HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 040 2025-04-15 2024-2026 -
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: April 15, 2025 Re: Comm.No.208/Res.No. 121-25
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i
TIME: 9:01 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs,to which was referred
Resolution No. 121-25,reports as follows:
Resolution No. 121-25,transmitted by Director of Finance Diane Nakagawa via
Communication No. 208, dated March 28,2025, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an
agreement with the University of Hawai`i, Office of Research Services.
Resolution No. 121-25 states that funds in the amount of$25,000 from the Department of
Research and Development would be used to conduct GoFarm Hawai`i,the university's
comprehensive agricultural education program.
Deputy Director Dennis Lin from the Department of Research and Development was present in
the Kona Chambers to discuss Resolution No. 121-25. Mr. Lin explained that because their
Department granted an Impact Grant to GoFarm,they are required to do an inter-governmental
agreement as they are a County agency releasing funds to a State entity. These funds will go
towards the competitive GoFarm program which helps train farmers at the beginning of their
journey by meeting them at their skill level.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder inquired why the University wasn't directly
providing funding for this program. Mr. Lin explained this was supplemental funding. Member
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder further questioned why the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human
Resources wasn't able to provide funding, as this is their program.
Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz asked how many people have gone through the
GoFarm program. Mr. Lin said that since 2012 over 250 farmers have completed this program,
and they are hoping to see it expand as only 20 are able to complete it per year. Member
Kierkiewicz asked if follow-up was done after the completion of the program. Mr. Lin said that
they do tracking. Member Kierkiewicz asked if he could provide follow-up at the next meeting
to see over the last decade what obstacles the graduates of this program have faced towards
continuing their farming journeys.
GOEAC Report No.40
GOEAC-40 Page 2 April 15,2025
Committee Member Dennis "Fresh"Onishi asked Mr. Lin if he could provide information
regarding how much of the production of those who have completed this program is going to
the community. He is looking for more information about the scope of the farming that is
occurring and what the products are.
Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada said how much she appreciates the GoFarm program and has
supported it over the years by purchasing community supported agricultural produce boxes from
their farmers and toured the facility. She was impressed by how much production they can get
from a relatively small piece of land and is happy to support this program.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution No. 121-25, and recommends its adoption.
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AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
GALIMBA X
HUSTACE x COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
INABA x OPERATIONS AND
KAGIWADA X EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL x JE KAGIW A, CHAIR
ONISHI X GOEAC REP NQ.
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: tl