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Form #: B-52 <br /> 7/18/91 <br /> DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE <br /> REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <br /> DEPARTMENT: Research and Development. DATE: 7/19/17 <br /> STAFF CONTACT: Beth Dykstra PHONE: 961-8035 <br /> A. REQUEST: <br /> Resolution authorizing County (via The Department of Research and Development) to enter into an <br /> agreement with University of Hawaii to provide funding in the amount of$25,000.00 for its "Building Private <br /> Sector Capacity to Control Little Fire Ants in Hawaii County' project. <br /> B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED): <br /> Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §46-7, the County may enter into agreements with "any public body" <br /> with the consent of Council. The Department of Research and Development (R&D) is requesting that Council <br /> approve a resolution authorizing R&D to enter into an agreement with University of Hawaii, a public body, for <br /> the purposes of funding its Building Private Sector Capacity to Control Little Fire Ants in Hawaii County <br /> project pursuant to R&D's Solicitation for Proposals for Economic Development Grants for Fiscal Year 2017- <br /> 18. <br /> This project seeks to increase the private-sector capacity to offer commercial Little Fire Ant (LFA) control <br /> services to residents of Hawaii County, by offering a simple, targeted training and certification program for <br /> landscapers and yard-service providers. Big Island Invasive Species Committee technicians will develop <br /> curriculum, in cooperation with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, to address specific barriers to entry <br /> identified by the landscape industry; these include regulatory hurdles, effective treatment methods, and <br /> understanding costs and pricing for their new services. For high-volume landscapers, training will emphasize <br /> identification and their key role in prevention. This existing business sector is particularly well-positioned to <br /> be successful due to established client relationships, routine schedules, and owning a well-equipped related <br /> business. Increasing the number of commercial services offering LFA control will make it easier for residents <br /> to take responsibility to prevent, detect, and control LFA, while relieving demand on publicly-funded <br /> institutions. <br /> County funding will pay for: staff salary and fringe to conduct at least ten training sessions throughout Hawaii <br /> Island, develop curriculum, and consult with HDOA; three radio advertisements; and website enhancements. <br /> SIGNED: DATE: 7/'9/ t7 <br /> Department H d <br />