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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: September 6, 2018 <br /> STAFF CONTACT: Glenn Sako PHONE: 808 961-8811 <br /> A. REQUEST: <br /> Resolution authorizing County (via R & D) to enter into agreement with the University of Hawaii, to provide <br /> funding for its "Using Taro Breeding to Overcome Disease and Empower Farmers" proposal. <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. R & D is requesting that Council approve a resolution authorizing R & D to enter <br /> into an agreement with the University of Hawaii, a public body, for the purposes of funding its program, <br /> "Using Taro Breeding to Overcome Disease and Empower Farmers", pursuant to HCC 2-139(3)(c). <br /> Taro is an important crop for the local diet, economy and culture. However, infection with Taro Leaf Blight <br /> drastically reduces corm yields and the edible leaf area. New disease resistant hybrids developed by <br /> traditional breeding can yield 1.5 times more than current commercial varieties. The objective of this project <br /> is to provide alternative varieties for taro growers and to educate them about how to do taro breeding to <br /> improve local agricultural sustainability. <br /> This proposal is for $12,000.00 and will allow for the University of Hawaii to release new taro hybrids, educate <br /> the producers and public about the new varieties and their cultivation, and to educate the producers on the <br /> taro breeding process. <br /> Funds are from 2018-19 Fiscal Year Budget. <br /> SIGNED: DATE: /SAO <br /> De rtment Head <br />