2008 CAFR Part 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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i r i i i Scientific Research and Development—Due largely to its unique geographic characteristics which has attracted scientists in fields of astronomy,meteorology,volcanology, and agriculture/aquaculture,the County has benefited economically by the significant investments i made in scientific research. The total astronomy related capital investment on Mauna Kea exceeds$600 million and combined annual budgets are about$60 million,while direct employment is approximately 475. The industry anxiously awaits the decision concerning the location of the Thirty Meter Telescope as the choices have been narrowed down to Mauna Kea and Chile. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority at Keahole,Kona are also major contributors to international research and the local economy. i Agriculture—Forestry,nut and fruit orchards,and floral and vegetable farms have successfully replaced lands where sugar once grew.Agriculture makes a substantial contribution to the County's economy and produces a variety of goods for export as well as for local consumption. Although the demand for Kona coffee remains good,there is a concern that a slower national j economy could lead to lower sales and prices. Macadamia nut prices have decreased due to an oversupply in the world market and the increased intensity of the vog has begun to take a toll on the crops of island farmers and gardeners with protea being hit the hardest. i Major Initiatives I For the Year During the year,the County focused on public works,planning, and other issues affecting the j k quality of life in the County. Public Works—Construction work continued on several West Hawaii road projects including the completion of a third connector road,Puapua`anui. Safety improvements have begun to open the northern portion of the Mamalahoa bypass,which is intended to give motorists an alternate route between North and South Kona. In addition,the County is continuing to investigate using Community Facility Districts to help speed up construction of roadways by developers in West Hawaii. Planning—The Puna Community Development Plan(CDP)has been completed and approved by the Council. The Kona and North Kohala CDPs are pending approval by the Council after having been reviewed by the Planning Commission. The South Kohala CDP is also completed but still pending review by the Planning Commission. Fire—The Ocean Safety Bureau,including its Water Safety Officers,transferred from the Department of Parks&Recreation to the Fire Department. This Bureau is the principal resource and consultant on all matters relating to ocean safety on the island of Hawaii. Environmental Management—The slopes of the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill were changed to utilize additional air space which extended the life of the landfill until 2012. Due to efforts to -3 - i i i i