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From: Erin Melina Stamos
Sent: Monday, June 2, 2025 1:21 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony: In Support of the "Food Security" Budget Line Item
Dear Council Members,
My name is Erin Stamos, and I am a Puna resident who has worked with The Food Basket's Kokua Harvest Program as
both a donor and a volunteer.
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.
Programs like da Box 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.
In this time of great economic uncertainty, 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 year's budget. Our island's well-being depends on it.
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Mahalo for your time and service to our island.
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Sincerely,
Erin Stamos
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