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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: August 29,2018 <br /> STAFF CONTACT: Glenn Sako, Agriculture Specialist PHONE: 961-8811 <br /> A. REQUEST: <br /> This is a request for a resolution to enter into an agreement with the Department of Agriculture, State of <br /> Hawaii, for the purpose of supporting a needs assessment of the Waimea agricultural sector to inform a <br /> master plan of the Kamuela Vacuum Cooperative. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture will provide <br /> $10,000, which will be for salary and benefits for the Project Coordinator, intern, supplies, travel, and indirect <br /> costs. <br /> Waive: Request to waive Finance Committee in order to expedite the project. <br /> -Please create a resolution to enter into an agreement to accept the funds. <br /> -Please create a bill for an ordinance to appropriate funds of$10,000. <br /> B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED): <br /> The County of Hawaii seeks to support the short and long-term needs and success of the agricultural sector <br /> on the island of Hawaii and in particular the area of Waimea. The County of Hawaii has a vested interest in • <br /> the economic vibrancy and capacity of agricultural producers to mainatain their competitive position, adopt <br /> modern technology and protocol for maintaining a safe food,supply and assuring access to productive <br /> agricultural lands. <br /> The master planning project of the Kamuela Vacuum Cooling Cooperative is exploring the concept of adding <br /> a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)-certified facility and acquiring additional farmland in the <br /> neighboring Lalamilo Agricultural Park. The assessment will also determine the need for technical <br /> assistance and training in the local agriculture community, specifically farmers planning retiring in the next 5- <br /> 20 years and who would benefit from succession planning, and those who are beginning to invest in farming <br /> as a career and need immediate development assistance. <br /> Funding is from Act 53, SLH 2018. <br /> SIGNED: % DATE: August 29, 2018 <br /> Depa ment Head <br />