HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 070 04/24/1997 1996-1998 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: April 24, 1997 Re: Comm. No. 212
PLACE: Councilroom
TIME: 8:05 A.M.
Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance. to which was referred, Bill No. 62, reports as follows:
Bill No. 62, transmitted by Finance Director Harry A. Takahashi via Communication No. 212
dated Mazch 11, 1997, amends Ordinance 96-68, as amended, relating to Public Improvements
and Financing thereof for the fiscal yeaz July 1, 1996 to June 30, 1997, by adding the following
project:
Post Hazvest Treatment Facility $2,000,000
(l 10-199-5199.04- I 1
Funds for this project shall be provided from:
General Obligation Bonds and/or Other Sources $2,000,000
A presentation was made by Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro in support of the administration-
initiated capital improvement project measure. During such presentation, the Mayor expressed
his commitment to developing agriculture as a main economic element for the east side of the
Big Island and pointed out that the construction of a post harvest treatment facility, utilizing
irradiation techniques, will be a crucial step in that direction. He pointed out the potential for
developing a major tropical fruit industry on the Big Island which is presently hampered due to
our State's quarantine status as a fruit fly zone. According to the Mayor, the product has been •
test-marketed and been proven to be a viable crop for our island. He also explained that gamma
irradiation or sterilization, the process intended to be used in the facility, is a safe process.
Although he is hopeful that the private sector will develop the project, the Mayor stated that
favorable action on the instant measure by the County is necessazy in order to induce the
immediate development or ciiltivation of the crop. This will be achieved by guaranteeing to
growers or potential growers the presence of a facility in the near future which will allow them to
take their product to market.
A presentation was also made by representatives from lsomedix, a private company that
specializes in the construction and operation of irradiation facilities. They provided background
on irradiation technology, the proposed facility and safety concerns and guidelines.
Extensive testimony was heard both in support of and in opposition to the irradiation facility.
Many significant points were raised by committee members. Both Ms. Leithead-Todd and Mr.
Tyler stated their objections to any possible use of Hawaiian Home Lands and ceded lands for
the location of such a facility. Mr. Yagong stated that such a measure would signify this body's
support for diversified agriculture. Although most members, in varying degrees, questioned the
necessity of the County's funding of the project, the Chair argued that County involvement
would at least enable the Cormty Council to oversee its development, particularly with respect to
its location. Finally, Mr. Ray expressed concerns over the fact that the language of the bill evas
not sufficient to indicate for what purposes the money would be spent.
Accordingly, Bill No. 62, Draft 2, introduced by Mr. Ray, was circulated. It expanded the use of
the $2,000,000 Post Harvest Treatment Facility appropriation by including language which
specifically provided that the funds would be used for "planning, design, construction, crop and
product development, mazketing, promotion and related infrastructure". In addition, Draft 2
stipulated that "any contracts related to the expenditure of these funds for this project shall be
submitted to the Council for its review and authorization prior to signing by the Mayor".
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 62, Draft 2, and
recommends it pass first reading.
rms
Ayes Noes A&E EX
CHUNG X Respectfully submitted
LEITHEAD-TODD X CO J:~TEE ON FINANCE
RAY X l
SANTANCELO X ~ ~ _
SMITH X
TYLER x AARON S. 'HUNG, IR
vncoNC X FC REPORT NO. ~ ~
ARAKAKI, 6. o.M. X ADOPTED: MAY 0 7
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