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Honorable Aaron Chung, Finance Committee Chair <br /> Page 2 <br /> March 24, 1997 <br /> In the area of NEW INDUSTRY, we support the High Technology <br /> Development Strategy that has been developed for the Big <br /> island. We will continue to see job creation at the Natural <br /> Energy Lab and through astronomy and other high technology <br /> initiatives. We are proposing to update the Hawaii County <br /> Economic Development Plan to be able to access additional grant <br /> funding for the island. we will work with the Five Mountain <br /> Medical Community initiative to create more jobs in the health <br /> field. And we will continue to work with our communities in <br /> transition such as Ka'u and Hamakua to support initiatives that <br /> will result in jobs. <br /> Our ENERGY program has made progress with providing energy <br /> efficiency in new commercial buildings through the MODEL ENERGY <br /> CODE. We are also proud of the performance contracting project <br /> which includes a retrofit of the County Building that has just <br /> been completed and saved the County thousands of dollars while <br /> improving our energy efficiency. (This program is partially <br /> funded by the State.) <br /> Our FILM PROGRAM is another example of a partnership with the <br /> State that has been very successful. In an average year (not <br /> including WATERWORLD), film expenditures on the Big Island range <br /> between $4.5 and $5.0 million. We have gained national and <br /> international exposure through this program and have aided <br /> employment in this industry. <br /> Finally, our MUNICIPAL REFERENCE CENTER provides a needed <br /> resource to the County agencies and the public through <br /> statistical information made available. This is done through <br /> our resource library, our monthly statistics and our yearly Data <br /> Book. <br /> In conclusion, I have given some of the highlights of the work <br /> of this small, but important department. As one of our <br /> specialists says, "We are a department on the cutting edge." We <br /> are as flexible as permitted to adapt to the changes in our <br /> economy and to address the accompanying needs. <br /> Thank you for this opportunity to present the budget for the <br /> Department of Research and Development. I will gladly answer <br /> any questions. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> <br /> Diane S. Quitiquit <br /> <br /> Director <br /> <br /> c: Mayor Stephen Yamashiro <br /> Council Chairman James Arakaki <br /> <br />