Laserfiche WebLink
REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> DATE: June 2, 2016 Re: Comm.No. 896/Res.No. 533-16 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 1:40 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 533-16, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 533-16,transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Comm.No. 896 dated <br /> May 16, 2016, authorizes the Director of Finance to negotiate a lease of real property, Kapulena Agriculture <br /> Park, situated at Hamakua, County and State of Hawai`i, identified as Tax Map Keys: 4-7-006:001 and <br /> 4-7-006:018,to the Hamakua County Farm Bureau. <br /> This Resolution would authorize approximately 441 acres of property to be used to increase the production <br /> of locally raised beef by improving former cane lands and developing a joint cattle grazing entity benefitting <br /> multiple cattle owners. <br /> Donn Mende, Deputy Director for the Department of Research and Development came forward and briefly <br /> explained that this property has approximately 250 acres that are usable and that they fenced it in. They <br /> created four paddocks, put a reservoir in for the cattle program, and stated that a water delivery system is <br /> being put in. Mr. Mende stated that Agriculture Specialist Glenn Sako also worked on this program and said <br /> that this is a good thing for the industry. <br /> Several Council Members commented on their support for this resolution. <br /> Testifiers Jill Andrade Mattos and Lorie Farrell came forward. Ms. Mattos stated that this program will <br /> certainly help the industry especially during times of drought, and that Kapulena gets 80 inches of rain, <br /> guinea grass grows and the climate is great. She further stated that this community project is for everyone, <br /> and will help Ka`u and Kona because cattle can be relocated there. <br /> Council Member Margaret Wille commented on her support though she cannot stay for the vote due to a <br /> meeting requiring her attendance in Waimea. <br /> Pursuant to Section 2-120(a)(2) of the Hawai`i County Code, the council may, by approved resolution, direct <br /> the Finance Director to negotiate the disposition of real property by leasing it to nonprofit organizations. <br /> Pursuant to Section 2-120(b) of the Hawai`i County Code, a lease of real property to nonprofit organizations <br /> may be made without notice or appraisal as required in Chapter 2, Article 19 of the Hawai`i County Code. <br /> FC Report No.: 68 <br />