COM 1077.000 2016-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Form #: B-52 7/18/91 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION DEPARTMENT: Research and Development DATE: September 6, 2018 STAFF CONTACT: Glenn Sako PHONE: 808 961-8811 A. REQUEST: Resolution authorizing County (via R & D) to enter into agreement with the University of Hawaii, to provide funding for its "Developing New Selections of Native Hawaiian Plants for the Floriculture and Nursery Industries" 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 the University of Hawaii, a public body, for the purposes of funding its program, "Developing New Selections of Native Hawaiian Plants for the Floriculture and Nursery Industries", pursuant to HCC 2-139(3)(c). Hawaii's agriculture and native ecosystem are under constant threat of harm from introduced invasive species. In-state production of cut foliage and potted plants would help minimize the importation of plant material into the islands as well as the invasive pests that may be on them. Hawaii has unique plants, which has the potential to replace imported ornamental plants and foliage but can also be a potential export product. Bringing these endemic plants into cultivation will require identifying suitable selections and developing production protocols. Cultivating these plants would help to protect their native habitat from disturbance or destruction by harvesters. This proposal is for $5,000.00 and will allow for the University of Hawaii to collect, propagate and evaluate several native and endemic Hawaiian plants for potential uses as apotted, flowering/hanging basket plant, cut foliage and indoor plants. Funds are from 2018-19 Fiscal Year Budget. q/s//� SIGNED: �� DATE: Department Head