REP FESC 002 10/20/2009 2008-2010

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOOD AND ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY DATE: October 20, 2009 Re: Comm. No. 562/Res.249-09 PLACE: Ben Franklin Building, 2nd Floor 333 Kilauea Avenue Hilo, Hawaii 96720 TIME: 9:00 am Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Food and Energy Sustainability, to which was referred Communication No. 562, regarding Resolution 249-09, reports as follows: Resolution 249-09, transmitted by Director of Research and Development, Randall Kurohara, via Communication No. 562 dated September 25, 2009 declaring the County of Hawaii commitment to sustainability and the principles and goals related to sustainability. Furthermore, the resolution would formalize the Mayor's Green Team and promote a sustainable future by incorporating principles based upon science into County policies and operations. i There was testimony in support of this proposed resolution. Research and Development Director Randall Kurohara and Alex Frost, Research and Development Economic Specialist III and member volunteer of County of Hawaii/Mayor's Green Team appeared before Your Committee. Mr. Kurohara commented this is leading by example, reducing carbon foot print and energy consumption. Furthermore, minimizing the County's impact on the land to ensure the needs of tomorrow can be met. Mr. Frost also commented that one example of energy auditing of the Parks and Recreation and its electricity use of their pool facilities in Pahoa and Kona has been done. Cost saving measures to increase energy efficiency, improving operations and reducing environmental impact is being reviewed. Council Member Pete Hoffmann support the-blue print of the sustainability principles and policies developed in this proposed resolution. Furthermore, he commented that this initiative directed to County of Hawaii and its operations should expand beyond to other energy and sustainability initiatives related to land use etc. Furthermore, Mr. Hoffmann commented the recent adoption of IECC building code which this Council initiated need to be recognized. He strongly believes the importance of advocating the energy reform and strongly stressed the County of Hawaii follow these codes. Committee Chair Brenda J. Ford requested that a progress reporting system is made available containing basic information, including sections identifying goals and benchmarks achieved by the County of Hawaii commitment to sustainability. Mrs. Ford also requested a quarterly progress report providing updates to the committee.