HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0158.011 2024-2026An
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RESORT
April 10, 2025
Aloha Chair Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder, Vice Chair Hustace, and members of the Committee on Finance, '
On behalf of Mauna Kea Resort, mahalo for the opportunity to testify in support of Agenda Item 2, relating to the
Department of Research and Development to fund an unfunded EDS 111(00-05145+) in the Depariment of Research
and Development. The position will be the West Hawaii Food Systems Specialist, moving the position from contract
to civil service. This position is currently filled by Leslie Nugent.
We would also like to request that the County of Hawaii also fully fund the Food Systems Specialist position (previously
Food Access Coordinator), moving it from contract to civil service. This position is currently filled by Sarah Freeman.
The Food Systems team in the Department of Research and Development is important to our community's agriculture
economy and food security. Leslie and Sarah have been instrumental in facilitating monthly discussions, providing
surveys, collecting data, setting benchmarks, and coordinating the needs and challenges of a diverse set of
agricultural partners, including farmers, ranchers, co-ops, distributors, chefs, purchasing teams, and hotel and resort
managers.
In February of this year, we hosted an "Ag Summit" here at Mauna Kea Resort where we assembled chefs and
purchasing agents from hotels and resorts, farmers, producers, co-ops, distributors and county representatives. This
meeting was an extrernely successful, strategic gathering of supply and demand side stakeholders to develop
relationships, establish collaboration and define specific action plans to promote local agriculture here on Hawaii
Island. This meeting was a success in large part due to the leadership and coordination by Hawaii County R&D
representatives Leslie Nugent and Sarah Freeman and is an example of the critical need for dedicated resources at
the county level to advance local agriculture and other key initiatives.
Again, mahalo for the opportunity to testify in support of agenda item 2, and funding for these important county
positions.
Sir eetely,
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Vice Presidenf,of Operations
62-100 Kauna'oa Drive, Kohala Coast, Hawaii 96743 1 phone 808.882.7222 1 fax 808,882.5700 1 MaunaKeaResort.com