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IV OF../f,�47'. <br /> COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII <br /> RESOLUTION NO. 207 13 <br /> A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING 2014 AS THE YEAR OF THE HAWAII-GROWN <br /> ORCHID. <br /> WHEREAS, the Hawai`i County General Plan, Section 7, Natural Beauty, states that one <br /> of the goals is to "Maximize opportunities for present and future generations to appreciate and <br /> enjoy natural and scenic beauty."; and <br /> WHEREAS, the Hawai`i County General Plan explains that "The importance of natural <br /> and scenic beauty and its true evaluation as an asset of public trust to be protected for future <br /> generations remain with the people of this island. While public planning and regulation are <br /> instrumental in achieving the goals set forth for this element, it is public awareness and interest <br /> that will maintain the natural beauty of the island of Hawaii."; and <br /> WHEREAS, the beauty of the Island of Hawai`i is considered by many to be its single <br /> most important asset, and flowers are an important aspect of this beauty; and <br /> WHEREAS, orchids are uniquely identified with the Island of Hawai`i (also known as <br /> the "Orchid Isle") and, hence,promote our island's beauty and unique sense of identity; and <br /> WHEREAS, the floral industry is a significant part of our island's economic engine; and <br /> WHEREAS, the lei is emblematic of the State of Hawai`i, and many leis often consist of <br /> orchids; and <br /> WHEREAS, the orchids grown locally in Hawai`i are generally considered higher <br /> quality and naturally fragrant as compared to imported varieties; and <br /> WHEREAS, there are risks of invasive species associated with the importation of <br /> orchids to Hawai`i; and <br /> WHEREAS, emphasizing the special beauty and fragrance of Hawai`i-grown orchids <br /> promotes the beauty and attractiveness of the Island of Hawai`i for our visitor industry; and <br /> WHEREAS, according to studies by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Hawai`i <br /> Department of Agriculture, Hawai`i farm sales of dendrobium orchid blooms dropped with the <br /> overall economy from 29.3 million blooms in 2002 to 6.7 million in 2010; however, nationwide, <br /> orchids are currently the fastest growing species of flowering plants second to poinsettias; and <br /> WHEREAS, orchid societies established on both the East and West Side of Hawaii <br /> Island have been involved in various efforts to support Hawai`i-grown orchids, which efforts <br /> should be acknowledged and appreciated; now, therefore, <br />