HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0158.009 2024-2026Farmer owned, `diva grown —
from our trees to your table.
April 10, 2025
Aloha Chair Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder, Vice Chair Hustace, and Honorable Members of the
Committee on Finance,
On behalf of the Hawaii 'Ulu Cooperative, a farmer -owned business representing over 180
diversified family farms across Hawaii, I am writing in strong support of Agenda Item 2
relating to the Department of Research and Development's budget and its requests to fund
and retain essential Agriculture and Food Systems staff and programming.
The County's Agriculture and Food Systems Team has been an invaluable partner in
advancing food security, farmer support, and systemic coordination throughout Hawaii
Island. These team members have provided critical leadership in the implementation of
programs funded through federal relief, have coordinated strategic planning across
stakeholders, and have ensured responsive, place -based support for producers and
community organizations alike.
We respectfully urge the County to prioritize:
• Full funding for the unfunded EDS III position (00-03929 00-05145+), which would
transition the West Hawaii Food Systems Specialist (currently Leslie Nugent) from
contract to civil service.
• Securing a permanent civil service position for the Food Systems Specialist, currently
held by Sarah Freeman. This role has grown significantly from its original scope as the
Food Access Coordinator and now anchors broad systems coordination work across the
island. The role's institutional knowledge and established relationships are irreplaceable.
• A one-year contract renewal for Christian Colo beginning in December 2025 to ensure
continued compliance and management of over $5.2 million in ARPA funds —an effort
crucial to the integrity and long-term impact of public investments in local food
systems.
Additionally, we support maintaining and expanding budgetary support for:
$86,000 for partial salaries of UH CTAHR Extension Agents for Pacific Crops and
Livestock
$250,000 for Invasive Species Management through BIISC
An increase in Agriculture and Food Systems Impact Grant funding, which is currently
limited to $50,000 in FY 2025-2026
Hawai'i'Ulu Producers Cooperative
P.O. Box 1203, Captain Cook, Hawaii 96704 1808-238-88691 eatbreadfruit.com I info@eatbreadfiLiit.com
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These requests are not simply administrative —they are deeply connected to real outcomes in
our communities, including farmer livelihoods, local food access, regional equity, and long-
term resilience in the face of climate change and economic uncertainty. The County's
continued commitment to this work is both urgent and essential.
We appreciate for your leadership and continued investment in Hawaii Island's agriculture
and food systems. We respectfully ask for your support in advancing these important staffing
and budgetary measures.
Mahalo niu,
Dana Shapiro
Co-founder, CEO
Hawai'i'Ulu Cooperative
Hawaii Ulu Producers Cooperative
P.0, Box 1203, Captain Cook, Hawaii 96704 1808-238-8869 1 eatbreadfruit.com I info@eatbreadftuit.com