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Harry Kim <br />A faj'or <br />ti titu <br />ffi IT <br />I Is <br />Wil Okabe <br />Managing Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy A funaging Director <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />April 2, 2018 <br />Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair <br />Committee on Ways and Means <br />Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice -Chair <br />Committee on Ways and Means <br />Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice -Chair Keith-Agaran, and Committee Members: <br />Re: HB 2670, HD 2, SD 1 Relating to SNAP <br />Hearing Date: 04/04/2018 — 10:30 am; Conference Room 21 <br />Thank you for this opportunity to support HB 2670, HD 2, SD 1. <br />It is my understanding that the original HB 2670 proposed to build on a Big Island pilot program <br />that was launched by food retailer KTA and our local Food Basket. By providing funds that can only be <br />used to purchase locally -grown produce, food stamp recipients are incentivized to buy healthy fruits and <br />vegetables; local farmers gain new customers and make more money; and more food dollars stay in the <br />local economy. <br />HB 2670, HD 2, SD 1 still limits purchases to Hawaii -grown fresh fruit and vegetables, but would <br />allow a person to shop at a farmersmarket or any other direct food retailer. Opening the program to all <br />retailers, while still limiting the use of the bonus stamps to local produce only, seems like a very positive <br />step, since I would be concerned that not all SNAP beneficiaries have easy access to a farmers' market. <br />My one concern is that I am not sure of the definition of "direct" food retailer. If the legal checkers <br />say this is not a problem, then I am comfortable. <br />In any case, I think this is a program that should be encouraged, and I hope you wilt act favorably <br />on this measure, <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />Harry Kial <br />Mayor, County of Hawaii <br />County of Ilawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer, <br />