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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> DATE: October 2, 2018 Re: Comm. No. 1079/Res. No. 694-18 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 9:30 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 694-18, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 694-18, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Communication No. 1079 <br /> dated September 14, 2018, authorizes the Office of the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the <br /> University of Hawaii. <br /> This resolution provides $12,000 from the Department of Research and Development to the University <br /> of Hawai`i to fund its "Using Taro Breeding to Overcome Disease and Empower Farmers" project <br /> proposal. Funds would be used to release new taro hybrids, educate producers and the public about the <br /> new varieties and their cultivation, and to educate producers on the taro breeding process. <br /> Council Member Herbert "Tim" Richards, III commented that this resolution seems to enhance <br /> agriculture and education in the community, and asked for clarification on the broader context of what <br /> the intentions are and what the expected measurables might be. Glenn Sako, Economic Development <br /> Specialist for Research and Development explained that the University of Hawai`i has submitted <br /> proposals to conduct research in different facets of the agriculture industry. Mr. Sako stated they are <br /> looking to reduce the introduction of the invasive species and make use of natural resources and <br /> hopefully couple that with the branding of Hawai`i and native Hawaiian plants to help the industries. <br /> Mr. Richards asked whether this is for college students or if there is an extension outreach. Mr. Sako <br /> responded that there is an extension component and whenever the university does its research, it finds a <br /> product that will fit the industry or the public. The extension service will take over to make <br /> information available and educate the public as to how it can be used and what is needed to make the <br /> product successful. <br /> Mr. Sako explained that with the taro breeding there is a concern from producers of a reduction in the <br /> yields from the taro industry, which would require a need to educate the growers on the new hybrids, <br /> how to increase their yields, and teach them how they can make their own hybrids that are best suited <br /> for their location. <br /> FC Report No. 145 <br />