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- <br /> REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br /> GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br /> DATE: April 15, 2025 Re: Comm.No.208/Res.No. 121-25 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 9:01 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs,to which was referred <br /> Resolution No. 121-25,reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 121-25,transmitted by Director of Finance Diane Nakagawa via <br /> Communication No. 208, dated March 28,2025, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an <br /> agreement with the University of Hawai`i, Office of Research Services. <br /> Resolution No. 121-25 states that funds in the amount of$25,000 from the Department of <br /> Research and Development would be used to conduct GoFarm Hawai`i,the university's <br /> comprehensive agricultural education program. <br /> Deputy Director Dennis Lin from the Department of Research and Development was present in <br /> the Kona Chambers to discuss Resolution No. 121-25. Mr. Lin explained that because their <br /> Department granted an Impact Grant to GoFarm,they are required to do an inter-governmental <br /> agreement as they are a County agency releasing funds to a State entity. These funds will go <br /> towards the competitive GoFarm program which helps train farmers at the beginning of their <br /> journey by meeting them at their skill level. <br /> Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder inquired why the University wasn't directly <br /> providing funding for this program. Mr. Lin explained this was supplemental funding. Member <br /> Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder further questioned why the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human <br /> Resources wasn't able to provide funding, as this is their program. <br /> Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz asked how many people have gone through the <br /> GoFarm program. Mr. Lin said that since 2012 over 250 farmers have completed this program, <br /> and they are hoping to see it expand as only 20 are able to complete it per year. Member <br /> Kierkiewicz asked if follow-up was done after the completion of the program. Mr. Lin said that <br /> they do tracking. Member Kierkiewicz asked if he could provide follow-up at the next meeting <br /> to see over the last decade what obstacles the graduates of this program have faced towards <br /> continuing their farming journeys. <br /> GOEAC Report No.40 <br />