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June 3, 2025
Council Chairman Kan eali'i-Kleinfelder
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Finance Committee Members
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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,
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I am writing in support of two proposed amendments to Bill 31, Draft 3 of Mayor Alameda's proposed
operating budget.
As active affordable housing developers here on the Big Island we see the tremendous need firsthand in
our community. We humbly ask for your consideration to approve Memo 1 and Memo 2 to
Mayor Alameda's proposed operating budget which would provide much -needed funds for local
food 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 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,
D'Marco Mireles
Mirein Development
(808)854-6331
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Ref. To:
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