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From: Alla Kostenko
Sent: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 10:01 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Support for "Food Security" Budget Line Item
Council Members,
My name is Alta Kostenko, and I am a Community Member with The Food Basket's Kokua Harvest
Program, which is part of our island's vital food security network.
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 kupuna, 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 years budget. Our islands well-being depends on it.
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Mahalo for your time and service to our island.
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Alla Kostenko
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A Coffee Farm, Pahala, Ka'u
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