HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0158.031 2024-2026p /5, C,ounci(
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From:
Colehour Bondera
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Sent:
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 5:02 PM
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To:
Council Testimony
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Subject:
Testimony for Jun 5 Hearing
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Aloha Council Members,
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re: amendment regarding Food Security to Bill 31, Draft 3
--
My name is Colehour Bondera, and I am a farmer working with The Food Basket's Malama Da Farmer
Program, which is part of our island's vital food security network.
As a long-time certified organic small-scale farmer in Honaunau, it has been thrilling to see that there is now
County level efforts toward helping local food production survive and flourish.
I'm writing in strong support of adding a, "Food Security" line item to the Department of Research and
Development's Agricultural Contractual Services budget, with an initial allocation of $2 million.
Programs like Malama Da Farmer, Resilience Hub Food Distribution, and Kokua Harvest are the backbone of
local food access on our island. They not only feed our kBpuna, keiki, and working families, they strengthen
our farmers, reduce waste, and build community resilience.
With anticipated Federal and State funding cuts, we cannot afford to let these programs falter. A dedicated
county funding stream will help us continue to grow, harvest, and share local food, right here at home.
Please prioritize food security in this year's budget. Our island's well-being depends on it.
Mahalo for your time and service to our island.
Sincerely,
Colehour Bondera
Kanalani Ohana Farm
District 6
PO Box 861
Honaunau, HI 96726
Comm. O • ✓�
Ref. To:
Ref. Date JAUN - 5 2025