COM 0552.000 2016-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Form #: B-52 7/18/91 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION DEPARTMENT: Research and Development DATE: October 10, 2017 STAFF CONTACT: Glenn Sako PHONE: 808 961-8811 A. REQUEST: Resolution authorizing County (via R & D) to enter into agreement with Office of Research Services, University of Hawaii, to provide funding for its "Improving Sustainability of Sweetpotato Production through Virus-tested, Tissue-culture Technology" proposal. B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED): Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 46-7, the County may enter into agreements with "any public body" with the consent of Council. R & D is requesting that Council approve a resolution authorizing R & D to enter into an agreement with Office of Research Services, University of Hawaii, a public body, for the purposes of funding its research proposal, "Improving Sustainability of Sweetpotato Production through Virus-tested, Tissue-culture Technology", pursuant to HCC 2-139(3)(c). Sweet potatoes are one of the major commercial field crops grown along the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii. Across the state of Hawaii, it is grown on 1100 acres with a total farm value of$7.3 million in 2011. Trials conducted on Maui using virus-tested, tissue-cultured 'Okinawan' sweetpotatoes had excellent yields. Hawaii growers could potentially double their marketable yield with clean planting materials, thus improving the economic viability of their industry. This research proposal is for$7,999.20 and will be used to: 1) conduct farm trials comparing yields of Okinawan' potatoes grown from a commercial source of cuttings with those of virus-tested, tissue-cultured planting materials and; 2) graft plant material to multiply existing sweetpotato viruses to reach detection levels. The term of the contract will end on December 31, 2018. Funds are from 2017-8 Fiscal Year Budget SIGNED: DATE: /61//O/ Vf 7 Department Head