HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FESC 003 11/17/2009 2008-2010
REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FOOD AND ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY
DATE: November 17, 2009 Re: Comm. No. 608/Res.269-09
PLACE: Ben Franklin Building, 2" d Floor
333 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
TIME: 10:30 am
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Food and Energy Sustainability, to which was referred Communication
No. 608, regarding Resolution 269-09, reports as follows:
Resolution 269-09, transmitted by Council Member Pete Hoffmann, via Communication No. 608
dated November 2, 2009 urging the adoption of measures to enhance the development of an
effective agricultural policy for the County of Hawaii by means of a Food Policy Council.
Furthermore, the Food Policy Council will allow resident volunteers to participate in the
development and implementation of the County of Hawaii Agricultural Plan which is still
underway.
There was testimony in support of this proposed resolution.
Mr. Hoffmann commented on this proposed legislation as being the third in a series for food
sustainability in which two have already been brought before the County Council. Adding that
agriculture is a critical issue the County Administration needs to deal with in the same manner as
they did with energy. He commended the current Administration for taking a pro-active view
regarding the need to do something more than previous administrations regarding agriculture and
added that this measure is necessary to move this County towards food sustainability. The
adoption of this proposed resolution will create a Food Policy Council providing the County
insight and recommendations in terms of an agricultural policy for future legislation from the
County or State. Furthermore, modeling after the Energy Commission, the volunteers'
experiences and resources will be invaluable to the Food Policy Council. Mr. Hoffmann did not
provide detail in his proposed resolution, to allow Administration the opportunity and option to
express how they would like the "Food Policy Council" organized. He seeks the support of his
colleagues on this proposed resolution.
Several Council Members' concerns included: 1) the need for flexibility to work with various
agricultural based groups so there isn't any competition for leadership; 2) inclusion of
specialized farmers such as poultry etc.; 3) need for agricultural training at the various facilities;
4) inclusion of tourism; 5) improved financial commitment and budget for the Research and
Development Department to support agricultural policies in Hawaii County; 6) flow of
information and discussion on the Food Policy Council and whether they will be limited to
Report No. 3
Page 2
Communication No. 608 / Res. 269
Hawaii County Council or Administration direction; 7) lack of proper representation of the
farm community; 8) conflict of interest by volunteers from special interest group and developers
serving on the Food Policy Council; 9) the cost involved in creating and maintaining a Food
Policy Council; and 10) relationship between proper handling of agricultural waste and its effect
on agricultural productivity.
Committee Chair Brenda J. Ford was concerned whether pending agricultural issues would
receive proper attention; however, she supports this proposed resolution as Hawaii Island
supplies the most agriculture produce in the State. In addition she would like the following items
to be addressed: 1) infrastructure improvements; 2) a commitment from the Administration not
to sell agricultural lands; and 3) an offering of affordable agricultural lands for purchase to local
farmers. Ms. Ford and other council members requested the Administration be available to
comment on this proposed resolution and how it affects their current agricultural policies.
Mr. Hoffinan was asked to request Administration to comment on this proposed resolution.
Mr. Hoffman additional comments included: 1) the time sensitivity of this proposed resolution's
approval by Council so that it can be included in the County of Hawaii Agricultural Plan, stating
that Draft 2 will be available in late December, 2009; and 2) that Administration has been in
close contact with the Kohala Center and the progression of the agricultural plan. He also added
that this agendized item provided ample opportunity for Administration to comment; however,
he will follow up on this, as requested.
Your Committee on Food and Energy Sustainability is in accord with the purpose and intent of
Resolution 269-09, and recommends its adoption.
dkr
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
ENRIQUES x
FORD x COMMITTEE ON FOOD AND ENERGY
GREENWELL x SUSTAINABILITY
HOFFMANN x
IKEDA x
NAEOLE x
ONISI-11 x BRENDA J. F RD, CHAIR
vAGONG x FESC REPORT NO. 3
YOSHIMOTO x ADOPTED: DEC p 1 2009
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