HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0140.021 2000-2002 xyf/M
"L~
Harry Kun Jane H Testa
Mayor ~ • Dlreclor
County o~ Hawaii
DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
25 Aupum Suee1, Room 219 Hdo, Hewen 96720.4252
(BOS) 961-8366 • Fex (BOB) 935-1205
E-mad chn:sdev®mterpec net
March 28, 2001
Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman
and Members of Hawaii County Council
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hdo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Council Chairman and Members
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me to discuss the Department of
Research and Development's budget for fiscal year 2001-02
I sincerely appreciated your comments and input toward the future of the
Department of Research and Development I look forward to working with the
County Council and am grateful for your support
Please find attached the Department of Research and Development's program
summary and progress in meeting its objectives for the current fiscal year 2000-
01 Should you have any questions regarding the status of any of these projects
please feel free to contact me
Sincerely,
~~i~
Jane H Testa
Director
Attachment
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32n. xa f40.21
~y,e No.
Ref. To: C'
Ret. Da_
DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
PROGRESS IN MEETING PROGRAM OBJECTIVES FY2t>b0-01
PROGRAM AGRICULTURE
1 To create an advocacy committee for Big Island agriculture with memberships
from various commodrty groups by December 2000
Completed the creation of an advocacy committee for Big Island
agriculture in April 2000, eight months earner than objective. Committee
members are actively involved in the Commodity Advisory Group (CAG) '
which is a statewide agricultural advocacy organization 100•/ complete
2 To provide recommended changes m the tax code and General Plan that will
preserve important agricultural land on the island by December 2000.
Submitted in June 2000, six months earlier that the objective, to Planning
Department recommended changes to the General Plan pertinent to the
preservation of agricultural lands. Revision of the tax code planned by the
Finance Department did not materialize thus R&D's recommended changes
in tax code could not be submitted
50% complete
3 To participate and/or co-sponsor ten agricultural festroals, shows or fairs to
promote locally-produced Big Island products at the local, national, and
international markets
Completed the objective of ten (10) promotional projects and awarded two
(2) additional projects. The following are the promotional projects: two (2)
agricultural festivals (both on Big Island); two (2) fairs (one on the Big
Island and one in Honolulu); four (4) tredeshows (one on the Big Island,
one in Japan and two in the U.S. Mainland) and four (4) marketing
programs for the Big Island products and resources. 120%
complete
4 To provide seven supplemental research grants for the development of new
products and/or new production and processing technologies
Completed three (3) out of seven (7) targetted research projects.
43% complete
5 To complete the permitting and planting of all farmable parcels of lands in the
papaya demonstration quarantine project m Puna by October 2000
Completed the permitting of lands in papaya quarantine project in Puna in
September 2000, a month earlier than objective.
100•/ complete
6 To coordinate and facilitate ag-tourism meetings/workshops between private
orgarnzations and Big Island Visitors Bureau and to co-sponsor seven
conferences that will expose Big Island farmers to the current agriculture
development issues
Co-sponsored four (4) out of seven (7) targetted conferences.
57% complete
7 To submit to the Water Department an action plan for the utilization of two of their
existing municipal water sources for agriculture use by June 2001
Met with the Water Department Manager to discuss the use of water from
the Alii tunnel in Ka'u foragrlculture. A proposed watersystem utilizing
the water from Alii tunnel and excess water from the Noguchi tunnel is 50%
complete.
PROGRAM• TOURISM
1 To enter into a partnership with the Big Island Chapter of the Hawaf i Visitors and
Convention Bureau, Big Island Group and other appropriate organizations in
advertising and marketing the Big Island by June 2001
100% Complete: Administered the execution of contractual agreements
with Big Island Visitors Bureau and Big Island Group for the marketing and
advertising programs of Hawaii the Big Island. An additional partnership
with the University of Hawaii at Hilo was also established for the
promotion and marketing of the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
2 To promote at least five festivals and five sporting events to attract visitors,
enhance their stay and share the culture
50% Complete: Provided funding and support in the promotion of
cultural festivals and sporting events on the Island of Hawaii including
International Festival of the Pacific, Merrie Monarch, Aloha Festivals,
Hawaiian lntemational Billfish Tournament and Big Island International
Marathon and Ekiden.
3 To provide at least two seed grants to community groups to develop tourism
products and programs
100% Complete: Continue to support and provide funding for the Aloha
Welcome Programs in East and West Hawaii for greetings at Ka1lua-Kona
and Hilo Piers and Kona International Airport
PROGRAM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1 Administer the enterprise zone (EZ) program and coordinate wrth the Department
of Business, Economic Development Tourism for the dissemination of EZ
information via meetings and literature. Market EZ program and increase
number of tenants by 20%
As of June 30, 2000, there were 33 tenants and a 20% increase in tenants
equates to 6.6 tenants. To date there are 5 new tenants in the program or
15.2% increase in tenants.
2 Produce a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy according to
Economic Development Administration (EDA) gwdelmes to qualify County of
Hawaii projects for Federal funding by June 2001
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy is effective until
2003. Two (2) amendments have been submitted and approved to qualify
County of Hawaii projects for Federal funding. Objective currenfly 100%
completed.
3 Utilize the Ka'u Economic Development Plan to acquire funding from Federal
sources for at least one mayor project in Ka'u and Hamakua
Worked on two (2) grant applications for these areas. One application was
denied and the second application is awaiting approval. However by
partnering with the Rural Development Project and the Pili Pa'a Pono
Grants that are Federally funded, project is currently 100% complete.
4 Assist non-profit community-based organization in Ka'u and Hamakua with
economic development programs to create employment opportundies Indiate
two program each in Ka'u and Hamakua
Working with Huliau, HCEOC in Kau, Kau Learning Center, Naa/ehu Main
Street, Tom Reece from HOVE in Kau and the High Tec Committee,
Economic Development Committee, HCEOC Honokaa Incubator Kitchen in
Hamakua. Also have been working with the M/RA Hawa1'i Team, Rural
Development Project under HCC, Pili Pa'a Pono, Community Empowerment
Organization, HCEOC and other community groups. More than 2 projects
in each district have been initiated. Objective is 100'/ complete.
5 Provide in-kind support and/or funding for the the development of the
HawauanHentage Corndor project one each in Ka'u and Hdo-Hamakua
In-kind support has been provided in the Hilo-Hamakua area, funding and
in-kind support provided in the Kona area. Working on fhe Food
Processing Facility and Visitor Center at Pahala, Hawaii. Objective is 100%
complete.
6 Enter into a partnership with the Five Mountain Medical Community Assoaation
in the development of a marketing program that wdl enhance the health and
wellness industry for the Big Island by June 2001
Partnership and funding provided to Five Mountain Medical Community
Association. Objective 100% complete.
PROGRAM ENERGY
1 Complete the on-going program to implement energy efficiency measures by
means of performance contracting in all County-owned bwldings with scope for
cost-effective retrofits
• Phase II -retrofits of the Hdo Public Safety Bwlding and Kona Police Station
by December 31, 2000
Delayed completion date now scheduled fro July 31, 2001.
• Phase III -retrofits of remaining inventory of bwldings by March 31, 2001
Delayed completion is scheduled for June 30, 2002.
2 Represent the interests of Hawaii County in the Utddy's Integrated Resource
Planning process and in PUC Dockets including the current proceedings on
competition within the Hawaii electncrty industry
• PUC Competition Docket by December 31, 2000
Project on-going
• Integrated Resource Planning - on-going to June 30, 2001
Project on-going
3 Promote renewal energy development on Hawaf i Island
? Determine feasibility of ice storage a/c systems for County buildings by
September 30, 2000
Completed March 1, 2001, RESULT: not able to implement without causing
delay in overall renovations already contracted.
? Installation of PV powered lights on Bayfront by December 31, 2000
In progress, design complete await/ng State DBEDT grant funds
4 Develop county energy emergency plans to be consistent with State EEP plans
• Complete by December 31, 2000
Completed and plans being implemented project will be on-going.
5 Facilitate cost-effective energy effiaent programs in the Department of Water
Supply and the Wastewater Diwsion
• Phase I of DWS facility retrofits by June 30, 2001
Energy Coo?dinatorsubmitted proposed measures in February 2001 for
DWS review.
? Wastewater facility retrofits by June 30, 2001
Project terminated
6 Participate in the Rebuild America program to obtain technical assistance from
the U S Department of Energy and provide assistance to other organizations
and communities interested m performance contracting
? Ongoing to June 30, 2001
Project on-going
7 Seek grant funds and utility rebates for County energy-related programs
? Apply for utildy rebates from Phase II of retrofd program by January 31, 2001
Delayed to August 2001
? Apply for utility rebates from Phase III of retrofit program by April 30, 2001
Postponed until June 2002
8 Foster the growth of existing and new scientific and high technology industries in
Hawaf i County
? On-going to June 30, 2001
Project on-going
PROGRAM MUNICIPAL REFERENCE CENTER
1 Collect statistical information for and publish the County of Hawa~ ~ Data Book,
continue to provide accessibility wa County of Hawaf fs web site by July 2000
100•/ complete
2 Compile montfily economic data (showing previous year comparisons) and
distribute to interested parties as the County of Hawa~'~ Statistics, provide
accessibility via County of Hawaf is web site by the 15~h of each month 100%
complete
3 Fulfill research and informational needs of the County through the acgwsition and
maintenance of relevant research materials by June 2001
65% complete
4 Maintain a clip file of articles of interest to, and in support of departmental
programs, and generate an annual subject index of articles affecting Hawaf i
county by June 2001 70% complete
5 Maintain the Library Information System (LIS) database by classifying and
cataloging all library materials by June 2001 35% complete
6 Respond to all requests for statistical, reference and program information daily
and on demand 100% complete
7 Review and update the County of Hawa~'r Facts and Figures, published by the
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, prowde
accessibility via County of Hawaii web site by June 2001 25% complete
8 Set up a spreadsheet (Excel) to calculate the monthly budding permd statistics
and assist in the statistical analysis for our County of Hawai'~ Statistics, prowde
accessibd~ty via County of Hawaii web site by June 2001 50%
complete
PROGRAM FILM
1 Attend trade shows, festivals and conferences pertaining to the film industry
Attended Cineposium, Hawaii International Film Festival, Sundance Film
Festival, AFCI Locations Expo 2001. 100% Complete
2 Prowde support services to production companies, before, during and after on-
Island production
Provided support services to at least 90 productions before, during and
after their on-island production and responded to at least another 75 that
requested information but did not come and film.
75% Complete
3 Host famdianzation and scouting tours for potential productions interested in
filming on the Big island
Hosted 5 different scouts for PLANET OF THE APES involving from 1 to 25
people. Each scout was between 3 and 9 days.
Invitations were sent; by the Film Offices of the Hawaiian Islands, to Studio
Executives to participate in a familiarization tour of 2 Islands each. The
tour was postponed due to scheduling conflicts by most of the executives.
Worked in conjunction with the Hawaii /ntemational Film Association in
hosting 8 Producers and Directors from Japan on a familiarization tour of
the Big Island. 75% Complete
4 Partiapate in film industry organizations to support the growth of the industry and
to address industry concerns
Participated as a board member on the Hawaii Film and Entertainment
Board, the Hawaii Television and Film Development Board, and the board
of Na Leo 'O Hawaii. Participated in ongoing meetings of the Film ORces
of the Hawaiian Islands.
75% complete
5 Continue implementation of the digital image bank for the film office photo library
Research of the variables that will go into the RFP is near completion.
RFP will go out in the beginning of April and once awarded, the project
should take about 3 months.
25% Complete
6 Continue development and implementation of the film office web site
Upgraded the website administrative section of the data base system to
allow film office personnel to maintain data without the need of special
programming. Also, updated data entries on a regular basis.
75% Complete
7 Increase the community base of production support services and locations
The data base for production support services was increased by 75% and
locations by 20%. 85% Complete
8 Inform and educate the community to the practices of the film industry by
attending functions and giwng speeches
Interviewed with Honolulu Advertiser, Honolulu Star Bulletin, Hawaii
Tribune-Herald, Hollywood Reporter, Location Update Magazine, and TIGR
concerning issues of the film industry.
Talked with at least 5 Big Island community members a week regaroling
different areas of film, i.e., working In the industry to using their property
for filming. Met with individuals of the Kalapana community concerning
filming !n the area for PLANET OF THE APES.
75% Complete