CAFR 2013 FINAL (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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7% increase from the prior fiscal year. Another indication of the County's slowly rebounding industry, is the fact that there was also a 7% increase in the total number of visitors to the island from the prior fiscal year. More significantly, spending growth for this sector has been almost constantly increasing since the beginning of 2010. Construction — Construction jobs have recovered by one-third of the decline experienced in recent years and private building permits are up 25% in the first part of 2013 compared to the same period the year before. 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 made in scientific research. According to the First Hawaiian Bank Economic Forecast, Mauna Kea observatories involve 11 facilities with an annual budget of $75 million to support 527 county -based staff. Astronomy continues to be a major factor in the success of the County's economy with an estimated nearly 500 new jobs opening up through 2023 to meet the needs of the current observatories and the creation of new jobs with the development of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) by the TMT Observatory Corporation. Permits have been issued for the TMT but a final appeal has been lodged with the courts. Once construction begins, it is anticipated that the construction and equipment costs will be $1.2 billion and the TMT will have an annual operational budget of $27 million. Major Initiatives For the Year During the year, the County focused on construction.projects relating to housing, sanitation and public safety, and other issues affecting the quality of life in the County. Public Safety — On November 17, 2012, the Hawaii Police Department gained accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) for the first time. Housing — Construction on Na Kahua Hale O Ulu Wini ("Ulu Wini", formerly known as Kaloko Housing Program) located in North Kona continued through fiscal year 2013. During the year, 36 units were constructed with the remaining 20 slated for completion next fiscal year. Ulu Wini provides transitional (short-term, less than two years) and permanent rental housing for families with children earning below 50% of the County's adjusted median income, with preference for those impacted by homelessness. Entire build -out of the site will include 96 two-bedroom units, a community center complete with meeting room administrative offices, a laundry facility and kitchen, an employment training facility, a playground and a wastewater treatment plant. Families engaged at Ulu Wini will be provided either transitional or rental housing, case management, mail and computer access, and an array of on-site support services including employment and life skills training, mental health services, counseling and childcare. -3-