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From: Joan Lloyd
Sent: Monday, June 2, 2025 4:53 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Support for Memo 1 & 2 Amendments to Bill 31, Draft 3 of the Proposed Hawaii
County Operating Budget
June 2, 2025
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Council Chairman Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
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Finance Committee Members
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402
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Hilo, Hawaii 96720
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Aloha Chairman Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Vice -Chair Hustace and Finance Committee;Members,
I am writing in support of two proposed amendments to Bill31, Draft 3 of Mayor Alameda's proposed operating
budget.
Hawaii County Council has already demonstrated priority for Hawaii families with your approval for the Hualalai
Court affordable workforce housing project in Hilo earlier this year.
As active affordable housing developers on the Big Island we see the tremendous need firsthand in our
community. We humbly ask foryour consideration to approve Memo 1 and Memo 2 to MayorALameda's proposed
operating budget which would provide much -needed funds for localfood security programs and reinstate $4
million to the Office of Housing and Community Development.
Memo 1 adds a new "Food Security" line item to the Department of Research and Development's Agricultural
Contractual Services budget in anticipation of Federal and State budget cuts that may adversely impact food
security programs on Hawaii island. Council Member Kagiwada's proposal suggests starting with a $2 million
allocation to support the Food Basket, Malama da Farmer, Resilience Hub Food Distribution, Kokua Harvest and
other similar programs.
Memo 2 would reinstate the $4 million for the Office of Housing and Community Development that was removed
from the Housing Production Fund, bolstering the current budget from the minimum $5 million requirement to $9
million. The additional $4 million would be used to expand affordable housing in Hawaii County.
Hawaii County has the ability to improve the standard of Life for residents in our community and fill the gap where
State and Federal funding fall short. A recent Honolulu Civil Beat article highlights Maui County's commitment to
providing $12 million dollars for "rent, gas, health care, groceries and other essentials" for ALICE (Asset Limited,
Income Constrained and Employed) families and $43.5 million in additional funds for affordable housing projects.
The City and County of Honolulu also allocated affordable housing funds into their budget this month.
Comm. R'a . 65
'Zef. Date C1N - 5 2025
Hawaii County Council has the opportunity to again lead the way and improve circumstances in our community.
We appreciate your consideration to approve Memo 1 and Memo 2 to the proposed Hawaii County budget and
continue to demonstrate Hawaii County Council's commitment to helping Hawaii island families at every level.
With Thanks and Aloha,
Joan Lloyd
Mirein Development
M: 808.269.0102
E: jlloyd@mireindevelopment.com