HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0125.059 2024-2026March 31, 2025
County Council
25 Aupuni Street,
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: Opposition to Resolution 74-25
Intergovernmental Agreements with ICE
Aloha e Council Members,
The Kona Coffee Farmers Association (KCFA) represents over 180 farms and agribusinesses in the Kona
district and takes an active role in advocating on behalf of our growers.
Agriculture is a driving force in Hawaii's economy. We recognize labor as a necessity for our farms and
that we face a critical shortage of workers that threatens our signature crop. There is no industry in
Hawaii that faces greater workforce challenges than agriculture. We unequivocally support a reliable
work force and implementation of programs that enable a path to legal workers for our farms.
We strongly oppose the use of County resources for any Federal immigration control activities except in
the case of a judicial warrant. Non -judicial enforcement activities impede our growers' ability to recruit
and retain authorized workers.
We look forward to working with you on more positive matters in the near future.
Mahalo nui Loa,
Mark Petersen
President
PO Box 5436 ° Kailua-Kona ° Hawaii ° 96745
www,KonaCoffeeFarmers.org email: info@ Kona Coffee Farmers,org