Comm No 0017.03 - Testimony - CA-3 - Climate Change and Resiliency

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Margaret Wille Attorney at Law 65-1316 Lihipali Road Kamuela, Hawaii 96743 Tel: 808-854-6931 margaretwille@mac. corn December 14, 2018 To: Charter Commission Fr: Margaret Wille, on behalf of myself Re: Comm. 17 CA -3 Re: Climate Change and Resiliency: Focus on AG Propose creation of Department of Agriculture and Resiliency Amend Article VII, of the Hawai`i County Charter (2016) as follows. "CHAPTER DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RESILIENCY Section 7- . Organization. There (shall or may) be a department of agriculture and resiliency consisting of a director of agriculture, an agriculture commission, and the necessary staff. Section 7-_. Statement of Policy. It is declared to be the policy of the county to support policies and practices that promote agricultural food security on Hawai`i island based on self-sufficiency, buy local policies, support for family farms and community cooperatives, preservation of the indigenous heritage of agricultural resources, collaboration among the agricultural producers, accurate product labeling, and best management practices designed to significantly reduce greenhouse emissions on an annual basis. Section 7- . Director. The director shall be appointed by the mayor, confirmed by the council and may be removed by the mayor. Section 7- . Qualifications. The director shall have a minimum of four years of experience in the fields of conventional and organic agriculture, including at least two years in conventional agriculture and two years in organic agriculture, a degree in agriculture, planning, or a in a an area inclusive of a focus on sustainability and or climate change initiatives, and a minimum of two years in an administrative or supervisory capacity. Section 7-_. Powers, Duties and Functions. The powers, duties, and functions of the department of agriculture shall be further prescribed by ordinance and shall be exercised and performed by the department. Comm. No. 17.3