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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0158.045 2024-2026P /S,Council Pi(( N Caw. V5s From: Lyman Sent: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 11:58 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Testimony for submission - Add a critical new line item, "Food Security" (Due noon today) e� Z9 © t7 c— C Z C— Written Testimony (For Submission) T To: Hawaii County Council D. Date: June 5, 2025 0, — Re: SUPPORT for the Proposed $2M "Food Security" Budget Line Item in R&D Aloha mai kakou, My name is Lyman Houghton, and I submit this testimony on behalf of Ho `ina ka `Aina Collective, a land -based nonprofit committed to restoring agroecological abundance across Hawaii Island through intergenerational education, community building, cultural agroforestry, and the protection of `Aina. We write in strong support of the proposed $2 million "Food Security" line item within the County's Department of Research & Development budget. This initiative is not just a budget item —it is a lifeline for local farmers, `ohana, and resilient food systems facing increasing pressure from federal cuts, rising costs, and climate disruption. Our aligned projects, including the Hamakua Banana Grove Restoration Plan and the Hamakua `Ulu Nursery & Agroecological Restoration Pilot, directly advance County and community priorities: • Feeding local communities through culturally rooted crops (mai`a, `ulu, kalo) • Replacing invasive species with regenerative, carbon -sequestering agroforests and long term food supply • Training a new generation of resilient, neuro-inclusive mahi`ai grounded in kuleana and `ike kupuna We are grateful to have received affirmed support from the following County and community leaders, which we respectfully submit as part of this testimony: County of Hawaii — Research & Development • Benson Medina, Agriculture Specialist — supporter of agriculture grant integration and planning ComU, s�o.. _ �. Ref. To:hiN 1 Ref. Daie 2025 Glenn Sako, Economic Development Specialist — known. advocate for agroforestry and regenerative agriculture Hawaii County Council & Legislators Heather Kimball, Council member (District 1) — supporter of sustainability, agroecology, and local food systems Jenn Kagiwada, Council member —proposer of the $2M "Food Security" item • Laura Acasio, former State Senator — ongoing advocate for regenerative, culturally grounded land practices Food Security & Farmer Support Organizations The Food Basket — including Malama Da Farmer, Kokua Harvest, and Resilience Hub Food Distribution • The Hawaii `Ulu Cooperative — committed to purchasing keiki `ulu and distributing them island -wide Hawaiian kupuna mahi`ai — intergenerational cultural practitioners and mentors supporting our efforts We urge you to vote yes to fund this vital initiative, which amplifies the work already taking root in community -led solutions. Together, we can nourish both land and people, now and for generations to come. Me ka ha`aha`a a me ka mahalo, Lyman Houghton Ho `ina ka `Aina Collective lyman@l-ioinakaaina.org 1875 Kalaaniaole, Hilo, HI 96720