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From: Lisa DeSantis
Sent: Wednesday, June 4, 202S 11:04 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Support for "Food Security" Budget Line Item
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Written Testimony for Bill 31, Draft 3 - In Strong Support
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Aloha,
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My name is Lisa DeSantis, and I serve as the Program Manager for The Food Basket's Kokua Harvest
program. While I'm writing today in my personal capacity, my deep connection to this work compels me
to speak up in strong support of Council Member Jenn Kagiwada's proposal to fund Kokua Harvest and
other food security efforts as part of the County budget.
This is more than just a job for me, it's become part of who I am and the way I can give back to an island,
a community that has given me so much. I see firsthand the difference this program makes for
individuals and families across Hawaii Island, especially those facing food insecurity. Whether it's a
kupuna picking up a bag of rescued fruit, a parent getting fresh produce for their keiki, or me driving down
to Ka'u to bring produce to those without vehicles, I am reminded of how vital this work is. It is also a
daily inspiration: seeing people on their best days; days when they are loving and feeling loved, giving
time, crops, energy, and mana'o to one another. This work connects people across backgrounds and
generations, reminding us that food is more than sustenance: it's a way we care for one another.
Over the past five years, our team has helped harvest and share nearly 150,000 pounds of local produce
that would've otherwise been wasted. That's thanks to the generosity of 222 local growers, the energy of
254 volunteers, and the collaboration of 100 distribution partners. We've saved and shared 79 types of
crops, each one a reflection of our island's abundance and resilience.
But this program isn't just about food: it's about dignity, sustainability, and making sure our resources
nourish people. Without continued funding, we risk losing not just produce, but the trust and momentum
we've built with our community.
Please consider what's at stake. This program brings people together around shared values of care,
respect, and malama 'aina. I respectfully urge you to support this proposal so we can keep showing up
for our community in the ways we all need most.
Mahalo for your time, consideration, and service to our island.
Lisa DeSantis
Program Manager, Kokua Harvest
The Food Basket-Hawai'i Island's Food Bank
Comm.. No. _ *-25
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