HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 051 2025-05-20 2024-2026DATE: May 20, 2025
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai `i
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
Re: Comm. No. 290/Res. No. 181-25
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 181-25, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 181-25, transmitted by Finance Director Diane Nakagawa via Communication
No. 290, dated May 2, 2025, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the University of
Hawaii Office of Research Services.
This resolution allows the County to provide a $125,000 grant to the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal
Resource Center for permits and preliminary research to develop an aquaculture project in Hilo Bay.
Research and Development Deputy Dennis Lin, Economic Development Specialist Glenn Sako, Waiwai
Ola Waterkeepers Representative Rhiannon Chandler-`Iao, and Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal
Resource Center President and Professor of Aquaculture at the University of Hilo, Dr. Maria Haws,
were present.
Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada spoke in support of this matter and asked for a collaboration
between the Pacific Agricultural and Coastal Resource Center and Hilo Bay Watershed Project.
Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz also spoke in support of this and asked Ms. Chandler to
provide some background on their role for this project. Ms. Chandler shared that due to COVID-19 she
no longer operates Waiwai Ola Waterkeepers, but she works with Dr. Haws and explained that through
their work there is the potential for the restoration of the waters of Hilo bay through its limu and
shellfish.
Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi asked if this was the same project that came before the
committee years ago. Dr. Haws confirmed that it was and explained it was due to the loss of funding.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 181-25, and
recommends its adoption.
Ikh
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
`I-KLEINFELDER,
FC REPORT NO.: 51
ADOPTED: JUN ® 4 2025