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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> <br /> DATE: November 19, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 800/Res. No. 418-07 <br /> <br /> PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa <br /> 78-128 `Ehukai Street <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br /> <br /> TIME: 9:30 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 418-07, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 4 ] 8-07, transmitted jointly with Bill No. 200 by Director of Finance <br /> William Takaba, via Communication No. 800, dated November 5, 2007, authorizes the Office of <br /> the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the State of Hawaii, Hawaii Tourism Authority, <br /> pursuant to HRS 46-7, to extend the Waipi`o Park Ranger Pilot Program. <br /> The State of Hawaii, Hawaii Tourism Authority has authorized $60,000, through its Natural <br /> Resources Program, to the Department of Research and Development to extend the Waipi`o Park <br /> Ranger Pilot Program. With Waipi`o Valley being a very popular tourist destination, the County <br /> will be using the grant funds to extend an educational program at the County park at the Waipi`o <br /> Scenic Overlook to monitor commercial and visitor activity, report any illegal activity to law <br /> enforcement, serve as an educational resource for public, enhance the visitor experience, and <br /> protect the environment. <br /> This program strives to ensure the safety of all visitors and residents at Waipi`o Valley by <br /> enhancing the visitor's experience by providing education about the area's natural and cultural <br /> histories and resources; enhance the reputation of legitimate businesses in the tourism industry; <br /> and enhance the appearance of the County Park located at the lookout. <br /> The County has recognized the value of community-based efforts, and has entered into a contract <br /> with Friends of the Future, anon-profit organization based in Waimea and deeply involved in <br /> Waipi`o Valley since 1991. Friends of the Future are implementing the program with the <br /> support, advisement, and involvement of County government, State agencies, and community- <br /> based organizations, to raise visitors' awareness of the Valley's history and cultural significance. <br /> Pursuant to Section 46-7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, County Departments must obtain the consent <br /> of the Council to enter into agreements with the federal or state governments respecting action to <br /> betaken pursuant to any of the powers granted by law to furnish, expend and receive any funds <br /> or other assistance in connection with projects being or to be undertaken pursuant to those <br /> powers. <br /> FC REPORT NO. 200 <br /> <br />