HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0302.000 2006-2008 Emily I. Naeole ^rw,,~
Council Member '
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Mailing Address: Business Address:
(Former County Building ~f O1 3331clauea Avenue, Second F[aor
25 Aupuni Street Ben Franklin Building
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Hawai `i County Council
County of Hawai `i
Telephone: (808) 96/-8267 Facsimile: (808) 961-8912
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Apri15, 2007
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To: Pete Hoffmann, Council Chair
Hawaii County Council J
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 "
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From: Emily I. Naeole, Chair 61d ~
Human Services & Economic Development Committee
RE: Request time for presentation by William W.M. Steiner, Dean, at the University
of Hawaii -Hilo, College of Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resources
Management regarding a research on the feasibility of growing various tropical
plants and trees for biofuel production in Hawaii County on April 17, 2007.
I received a request from William W.M. Steiner, Dean -University of Hilo. I anticipate the
presentation will last approximately thirty (30) minutes and additional time for questions
Council Members may have.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Please feel free to call me if you have any
questions or concerns.
EN/bh
^.omm. No. 302
Ref. To: HS ~flL
Ref, %late _~R 5 2^0~_
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
April 1, 2007
Councilwoman Emily Naeole, Chair
Committee on Human Resources & Economic Development
Hawaii County Council Chamber
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Deaz Councilwoman Naeole:
I would like to request your committee's consideration in allowing me to make a
presentation on the University's reseazch on the feasibility of growing various tropical
plants and trees for biofuel production in Hawaii County. The presentation will take
about 30 minutes.
Agricultural producers and researchers in Hawaii aze planning to conduct trials in Hawaii using
different crops. Producers wish to see a "proof of concept" to clearly demonstrate that these
crops can be gown economically and trouble free in Hawaii before committing millions of
dollars to new plantations. To this end, the University of Hawaii-Hilo's College of Agriculture,
Forestry and Natural Resource Management will conduct research to determine the mix of crops
suitable for the different microclimates that exist in Hawaii County, the suitability of these crops
to the various soil type and soil quality present in various parts of Hawaii County, the effects of
climate, pests and diseases in the growth and production of these crops, the efficient integration
of the production fields, mills and or refineries to reduce cost and the economic benefit of this
project to the economy of Hawaii County.
The University will need a 200 acre nursery plot and four 20-acre reseazch plots at 300 foot elevation
differences along an environmental gradient to assess pests, different microclimates and soils. The research
will include growing crops on predominantly lava where very little soil can be found (e.g. on the UHH
Panaewa Agriculture farm). We looking for lands for this research that offer different soils, climatic regimes
and elevational differences. The land in Paauilo owned by the County has great potential for this project.
The end goal of this research is the development of a new biofuel industry for Hawaii County. With this
industry, the spin off businesses such as trucking, nurseries, refining, milling, fertilizer production and animal
feed production, all home grown, all which create new jobs will be generated. The Paauilo land will
especially aid in developing a 500,000 tree nursery to feed and drive this developing industry.
As Hawaii moves into the 21 s` Century, creating our own fuel and energy resources will be key to survival.
We can expect petroleum reserves to dwindle, supply lines to come under threat, and prices to escalate.
Energy independence and security will be crucial to our future safety and economic happiness. The Big
Island can help Hawaii achieve this while building a sound economic foundation in renewable energy.
Your positive response to this request would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
William W. M. Steiner, Dean
University of Hawaii -Hilo, College of Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resources Management
200 West Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720