HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0290.004 2024-2026UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII1 SYSTEM P/
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Testimony
Ha`ike Mana`o
Testimony Presented Before the
Hawaii County Council Committee on Finance
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 9:00 am
By
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Bonnie Irwin
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Chancellor
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University of Hawaii at Hilo
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Resolution No. 181-25: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTgR
INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF
HAWAI`I OFFICE OF RESEARCH SERVICES'
Chair Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder, Vice Chair Hustace and Members of the Committee:
Mahalo for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of Resolution 181-25, which
will provide funding to the University of Hawaii for the purpose of the Pacific
Aquaculture and Coastal Resource Center (PACRC). The PACRC is a project of the
University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) whose mission is to advance long-term
sustainable use and. conservation of coastal areas worldwide through aquaculture and
resource management. The $125,000 in funding will allow PACRC to further this
mission by expanding research and analyses of projects to pilot culture of shellfish and
limu in Hilo Bay.
Research conducted at PACRC analyzes the presence of harmful bacteria and
pathogens in Hilo Bay, contributing to the understanding of potential risks to public
health and the marine ecosystem. This research can inform management decisions to
mitigate pollution. Research at PACRC considers the impacts of climate change on Hilo
Bay, such as the potential increase in pathogen levels due to changing precipitation
patterns and sea -level rise, and helps in developing strategies for climate change
adaptation and resilience.
PACRC provides research and educational opportunities for students and faculty at UH
Hilo, fostering the next generation of marine scientists and aquaculture professionals
who will be stewards of Hilo Bay and other coastal resources
Expanding PACRC's work will provide a benefit to our community, in particular our
vulnerable ecosystem.
We appreciate the opportunity to submit testimony in support of this resolution.
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