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From: Jen McGeehan
Sent: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 7.40 AM
To: Council Testimony
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Subject: THURSDAY COUNCIL MEETING TESTIMONY: Please add Kokua Harvest interthe C<n
County Budget!
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Aloha Council Member Kagiwada,
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I would like to submit testimony for Thursday's meeting in regards to the amazing
value that Kciaa:-��
Harvest brings to communities island wide.
I have utilized their services, both personally and as a Realtor for over approximately 3 years. I first read
about their program in the Hamakua Times. Since then, their volunteers have come to our property in
Paauilo at least 25 times, gleaning the produce we are no longer able to pick and share. We love donating
our citrus and avocados to the community! We also greatly appreciate the tax benefits, as we have been
able to write off as much as $6,500 in a single year!
In addition, I have been so completely impressed with the way this non-profit functions that I have
written articles and posted their program on my lifestyle blog - HomeOnTheHamakua.com. As a
founding board member of the Coldwell Banker Island Properties Foundation, I have spearheaded a
grant to help get a second/third van. As a past member of 100 Women Who Care, I have successfully
brought them grant money. And, more importantly, I have recommended this program to my clients who
have as little as 3 citrus trees to harvest, up to those with orchards, as we have.
This organization is exactly what we need to reduce food waste while feeding those in need! This is the
"model" that should be incorporated in all aspects of food need, from dairy to poultry to meat, etc. Lisa
and her crew do an amazing job. They have never done the typical island "no show." They are always on
time, excellent communicators, very friendly and professional. It is a great way to incorporate volunteers,
keeping overhead costs to a minimum. I recommend utilizing their format in as many county programs as
possible!
Thank you for your consideration! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
Respectfully,
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