BIL 163 Draft 05 2000-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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STATEMENT OF ASSUMPTIONS The following assumptions were the basis by which the General Plan was developed: Agriculture Since the mid-1980s, the County of Hawaii has seen a dramatic shift in its agricultural employment profile. The sugar industry was the island's most significant economic contributor from the mid -1800s to its peak production year of 1983. Since 1983, the sugar industry steadily declined until its ultimate demise in 1997 with the closure of the last sugar operation in Ka'u. The island of Hawaii has since established itself as the center of diversified agriculture production, research, and education in the State. Hawaii's new agriculture industry is characterized by a few large operations such as agroforestry and ranching along with many smaller family-owned farms that produce a multitude of high quality fresh and processed products for local and export markets. Agricultural employment will increase significantly as former sugarcane lands are brought into production with import replacement, export and value added crops and products. Additional employment will be derived from expanding agrotourism enterprises. The expansion of the industry will be facilitated by the establishment of a new air cargo distribution center and post-harvest processing facilities that will allow for significant increases in the volume and types of products exported to the continental United States and foreign countries. Agricultural research and education will be greatly enhanced. • Tourism The County will continue to pursue the development of a strong multi -market base for the visitor industry that includes direct oversea flights to Kona, growth of the cruise ship industry, strong resort -based employment centers and integrated product development for local products that can generate a healthy small business economic base. The County's visitor industry will continue to successfully grow and expand. Likewise, employment in the visitor industry and its related industries will continue to grow. Other Basic Industries There is tremendous potential for expansion in other industries such as aquaculture, astronomy, renewable energy, research and development, and special events such as cultural festivals and athletic events. 12 Introduction