HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0158.061 2024-2026M5.council
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From: Jane Mireles
Sent: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 12:25 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Support for Memo 1 & 2 Amendments to Bill 31, Draft 3 of the Proposed Hawaii
County Operating Budget N o;, n
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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
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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 a former Family Service Manager for Habitat for Humanity, I 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 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.
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.
Comm. i� V
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Ref. Date J 5 22025
Mahalo foryourtime and support,
Jane Mireles-
(808) 217-2567