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From:
Tanya Anne
Sent:
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 1:14 PM
To:
Council Testimony
Subject:
Strong support of Bill 31, Draft 3, Memo 1 and 2
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Aloha Council Members,
to
My name is Tanya Yamanaka
Aynessazian, and I am writing in strong support of Bill 31,
Draft 3,Memo
1
and 2.
Memo 1 would add a $2 million line item for "Food Security" in the Department of Research and
Development's Agricultural Contractual Services budget.
In light of potential federal and state budget cuts, this proactive investment is not just prudent —it is
essential. Over 23,000 residents experience food insecurity on Hawaii Island, with over 70% falling
below the 200% poverty threshold. Food insecurity in the state has increased by 50% since the start of
the pandemic.
Food security is not a luxury; it is a baseline for health, resilience, and dignity in our communities.
Programs such as the Food Basket, Malama Da Farmer, Resilience Hub Food Distribution, and Kokua
Harvest have already proven their capacity to nourish our people, reduce food waste, support local
farmers, and strengthen our island's self-sufficiency. Ensuring they continue —and grow —is an
investment in both our mostvulnerable residents, our economy and our `aina.
By allocating this funding now, the Council affirms that no one on Hawai'i Island should go hungry and
that we are committed to circular, community -rooted solutions.
Memo 2 would reinstate the $4M to the Housing Production Fund in the Office of Housing and
Community Development. Housing affordability is not just a policy issue —it is a crisis touching nearly
every `ohana on our island. Only 21 % of Hawaii Island households can afford a mortgage on a median -
priced single-family home. That means nearly 80% of our community is locked out of homeownership,
struggling under record -high rents, or dependent on an overburdened subsidized housing system. In
Hawaii County, 4.1 % of the population lives in subsidized housing, indicating a significant number of
individuals and families struggling with housing costs.
By restoring the Housing Production Fund to $9 million —the level previously supported —we take a vital
step toward meaningful solutions. These funds will directly support affordable housing development,
helping us address rising building costs, increase housing supply, and give our residents an opportunity
to live and thrive in their own communities.
This is not just an economic imperative; it's a moral one. Everyone deserves a safe, stable, and
affordable place to call home. Our budget is a reflection of our values, especially in challenging times.
Mahalo for your commitment to housing equity on Hawaii Island. I
Comm. NO l�
Mahalo for your leadership and foresight. Rei. � TO:�.
1 Cief. dpte1 —� xx
_
Tanya
Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian
Hilo, HI
Freedom lies in being bold. Robert Frost`