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Form#: B-52 7/18/91 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION DEPARTMENT: Research and Development DATE: April 22, 2019 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 "East Hawaii Cacao Variety Trial" proposal. Request to waive Committee and the 5-day holdover period as the contract deadlines are nearing and possible delays in navigating the contract process with UH. 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 & 0 to enter into an agreement with the University of Hawaii, a public body, for the purposes of funding its program, "East Hawaii Cacao Variety Trial", pursuant to HCC 2-139(3)(c). The University of Hawaii would like to support the development of the Hawaii cacao industry by conducting a cacao variety trial to determine the varieties that have high yield and are resistant to Black Pod Rot. A 2012 survey of Hawaii cacao producers found that Black Pod Rot, Phytophthora palmivora, was the disease the producers were most concerned about. This fungus can reduce yields by 30% and kill 10% of the orchard annually. The cacao industry in East Hawaii is expanding with renewed enthusiasm. Determining the varieties best suited for the local,environment is very important for the development of the industry. This proposal is for$9,900.00 and will allow for the University of Hawaii to evaluate ten cacao selections from Hawaii and the United States Department of Agriculture in Puerto Rico. During orchard establishment, data collected witll be growth characteristics, mortality, pest and disease presence. Funds are from 2018-19 Fiscal Year Budget. 1/.1--- - SIGNED: 1 DATE: 4'1 Yg-i 96(ri De.-rtmdHeadJ V-f90