Kilauea group seeks 501(c)(3) for 75-acre Ag Center; board approves $250 reimbursement

Yoshito L'Hote, identified as president, reported that on March 23 the association Aina Ho'okupu o Kilauea submitted a 501(c)(3) application for a 75‑acre Kilauea Community Agricultural Center and that approval is expected in about 90 days unless corrections are required. He said initial county funding earmarked for infrastructure and planning had been used to mow boundaries, clear and survey the entrance and loop road, and that the group hoped to contract Mark Friedman for grubbing, chipping and mulching for the first phase.

Yoshito told the board that a $1,300 donation to the KNA had been earmarked for the Ag Center and that the KNA would reimburse expenditures on presentation of receipts; the board voted (motion by Ken Carlson, seconded by Scott Mijares) to pay $250 in receipts that had been presented. The application named 2015 board members for Aina Ho'okupu o Kilauea, including an executive director and officers; the association will manage initial site work and planning pending nonprofit approval.