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The State of Hawaii has authorized the funding of $4,150,000 for the plans, design, construction, equipment and <br /> infrastructure improvements for the Pa'auilo Rendering Plant and Slaughterhouse.This project will enable the local <br /> industry to increase its capacity to process grassfed beef and improve the island's food sustainability. The <br /> reestablishment of the rendering facility will address ongoing waste management issues through the conversion of <br /> waste material in to useful by- products. <br /> The project supports the County's initiative for food sustainability by allowing island beef cattle producers to finish their <br /> cattle here on the island rather than shipping cattle to the mainland for finishing and processing. The Grass Finishing <br /> Program supports diversified agriculture and maintains a tradition of beef cattle ranching on the Big Island. By <br /> increasing the processing capabilities of the facility, more ranchers can have their cattle processed on the island and <br /> promote island grass fed beef throughout the island and State. <br /> Rendering Plant improvements will enable the plant to substantially process the current slaughterhouse animal waste <br /> into useful by- products. Currently, this waste is composted and buried in open trenches onsite. If improvements are <br /> not made to the operation, they may be forced to haul the animal waste to the municipal landfills, which are faced <br /> with capacity issues.lf they are unable to bury the waste in the muncipal landfills, this will severely limit their <br /> operational capacity and could potentially lose their ability to operate completely. <br /> Improvements to the Slaughterhouse will nearly double the capacity from 300 -400 head of cattle to 600 -800 head per <br /> month. The Slaughterhouse's existing cooler space limits the slaughterhouse capacity which is preventing the Grass <br /> Finishing Program from reaching its full potential. The existing auger system needs replacement to address food and <br /> safety concerns and provide workers with safer equipment. Improvements to the waste management pond are <br /> necessary to address potential health and safety concerns. The only alternative would be to operate the facility using <br /> current methods; and continue with limited production, food safety and worker safety concerns, and the potential for <br /> fines from the Environmental Protection Agency. <br /> SIGNED: fi`�' — "' "' DATE: 4/5/2011 <br /> Department Head <br />