ADT company members, Ali McKeon Pineo, Emily McKeon and Madi McGain grew up dancing as well.

After graduating from Kihei Charter School on Maui, I studied dance at California State University Long Beach where I received my B.A in Dance. Post degree, I continued to work as a dancer in Los Angeles, California. I was torn about the fact that my career kept me away from home. During my time in LA, ADT started a program called Bring it Home where they flew me back home to perform on Maui.

My first Bring it Home (2016) was one of the best experiences. The environment that ADT established was healthy, friendly, and professional, and as an artist that can be hard to come by. The true icing on the cake was that I was dancing in a project that mirrored professional work in LA and I was HOME! Continuing to live in LA, I got asked to do another Bring it Home. Fast forward to the day I realized that I could actually move back home due to the fact that ADT was able to provide professional contemporary dance work on Maui for the first time.

Dear committee, THANK YOU so much for funding ADT’s Bring it Home concert in 2023 and 2024. ADT’s programming truly changed my life and my career. Not only can I find work as a professional dancer on Maui but it has also led me to reconnect with my community in ways I have always dreamed of. Since moving back I have taught at MAPA as an alumni, directed new programs that brought professionals from around the world to teach our upcoming young dance artists here, work with other arts organizations on community projects (i.e. Small Town Big Art), and continue to teach at Momentum Dance Maui where I have directed their competition program and more. Working with young and pre-professional dancers here on the island is a full circle moment. These types of opportunities were not here in my own youth.

I am not the only dance artist that had this dream growing up and who is now able to live it because of ADT’s existence. Please strongly consider continuing to fund ADT. It will make opportunities possible for art to change lives, young artists to have opportunities, and provide more events within our community.

ADT continues to raise the caliber of contemporary dance on Maui bringing opportunities for professional Maui artists and aspiring youth. Their genuine, uplifting, supportive and active energy expands beyond.

Mahalo for your time. Sincerely,
Katie Whiticar
-ADT Dancer, Momentum Dance Maui Teacher, B.A Dance California State University LB

My name is Ali McKeon Pineo and I am the co-artistic director for Adaptations Dance Theater (ADT) and I am writing in strong support of Adaptations Dance Theater being included in the Mayor’s Budget. We are grateful for the county’s support for our Bring it Home programming the past two years and hope to be supported once again this year.

I am a born and raised Wailuku girl who has recently returned back home after 13 years of living in California. I moved off island in 2007 to attend university and to later, dance professionally with a ballet company in the Bay Area. I visited home often, in large part due to the opportunities provided by ADT and their signature Bring it Home vision, which aims to provide a professional dance home to contemporary dancers on Maui and to literally, bring home Maui-bred dancers and choreographers currently pursuing professional dance careers on the mainland. Choreographing new works and performing for the Bring it Home concert has been the highlight of my professional career. Those experiences affirmed my deep yearning to move back home, to be near family, and to continue making art with and for the vibrant, ever-evolving Maui community that raised me.

One year after moving back, I was asked to join the artistic team as co-artistic director, and hope to perpetuate this company’s mission to cultivate a space for high level contemporary dance work on Maui. As ADT comes up on its ten year anniversary, we strive to continue to bring compelling, meaningful dance work and educational programming to the diverse Maui community. We remain grounded in and inspired by our mission to bring Maui dancers home in hopes that someday, they too can envision moving back, knowing their artistic lives will flourish here. Thank you for supporting our work to keep our community in-tact through dancemaking.

Sincerely, Ali McKeon Pineo Co-Artistic Director, Adaptations Dance Theater

To whom it may concern:
Hello, my name is Kathleen McKeon. I have been a dance artist here on Maui for over 40 years
having started my teaching and choreographic career at the Maui Youth Theater which then
evolved into the Maui Academy of Performing Arts. I am presently teaching and choreographing
at Momentum Dance Maui.

My involvement with Bring It Home from its inception has been through my daughters ,Ali
McKeon Pineo and Emily McKeon, who have performed in every Bring It Home concert. It was
gratifying to have my daughters who grew up dancing on Maui, go to college and dance
professionally on the mainland, then come back to Maui to share their talents.
Having been in the dance community for over 40 years on Maui, I have seen many of my
students move away to pursue art and dance. Bring It Home is their avenue to return to the
islands to practice their art in an accepting and collaborative environment. This in itself opens the
door to welcome back many “Maui- bred” youngsters who feel they have to move away to
pursue their art.
Dance and art brings people together for creative purposes. Creativity leads to innovation. Maui
needs innovation and creativity to continue the path to a higher quality of life. The Bring It
Home Concert will do that for the Maui community.
Best regards,
Momentum Dance Maui -Teaching artist/choreographer
Kathleen McKeon M.Ed.

Dear County of Maui Officials,

My name is Hallie Hunt, and I am writing to you as the Co-Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Adaptations Dance Theater. I am filled with immense gratitude for the wonderful support you extended to us by including Bring it Home in the budget last year. It was an honor for us to be included, and we are hopeful to receive your support again this year.

Over the past 13 years, I have been deeply involved with multiple arts organizations on Maui, including ADT, Alexander Academy of Performing Arts, MAPA, Momentum Dance Maui, and Seabury Hall. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to advocating for the youth in dance and nurturing their talents towards a professional career in the arts. Witnessing the exceptional talents within our schools, I strongly believe in providing these young artists with the necessary support to further their journeys in dance, ensuring they remain an integral part of our community or have the opportunity to return and share their remarkable talents with their island home.

There are compelling reasons why maintaining funding for Bring it Home within the County of Maui's budget is crucial:

1. Supporting Local Artists: Bring it Home offers Maui-trained artists professional contemporary dance opportunities. By continuing to support this program, the county can foster and showcase local talent.
2. Boosting the Arts Economy: The arts industry plays a vital role in our local economy, creating jobs and generating revenue. Supporting Bring it Home will contribute to the growth of this industry, bringing economic benefits to our community.
3. Community Engagement: Bring it Home performances engage our community and promote the arts. By supporting this program, the county helps cultivate a vibrant contemporary dance community and offers residents opportunities to enjoy live theater experiences.
4. Educational Opportunities: Bring it Home provides educational workshops, intensives, and masterclasses for local students. These experiences build confidence and professionalism in young dancers, preparing them for future pursuits in the arts.
5. Exposure to Professional Performances: Attending Bring it Home performances exposes young dancers to professional artists, inspiring them to pursue dance as a career and enriching their artistic development.

In summary, supporting Bring it Home demonstrates the County of Maui's commitment to promoting local talent, boosting our arts economy, enriching our community, engaging residents, and providing invaluable educational experiences for our students.

Mahalo for your attention and consideration.

Sincerely,
Hallie Hunt
Co-Artistic Director and Co-Founder
Adaptations Dance Theater

Testimonies received from BFED Committee.

From: roan reinecke <reinecke.roan3@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 1:43:22 PM (UTC-10:00) Hawaii
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Testimony – STRONG SUPPORT for funding Upcountry Winter Fest 2025

Aloha Maui County Councilmembers,

My name is Roan Reinecke and I am testifying in strong support of the Kekaulike High School Foundation’s Upcountry Winter Festival 2025.The inaugural Upcountry Winter Fest took place in November 2023. The festival included a craft fair, holiday display, food trucks and booths, non-profit information booths, keiki games, and entertainment – not to mention that Santa and Mrs. Claus graced us with their presence.

Here are a few stats from 2023:
•
•
• 55 Small businesses/vendors participated
•
•
•
• 9 Kekaulike complex clubs and organizations participated from 4 of the 7 schools
• within the complex
•
•
•
• 60 Volunteers came from the Upcountry community to make this festival successful
•
•
•
• 9 Non-profit organizations provided information to festival goers on their mission
• and impact on the community
•
•
•
• 1,096 Attendees were counted!!!
•

For the 9 Kekaulike complex clubs and organizations that participated at the food booths and keiki games, they were able to generate almost $7,000 in sales. These clubs and organizations range from Kaiapuni Class of 2024 to Pukalani Elementary School Robotics to Na Ali’i Boys Soccer. Of the other 55 vendors and small businesses this festival supported, based on our after-festival survey, the vendors were very pleased and are looking forward to coming back this year.

The Kekaulike High School Foundation aims to support the ENTIRE Kekaulike complex, through scholarships for students and grants for teachers. In 2022, their initial year of supporting the community, they have facilitated providing $8,500 in scholarships to seniors pursuing higher education and $1,000 in grants to Upcountry public school teachers. This increased in 2023 to $9,700 in scholarships, with $500 of that total coming directly from funds the Kekaulike High School Foundation was able to raise, and $250 in grants to Upcountry public school teachers. Because of the success of the 2023 Upcountry Winter Festival, the Kekaulike High School Foundation was able to allocate $1,000 in scholarships and $1,500 in grants to Upcountry public school teachers for this year. This event also serves as the Kekaulike High School Foundation’s main fundraiser for the year.

The King Kekaulike high school foundation gave me a $2,750 scholarship that helped me transition from highschool to college. I had unexpectedly lost my dad in March of my senior year which significantly altered my plans for college. It was extremely emotionally difficult. The scholarship gave me the funds for my first semester of College here at UHMC. It was recognition and support of me as a student and would have made my dad very proud of me. This scholarship helped set me up for success as I am set to receive my Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and am transfering to UH Manoa in the fall. The Kekaulike High School Foundation is a source of support and encouragement for me as well as other students in the Kekaulike Community.

From: Peter Trunk <peter.trunk@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 11:07 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Urgent Appeal Regarding increase in the Commercialized Residential Tax rate that applies exclusively to permitted Bed and Breakfast

Aloha Committee Members:
I pen this letter to you with a heavy heart, burdened by the recent news of the proposed increase in the Commercialized Residential Tax rate that applies exclusively to permitted Bed and Breakfast by our esteemed mayor. It is with deep concern for part of our community's well-being, especially permitted owners of B&Bs that I implore you to consider the ramifications of such a decision.
As you are well aware, our beloved Maui faced a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions on August 8, 2023. The devastation was beyond comprehension, and the reverberations of this tragedy continue to be felt throughout our island. Yet, amidst our efforts to rebuild and recover, we were dealt another blow - a crippling blow to our livelihoods.
The governor's decree on August 9, 2023, with the simple yet devastating words, "Don’t come to Maui," sent shockwaves through our local businesses that depend on visitors. The ensuing wave of cancellations swept away our means of income, leaving us reeling in despair. While we commend the federal government for their assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, it pains us to acknowledge that the Lahaina disaster is a local issue, one that demands our local attention and support.
In the face of adversity, we resolved to persevere. We made difficult decisions, slashing prices to the bone in a bid for survival. And yet, just as we began to glimpse a ray of hope, we were blindsided by the news of the proposed property tax hike. This increase, which threatens to skyrocket by 50% after factoring in exemptions, strikes at the heart of our permitted and legal operators of B&Bs.
I implore you to recognize the injustice inherent in targeting us, the local residents, with such a burden. It is not the mainland investors, who siphon profits out of our island, that will bear the brunt of this increase. Rather, it is us - the very lifeblood of Maui - who will suffer the consequences. As our purchasing power dwindles under the weight of excessive taxation, so too does our ability to support local businesses and sustain our economy.
I urge you, esteemed members of the Maui County Council, to heed this plea for fairness and equity. Do not let us, the hardworking residents of Maui, bear the disproportionate burden of this tax increase. Stand with us in solidarity as we strive to rebuild our community and forge a brighter future for generations to come.
With sincerest hopes for a just resolution,
Peter Trunk

From: karl jacobs <jacobshaiku@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 10:52 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: B&B taxes

Dear committee members:

I will be 85 years old this year, and I have been serving the folks of Maui County as a clinical psychologist for 25 years. Several years ago my wife Rosa and I realized that eventually our health would fail and we looked for a long term plan to retire. We decided to invest our savings into building an Ohana cottage and went through the year long process of going through the county council to be legal as a B&B. We don't make a huge profit, but it keeps us both occupied and helps supplement my income- we were hoping to retire frugally on this when I can't work anymore.

So we were devastated to hear about the proposed increase in property taxes for those of us who have legal B&B licenses. Most of us are in the same situation, trying to find ways to survive in a pricey Maui economy.

We believe that dramatically increasing the tax rates on B&Bs would not help the tax situation very much because there are few of us. We are hopeful that the county council will finalize a fair tax rate increase for us, perhaps in the range of $3.5 per thousand.

Thank you for considering our petition.

Sincerely,
Karl Jacobs, Psy.D. and Rosa Paz-Jacobs

From: Claudia & Kevin Ledesma <ledesma@hawaiiantel.net>
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 10:40 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Proposed increase on commercialized residential tax rates

Aloha Maui county council and budget committee members,

This is Claudia Ledesma and I am writing to you to ask for fair rates for B&B permit holders.
Let me introduce us briefly.
We obtained the very first permit in Maui county, BBPH 2009/0001 and SUP 2007/0001, after many meetings with and visits to our property by the majority of council members in office at that time. Being on ag land, we also had to go through the process of the Special Use Permit and were able to show and prove, that it is possible to conduct proper agricultural activity, all whilst welcoming guests on property. My husband is a landscape contractor and we run a commercial size nursery on property and have fruit orchards and a vegetable garden.
Our daughter, now 21, is born and raised here on property and we are hoping that she will be able to come back to Maui once she has finished her studies as a nurse practitioner.

When obtaining the permit, we were stripped of our $300,000 homeowners’ exemption, despite the fact that we live and work here. The new tax rate we fall into, because we run a B&B on our property, only applies to us, but not our neighbors, who run their businesses out of their homes…. Massage therapists, interior decorators, life coaches, psychiatrists, mechanics, etc. creating much higher impact than our activity.
Our assessment we just received increases our land value by 41% from last year to this year, because of properties in our area that have sold and resold for historically high prices driving our value up at un unsustainable rate.
Adding to this, the proposed increase of the commercialized residential rate would most likely double our tax bill. But most importantly it is 3 times or more the amount that we would pay without the B&B permit. Despite the fact that we are full time residents, homeowners, conducting proper agricultural activity on our property, wanting to pass this on to our daughter, so she could possibly come back to and live on Maui in a much desired profession.
There still are so many people doing whatever they want unpermitted, not collecting or paying taxes like we do and maintaining their homeowner status. Another factor that seems so unfair.

We carefully vet the guests who we welcome, we educate them pre arrival with the many wonderful videos HVCB provides us, invite them to participate in the volunteer programs, we are part of the “Rise above plastics on vacation” program, we educate them personally upon their arrival on how to pay respect to the people, the ‘aina and the ocean, give them a tour of our ag activities and gardens, etc etc. Trying to bring a respectful and valuable guest to Maui. Many of our guests are long time repeats, supporting small businesses, allowing us to provide jobs to others and contributing to the state and now Maui TAT.

We are 66 and 60 years old and are hoping to retire at some point from our physically demanding jobs and pass our property on to our daughter.

Given all the factors of our tax classification plus increased property values, we kindly ask you to not raise the tax rate, in fact it would be fair to adjust it down somewhat since we are true homeowners and residents.

Sincerely

Claudia Ledesma
--
Claudia & Kevin Ledesma
279 Pauwela Rd.
Haiku HI 96708
808 575-9610 phone
808 575-9611 fax
808 264-4205 cell Claudia
808 283-7480 cell Kevin

From: Olivia Pascual <opascual808@outlook.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 9:07 PM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Testimony in support of Maui Economic Development Board’s Economic Development Grant

Aloha from Lanai!
My name is Olivia Pascual and I am in support of the Maui Economic Development Board’s grant. I am a mother of 3 girls, two of which have taken advantage of the great opportunities from MEDB. My oldest is now a senior in high school, graduating next month. My second child is an 8th grader. My youngest is just 6 years old, but I look forward to having my youngest get involved with future MEDB events. My older 2 children have greatly benefited from MEDB and their past events. I feel that their passion in STEM is a big influence from MEDBs camps and events they have attended in the past. I strongly urge you to support their mission and vision to continue to provide learning opportunities for the youth. Afterall, they are OUR FUTURE.

I am from the island of Lanai and I can personally tell you that MEDB has provided fun and educational opportunities to our Lanai students. As you may know, living on the island Lanai poses a challenge for our youth in which resources and opportunities may often be limited due to our location. Travel and financial matters are often a barrier to organizations coming over to Lanai and providing learning opportunities for our students. MEDB has been a vital part of our student's learning process. This organization has dedicated so much of their time and energy into promoting growth and professionalism in our youth. Our Lanai kids included!

Last year, my daughter and a friend were able to attend the 3-day Summer Camp for girls. Everyday, these kids came home from their activity and talked about the new friends and connections they've made. They also talked about their travels and fun activities they learned from their teachers. Communication skills and networking are developed through these programs.

For Lanai residents, our means of transportation is either via ferry or the plane ride. Both means of transportation can be costly and also time consuming for travelers. With MEDBs funding, the youth of Lanai, along with their chaperones have been sponsored so that they are included in these Maui events. I am tearful as I am typing this testimony because I have seen the wonderful blessings and opportunities it has provided not only to my daughters but also to other youth on Lanai.

I strongly believe that every youth has a potential to do something great. But greatness also requires guidance and development from those who are successful in their field of work. This is what MEDB offers to our children—guidance, education, and development of our children. Please consider AND APPROVE Maui Economic Development Board’s grant.

Thank you for your time.

Aloha,

Olivia Pascual

From: Kaitlin Kitagawa <kkitagawa868@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 8:19 PM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Testimony – STRONG SUPPORT for funding Upcountry Winter Fest 2025

Aloha Maui County Councilmembers,

My name is Kaitlin Kitagawa and I am an alumni of King Kekaulike High School, as well as a recipient of a scholarship offered by the Kekaulike High School Foundation.

I am testifying in strong support of the Kekaulike High School Foundation’s Upcountry Winter Festival 2025.

The inaugural Upcountry Winter Fest took place in November 2023. The festival included a craft fair, holiday display, food trucks and booths, non-profit information booths, keiki games, and entertainment – not to mention that Santa and Mrs. Claus graced us with their presence!

Here are a few stats from 2023:
55 - Small businesses/vendors participated
9 - Kekaulike complex clubs and organizations participated from 4 of the 7 schools within the complex
60 - Volunteers came from the Upcountry community to make this festival successful
9 - Non-profit organizations provided information to festival goers on their mission and impact on the community
1,096 - Attendees were counted!!!

For the 9 Kekaulike complex clubs and organizations that participated at the food booths and keiki games, they were able to generate almost $7,000 in sales. These clubs and organizations range from Kaiapuni Class of 2024 to Pukalani Elementary School Robotics to Na Ali’i Boys Soccer. The other 55 vendors and small businesses at this festival also indicated that they were very pleased and look forward to participating in the next event.

The Kekaulike High School Foundation aims to support the ENTIRE Kekaulike complex, through scholarships for students and grants for teachers. In 2022, their initial year of supporting the community, they have facilitated providing $8,500 in scholarships to seniors pursuing higher education and $1,000 in grants to Upcountry public school teachers. This increased in 2023 to $9,700 in scholarships, with $500 of that total coming directly from funds the Kekaulike High School Foundation was able to raise, and $250 in grants to Upcountry public school teachers.

Because of the success of the 2023 Upcountry Winter Festival, the Kekaulike High School Foundation was able to allocate $1,000 in scholarships and $1,500 in grants to Upcountry public school teachers for this year. This event also serves as the Kekaulike High School Foundation’s main fundraiser for the year.

Last year, I was awarded the Debbie Hisashima Scholarship for my work in STEM and my goal to pursue a STEM-based career as a bioengineer. This scholarship honors the late Maui teacher Debbie Hisashima, who dedicated her life to introducing students to the world of STEM. She was an influential person in both my little brother’s and my lives. Her efforts, among those of King Kekaulike staff, are what led me to pursue my major and career. It fills me with joy to know that her legacy lives on in this scholarship administered by the Kekaulike High School Foundation, so she will continue to help students pursue STEM.

Receiving this scholarship was also crucial to my academic plans. Biomedical Engineering is not a major offered at Hawaii’s colleges, so I was forced to attend a school in the continental US, which increased the cost of my education. The total cost of tuition, housing, and supplies at my college, Santa Clara University, ranges from $70,000 to $85,000. Even though my parents have stable jobs, the cost is still overwhelming for my family. This scholarship allowed me to fund my education at Santa Clara University, where I plan to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s in biomedical engineering.

Overall, I believe that the efforts of the Kekaulike High School Foundation are exemplary and deserve support. I highly recommend them for your consideration.

Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in strong support of the Kekaulike High School Foundation and Upcountry Winter Festival 2025.


Kaitlin Kitagawa
KKHS Alumni and Scholarship Recipient
(808) 868-9753
kkitagawa868@gmail.com

From: Carrie DeMott <carrie.j.demott@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 7:00 PM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Testimony in support of Maui Economic Development Board’s Economic Development Grant

Aloha,

My name is Carrie DeMott and I am enthusiastically in support of the Maui Economic Development Board's grant programs. Through the years I, as a teacher, have benefited from programs designed to help me educate our keiki and now, my 6th grade son is fully engaged in STEMWorks programs at Lokelani.

My son has struggled in school, from the time he was quite young. Finding an adult mentor and classes of interest have been challenging to say the least. As he prepared for middle school, I worried. Fortunately, Lokelani has an amazing afterschool STEMWorks program, which he looks forward to every day. My child is excited about what he is learning and looks up to the talented teachers/coaches that run these programs.

Having opportunities for middle school students, with passionate educators and mentors, is vital for our kids. At this age they are in desperate need for positive role models who take an interest in who they are. They are searching for connections and need to find things they are excited about learning and doing. Without these opportunities, our kids will become apathetic about learning and look elsewhere for outside connections. We all know what that can lead to.

Please continue to fund these worthwhile programs. For kids like my son, who don't find a lot of purpose or connection with traditional academics, it is just so incredibly important. Our public school students deserve these opportunities and the payoff to our community, having young people who are passionate and who have found purpose in STEM, will be exponential! We cannot afford not to support programs like this.

Mahalo for your time and continued support,
Carrie DeMott

808-344-5164

Aloha councilmembers,
My name is Jackie Keefe and I’ve been having a lot of discussions with people about the budget and proposed tax rates, including with the state and others in the community.
The working people are fed up with our high income taxes, and that will never change if we keep our property taxes so low. This is something that only the county can do something about. We are in desperate need of more revenue, and we must avoid making cuts to important programs at all costs.
We must implement a laddered tax system for property ownership. If there is a way to only do this for those who are out-of-state owners or through an LLC, we should. Those who have no owner-occupied properties should absolutely start at a higher rate, but they should also pay a higher rate for each subsequent property. This is one of the only ways to take steps back from our lands being owned so significantly by people who are not invested in our community for any reason aside from profiting off of them.

I hope that you will take this into consideration. I am disappointed that I am unable to attend any budget meetings as they are all taking place in the evenings, which is when I work now. Mahalo for your time.
Jackie Keefe
Lahaina

From: Kyla Vega <vegakyla10@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 5:09:43 PM (UTC-10:00) Hawaii
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Testimony in support of Maui Economic Development Boardʻs Economic Development Grant under the Maui County Office of Economic

I am Kyla Vega, a current sophomore at Lanai High and Elementary School, and I am testifying in support of Maui Economic Development Boardʻs Economic Development Grant under the Maui County Office of Economic Development.

The
Maui Economic Development Board has helped me discover my passion and what career I want to pursue. With a partnership through STEMworks, I was able to develop my interest in food science by working hands-on with where all our food comes from by working on
local farms in Lanai through the Maui County Agriculture Business and Technology Internship. By working with Kumu Ola Farms for 10 weeks, I learned all the valuable skills of farming that a rookie farmer or anyone who wants to get into agriculture should know
such as transplanting, harvesting, preparing the crop for selling (which means how to wash it properly) and even the technology behind how an aquaponics farm works. As one of my co-workers had mentioned, Havaii is running out of farmers and they rely on the
next generation to keep the business running. If the next generation won’t help to grow food for the islands and the people who inhabit it, then my question to you is who will? Programs like these and others that the Maui Economic Development Board help the
keiki of Hawaii to understand the different career paths that are available to them while making money that they can use towards college. Some kids after their programs even go on to work at a company part-time through Maui Economic Development Board’s programs
preparing them for the real world by equipping them with communication skills, problem-solving skills, and working as a team.That’s why I believe you should support the Maui Economic Development Board’s Economic Development Grant to help the children of Hawaii
on their journey of what they’re going to do after graduation.

Dear Councilmembers,

My name is Tracy Goodpaster. I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide feral cat services on the island.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas.

Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3-5 kittens per litter. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.

If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island.

Thank you,

Tracy Goodpaster

From: Patty Copperfield <patty.copperfield@meoinc.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 8:15 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Testimony in support of Ka Ipu Kukui Grant under the Maui County Office of Economic Development

Aloha,

I am writing in support of the Ka Ipu Kukui program funded through OED. I am part of the 2023 cohort that graduated in May 2023. This program is necessary for the next generation of leadership in Maui Nui. The layout of each topic whether it be Water, Land, Ag, Science, or even Medical - is done in a way where participants can see many perspectives so that we can come to terms with where we stand on any critical issue that our community faces. I love that it's encouraged that if you need more information from a speaker, the program provides you with their direct contact. Many of the presenters welcome deeper conversations that are open and honest.

Anyone in a leadership role in this County would highly benefit from being in this program. It not only makes for better leaders but also better stewards in the community. Please continue to fund and support this vital program through OED.

Mahalo,

Patty Copperfield

From: Bailey Spry <bailey@hanabuild.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 8:06 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Testimony in support of Ka Ipu Kukui Grant under the Maui County Office of Economic Development

Aloha,
I am writing in support of Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows (KIK). My name is Bailey Spry, I am the grants manager for East Maui non-profit Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke and am also in the current KIK cohort. My experience with KIK this past year has been invaluable. The knowledge I have gained about the inner workings of Maui County has empowered me to take on a more meaningful role in civic engagement. Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the program is the social capital I have built. The connections, friendships, and knowledge sharing have made this fellowship one of the most valuable experiences of my adult life.
Mahalo to the County for sustaining KIK as a line item.
Bailey
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Mahalo,
Bailey Spry
Grants Manager, Ma Ka Hana Ka 'Ike
Phone: (808) 268-4734
Email: bailey@hanabuild.org
Website: hanabuild.org

From: Ryley Jackson <ryleysheajackson@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 7:54 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Testimony-STRONG SUPPORT for funding Upcountry Winter Fest 2025

“Aloha Maui County Councilmembers,

My name is Ryley Jackson and I am an alumnus of King Kekaulike High School!

I am testifying in strong support of the Kekaulike High School Foundation’s Upcountry Winter Festival 2025.

The inaugural Upcountry Winter Fest took place in November 2023. The festival included a craft fair, holiday display, food trucks and booths, non-profit information booths, keiki games, and entertainment – not to mention that Santa and Mrs. Claus graced us with their presence!
Here are a few stats from 2023:
55 - Small businesses/vendors participated
9 - Kekaulike complex clubs and organizations participated from 4 of the 7 schools within the complex
60 - Volunteers came from the Upcountry community to make this festival successful
9 - Non-profit organizations provided information to festival goers on their mission and impact on the community
1,096 - Attendees were counted!!!
For the 9 Kekaulike complex clubs and organizations that participated at the food booths and keiki games, they were able to generate almost $7,000 in sales. These clubs and organizations range from Kaiapuni Class of 2024 to Pukalani Elementary School Robotics to Na Ali’i Boys Soccer. Of the other 55 vendors and small businesses this festival supported, based on our after-festival survey, the vendors were very pleased and are looking forward to coming back this year.

The Kekaulike High School Foundation aims to support the ENTIRE Kekaulike complex, through scholarships for students and grants for teachers. In 2022, their initial year of supporting the community, they have facilitated providing $8,500 in scholarships to seniors pursuing higher education and $1,000 in grants to Upcountry public school teachers. This increased in 2023 to $9,700 in scholarships, with $500 of that total coming directly from funds the Kekaulike High School Foundation was able to raise, and $250 in grants to Upcountry public school teachers.

Because of the success of the 2023 Upcountry Winter Festival, the Kekaulike High School Foundation was able to allocate $1,000 in scholarships and $1,500 in grants to Upcountry public school teachers for this year. This event also serves as the Kekaulike High School Foundation’s main fundraiser for the year.

The Kekaulike High School Foundation means a lot to me, as I was a recipient of one of the scholarships last year. Because of this scholarship, I was able to pursue my higher education at Pacific University. I come from a low-income family, with no financial support from my parents, so getting this scholarship immensely impacted my ability to attend college at all. I think that scholarships are extremely important to King Kekaulike students, as there are many other low-income students much like myself who attend the high school. This event will allow others like myself to pursue higher education!

Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in strong support of the Kekaulike High School Foundation and Upcountry Winter Festival 2025.

Ryley Jackson
ryleysheajackson@gmail.com

From: Becky Lind <beckylind1025@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 7:53 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Testimony in support of Ka Ipu Kukui Grant under the Maui County Office of Economic Development

Aloha,

My name is Becky Lind and I wanted to offer testimony in support of Ka Ipu Kukui, in addition to the oral testimony I provided in Hāna.

Mahalo,
Becky Lind

From: Sterling Higa <sterling.higa@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 7:35 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Testimony in support of Ka Ipu Kukui Grant under the Maui County Office of Economic Development

As a Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow, I can attest to the value of this program in preparing the next generation of leaders for Maui County.

We need leaders that understand the challenges facing Maui County and can work together to solve them.

Please continue to support this program.

Best,
Sterling