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From: Drew Follette
Sent: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 5:00 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: food security budget line item
Hello Council Members,
My name is Drew Follette, and I'm a crop donor with The Food Basket's Kokua Harvest Program - an
essential part of our island's food security network.
I'm writing in strong support of adding a dedicated "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
foundation of local food access across our island. They not only feed our kupuna, keiki, and working
families - they also support farmers, reduce food waste, and strengthen community resilience. As
someone with many fruit trees, I know so much food would go to waste if Kokua Harvest weren't around
to harvest and distribute fruit to the community.
With potential cuts to Federal and State funding on the horizon, it's more important than ever to ensure
these efforts are sustained. A county -backed funding stream would provide the stability needed to
continue growing, harvesting, and sharing local food, right here at home.
Please prioritize food security in this year's budget.
Mahalo,
Drew Follette
Papaikou, HI
The well-being of our island depends on it.
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