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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0150.030 2012-2014 Kona JP,`Ot4 04,pF� Soil and Water Conservation District wo- CONSERVATION 1 o; DISTRICTS 81-948 Waena'Dihana Loop#101 - Kealakekua,H1 96750 - 808-322-2484 - FAX 808-322-3735 OF AMERICA 'OOVERO' COUNTY CLERK COUNTY OF HAWAII RECEIVED April 11, 2013 Time Io:oo.►,,.,, By Dates Dear County Council, The Kona SWCD is writing the County Council to respectfully request that the funding to the Soil and Water Conservation Districts not be reduced in the proposed County of Hawaii budget before the County Council for consideration. The Kona SWCD has performed over 130 site visits in the last year to assist farmers with the implementation of the County of Hawaii grubbing and grading ordinances. There were a variety of reasons for these site visits from documenting onsite conditions,to developing a conservation plan for a grubbing/grading compliance. We also did site visits to document existing natural resource concerns to be addressed within a conservation plan by the Natural Resource Conservation Service(NRCS)as part of a federal cost share program. The site visits were part of the NRCS conservation programs which brought Two Million Dollars of cost share funds to the North and South Kona Agricultural Communities. The conservation practices being implemented include fencing, irrigation,rotational grazing,pruning, chipping, conservation cover and cover cropping as well as many others. These are practices that help protect not only the farms on which the practices are placed,yet also the community and near shore waters as well. The Kona SWCD also helps producers and the Farm Service Agency(FSA)programs designed to assist the Agricultural Community in recovering from,or surviving the long standing drought conditions on our Island. The Kona SWCD strives to assist more producers and help them understand the myriad of programs that are available for the Agricultural Community. The Kona SWCD accomplishes its mission with one full time staff member and the volunteer board. All SWCD's throughout the State of Hawaii receive funding from the Counties and the State to accomplish their mission. The creation of the SWCD's is provided for in the State Constitution and operations are addressed in HRS 180. We respectfully request the Count Council at a minimum maintain existing funding levels for all the Soil and Water Conservation Districts on the island and if possible increase the funding so that the Districts can provide more services to the Agricultural Community and assist Hawaii and Hawaii Island in achieving Food Sustainability. Sincerely, G. Rick Robinson Chair,Kona Soil and Water Conservation District /12 . 2,� Comm. No. JCJ Ref. To: 1 F4. Board of Directors APR 1-1 OQ Ref. Date Greg Hendrickson Kawika Marquez Denise Light Rick Robinson Keith Unger Funding Pro\ided bq County ol'!lawaii Department of Research and Developinent Mauna Kea SWCD in the past year has worked with Kanu o ka Aina giving them soils training as well as technical advice for their school farm. MKSWCD also has been a judge at their Science Contest since it began in 2006. MKSWCD facilitated through USDA/NRCS Soil Scientist Amy Koch soils training for Kanu o ka Aina Charter School, Honokaa High School, & Konawaena High School in 2012 MKSWCD has begun a series of educational workshops for island Ag producers the first workshop is on Soil Health and will be April 18,2013 at Kuhio Hale in Waimea MKSWCD is in the beginning stages of developing an AG scholarship for the District's high school students F. Land: Secure affordable land with long—term tenure for farming and ranching, and simplify permitting for farm dwellings and farm worker housing. Action item #5a: Grubbing and Grading Ordinances: Revise the County's grubbing and grading ordinances as they pertain to agriculture, especially with regard to oversight and inspection permits for farm dwellings and farm worker housing, including the creation of exemption categories for water storage and aquaculture. #5b: Grubbing and Grading Ordinances: County to re-establish and maintain its levels of funding to the Soil and water Conservation Districts to allow for appropriate staffing. This will allow for real-time solutions for landowners, farmers, and ranchers. In order to maintain this level of funding,the County is encouraged to dedicate a percentage of real property taxes collected from Agricultural lands for this purpose. MKSWCD participated in the last go around of amending the Grubbing&Grading ordinance. This effort seems to have been stalled? MKSWCD would be thrilled to take the lead on this matter and get some changes recommended for the County Council to move forward on. G. Water: Provide adequate and affordable agricultural water for farmers, livestock producers, and food processors. MKSWCD was a partner with USDA/NRCS in developing the Waimea-Paauilo Watershed Project which outlines a water storage and transportation system for the Upper Hamakua Irrigation System. Recently MKSWD has had inquiries from area farmers & ranchers , DHHL and DLNR about reviving this proposal. MKSWCD Chairman has taken this project on as his personal goal to see the District farmers, with an emphasis on DHHL will have adequate water for their needs from this system in the future. Waimea-Paauilo Watershed Project Working to increase Ag water storage and transportation to address irrigation needs of Waimea farmers/ranchers Working with DHHL farmer Mike Hudson of WOW farms to provide assistance to DHHL farmers to get them farming on their land, 13 new farmers signed up as Cooperators with the Mauna Kea SWCD Developed Conservation Plan for County Ag venture in Kapulena along with NRCS Provide technical assistance to new farmers in District Education of farmers and ranchers via workshops and other programs, Soils Workshop planned for April 18, 2013 5:30 P.M.at DHHL Kuhio Hale, Waimea Provide education to local schools on farming through school visits and presentations Participate with local high schools in annual Conservation Awareness Contest which teaches local students about the importance of soil health and how to best manage soil resources Annually provide Judges for Kanu o ka Aina Charter School science fair Helped develop and continue to support Waimea Outdoor Circle and Waimea Nature Park aka Ulu Laau in Waimea, passive park used by Waimea residents, wildlife habitat for endangered native Hawaiian monarch butterfly Working to develop Ag scholarship program for District high school students Conservation Specialist: provides conservation technical advice as well as Conservation Plans for District Ag producers Position funded through Dept. of Health 319 Grant program $50,000.00 Conservation Technical advice and Conservation Plans assistance for USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service farm bill FY 2012-13$613,699.62 under contract County of Hawaii Agriculture Development Plan: 2010 Plan adopted by Resolution No. 61 11 May 4, 2011 Plan lists 12 plan elements Communication: Improve communication to increase efficiency and strengthen partnerships between the County, the agriculture industry, landowners, and the Hawaii Island community. Lead partner: County R&D and the Soil &water Conservation Districts Action item#4: Agriculture Producer Partnerships: Seek a method that would allow a farmer/rancher to provide input to the County and other farmers/ranchers from their farm (e.g., a SWCD District Planner funded with agriculture property taxes) Mauna Kea SWCD has a District Conservation Specialist who is a Planner working with community. This position is funded through the Department of Health, Clean Water Branch, 319 Funds program at no cost to the County E. Education: Increase the availability and quality of agricultural education on Hawaii Island. Mauna Kea SWCD Board of Directors: Chris Robb, Chairman, degree in Agriculture,farmer for 30 plus years,owner operator of Robb Farms, largest organic farm in Waimea Herbert "Monty" Richards, rancher for 70 plus years, owner operator Kahua Ranch, considered one of the patriarchs of ranching in Hawaii,started Ag Leadership program Morgan Toledo, taro farmer for 40 plus years, 3rd generation taro farmer in Waipio Valley, owner operator of Waipio Valley Taro products David Fuertes, degree in Ag, retired Kohala High Ag teacher, rancher for 30 plus years, Director of Ka liana Noeau Intergenerational Center in Kohala mentoring future leaders Brad Lau,Treasurer,2nd generation rancher in Waimea, rancher and conservationist Associate Directors: Robert L. Hind III, rancher for 50 plus years, former livestock manager for Parker Ranch, owner operator of Deleico Ranch James Thain,forester Ken Kaneshiro, degree in Agriculture, former State Director of USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service MKSWCD has over 200 years of Ag experience that is provided to County and Mauna Kea SWCD AG producers and community members Along with developing Conservation Plans with Districts Ag producers to best manage their natural resources and provide grubbing and grading exemptions to the producers MKSWCD also does community based conservation projects that bring income to Hawaii Island as well as work to best manage District natural resources. Mauna Kea SWCD Projects: Waiulaula Watershed Management Plan Project: Completed 2011$165,000 Currently in implementation stage Working on $94,000 fencing project to reduce non-point source pollution in lower watershed area as well as reduce fuel load thus reducing wildfire risk to adjacent community, fencing will create more paddocks and allow current rancher to better manage his herd for better yield Pelekane Bay Watershed Management Plan Project: Completed 2004$350,000 MKSWCD installed over 40,000 feet of fencing to reduce erosion into Pelekane Bay, home of shark heiau as well as other important Hawaiian cultural artifacts and create paddocks for Parker Ranch for best grazing practices Currently being implemented by Kohala Watershed Partnership Waipio Valley Flood Damage reduction&Stream Stabilization Project Completed 2011$163,000 Study to assesses and make recommendation to mitigate damage to Waipio Valley taro farms and Wailoa Stream due to 2006 earthquake Working to fund the work recommended by the study via HB 441 for $2,200,000.00 to repair and restore taro farming systems Waiulaula Watershed Management Plan Project: Completed 2011$165,000 Currently in implementation stage Working on $94,000 fencing project to reduce non-point source pollution in lower watershed area as well as reduce fuel load thus reducing wildfire risk to adjacent community, fencing will create more paddocks and allow current rancher to better manage his herd for better yield Pelekane Bay Watershed Management Plan Project: Completed 2004$350,000 MKSWCD installed over 40,000 feet of fencing to reduce erosion into Pelekane Bay, home of shark heiau as well as other important Hawaiian cultural artifacts and create paddocks for Parker Ranch for best grazing practices Waipio Valley Flood Damage reduction&Stream Stabilization Project Completed 2011$163,000 Study to assesses and make recommendation to mitigate damage to Waipio Valley taro farms and Wailoa Stream due to 2006 earthquake Working to fund the work recommended by the study via HB 441 for $2,200,000.00 to repair and restore taro farming systems this bill passed House, Senate, Ways and Means committee and currently is being amended by Senate and House and we should know by end of this week its status, but looks good! Conservation Technical advice and Conservation Plans assistance for USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service farm bill FY 2012-13$613,699.62 under contract Conservation Specialist: provides conservation technical advice as well as Conservation Plans for District Ag producers Position funded through Dept. of Health 319 Grant program $50,000.00 Cooperators: 225-this is current we cleaned out all the deceased etc. last year about this time Number of plans in place: 191 Number of plans waiting: 11 this is in addition to DLNR, DOA,and DHHL Number of DLNR/DOA: 2 Number of DHHL plans pending: 16 Ka'u, Waiakea, Puna SWCD Proposal A. Project Summary The purpose of this project is to assist Hawaii County in implementing Hawaii County Code Section 10-3(b)(5) and Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 180C-2, referred as the Grading code, for the Waiakea, Puna and Ka'u Soil and Water Conservation Districts for fiscal year 2012-2013., beginning July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2013. The requested county funding in the amount of$150,000.00 will be utilized to develop and implement conservation plans and conservation practices and to provide technical assistance to ranchers and farmers with grubbing and/or grading activities. B. Organization Qualification The Ka'u Soil and Water Conservation District(SWCD) was organized under the provision of the Soil and Water Conservation statutes of the State of Hawaii. It is a governmental subdivision of the State and a public body corporate and politic. It is responsible for developing and carrying out programs for the conservation, protection, and development of soil, water and related plant and animal resources within the District. The Kau SWCD and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have the common objectives of helping to bring about the conservation, development, and wise use of the land, water and related resources. The target populations are the ranchers and farmers with grubbing and/or grading activities. C. Statement of Need and Justification SWCDs on the Big Island continue to experience a study flow of agricultural producers requiring conservation planning assistance. NRCS has been concentrating most of its financial and technical resources on farm bill program participants. Producers that do not qualify for the farm bill program are referred to SWCDs for technical and conservation planning assistance. The benefit that this project brings to Hawaii County is the protection of our watershed, prevent soil erosion and water pollution. D. Project Goals and Outcomes The goals of this project is to provide technical assistance and conservation planning to district cooperators with grubbing and grading activities, implement conservation practices, update existing conservation plans and provides technical advice relating to soil and water conservation issues. E. Methodology To accomplish the project goals, the following activities will be conducted: a) Write 12 new conservation plans averaging 25 acres in size. b) Review and Update 30-40 existing conservation plans focusing on tillage/grazing/crop operations(approximately 7.5%of the current backlog) c) Implement 50 conservation practices relating to the grading/grubbing ordinance d) Review and comment on at least 6 subdivision/variance/special use applications from Planning Department, subject to submissions from the Planning Department e) Conduct and complete 2 outreach activities to target underserved clients/cooperators f) Produce at least one article on the grading ordinance or district/R&D services or activities for publication, and produce an annual report of the activities of the SWCD districts g) Provide monthly reports of all staff activities related to providing assistance and planning h) Each full-time planner will attend monthly scheduled board meetings, providing information to the board and community on conservation plans, grubbing and grading activity, and related matters; as requested; obtain,within two years, or maintain planner certification from NRCS;obtain job approval authority for three ecological and two engineering practices from NRCS (time period needs determined) and participate in at least 10 hours of conservation planning training each year. F. Budget Narrative: Kau,Waiakea and Puna SWCDs joined together in carrying out the goals of this project.The Kau SWCD acts as the administrator of the county funds. The county funds will be utilized to pay for two (2)full time conservationist, one (1)full time conservation aide and one (1) part time conservationist. The total cost of the project is$176,438.64 of which$26,438.64 is in-kind contribution provided the SWCDs and$150,000.00 is the funding request from the county(see Exhibit A-2 for budget details. If this funding request is denied by the county, the project could not be carried out. The consequences would be the proliferation of farms without conservation plans which will result in soil erosion,water pollution and potential destruction of watersheds. EXPENSES County Other Cash In-Kind TOTAL Award Sources Operating Costs 2 Full Time Conservationist 70,265.28 70,265.28 1 Full Time Conservationist 35,776.08 35,776.08 1 Part Time Conservationist 6,000.00 6,000.00 1070.00 13,070.00 Training and general expenses(PT consv.) 6024.34 Administrative Costs Altres-fees for payroll,taxes,employers portion of taxes,medical insurance 37,958.64 15,710.40 53,669.04 TOTAL EXPENSES 150,000.00 6,000.00 22,804.74 178,804.74 INCOME SOURCES County Other Cash In-Kind TOTAL Award Sources R&D Award 150,000.00 150,000.00 Applicant Organization NRCS funds 6,000.00 6,000.00 Other In-kind work value(Ka'u SWCD loan) 22,804.74 22,804.74 sources and/or sponsors TOTAL INCOME 150,000.00 6,000.00 22,804.74 178,804.74 *income received from the COunty $150,000.00 *income received from NRCS (TSP project) 6,000.00 *shortfall to carry out project 22,804.74 *total income needed to carry out project 178,804.74 Goals and Objectives Our goals and objectives are to provide technical assistance and conservation planning to district cooperators to meeting grubbing and grading requirements and associated practices and activities as listed below: *Write 12 conservation plans averaging 25 acres in size *Update 30-40 existing conservation plans *Implement 50 conservation practices *Review& comment on at least 6 subdivision reviews/special use applications *Conduct&complete 2 outreach activities to target clients/cooperators *Produce an article or annual report of the activities of the SWCD districts. *Provide monthly reports of all staff activities relating to providing assistance and planning. Summary of activities that were accomplished Completed In Progress Name Description of Activity Name Description of Activity Conservation Completed 26 conservation New Cooperators 17 cooperators awaiting a Plans plans totalling 30,133 acres awaiting plans conservation plan/total 608 ac. Conservation Completed 27 updates Conservation 6 conservation plans to be Plan Updates totalling 381 acres Plans approved by the end of FY Assisted 17 new cooperators Conservation 3 - 10 updates to be done by New Cooperators totalling 608 acres. Plan Updates end of FY Subdivision Conservation Implemented 50 conservation Reivews/Special 1-2 applicants that will be Practices practices permit App reviewed and commented on. Subdivision Reviewed and commented on Annual Report -final issue to be Reviews 7 subdivision reviews SWCD Activities printed in May Hosted the County Provide monthly employee Conservation Awareness reports relating to assistance SWCD Activities Contenst in Ka'u Staff Activities and planning. Hosted the State Conservation SWCD/Staff Prepare for the HACD Annual SWCD Activities Awareness Contest in Hilo Activity Meeting/training - held on Maui Earth Day @ College-educate Staff Activities students about cons practices Staff Activities Attend mtly board mtgs. Provide monthly employee reports relating to assistance Will continue to receive planner Staff Activities and planning Staff Activities _ certification from NRCS Will continue to receive training Staff Activities Attend mtly board mtgs., Staff Activities to receive Job App. Authority Obtained partial planner Will continue to participate in Staff Activities certification from NRCS Staff Activities training sessions by NRCS Obtained partial Job Approval Staff Activities Authority Participated in various training Staff Activities sessions provided by NRCS Waiakea,Puna, and Ka'u Soil and Water Conservation District 111111111Pral 154 Waianuenue Ave. Rm. 303 Hilo, HI 96720 Dear County Council, The Waiakea, Puna, and Ka'u SWCD's are writing the County Council to respectfully request that the funding to the Soil and Water Conservation Districts not be reduced in the proposed County of Hawaii budget before the County Council for consideration. The Waiakea,Puna, and Ka'u SWCD's has performed over 80 site visits in the last year to assist farmers with the implementation of the County of Hawaii grubbing and grading ordinances. There were a variety of reasons for these site visits from documenting onsite conditions,to developing a conservation plan for a grubbing/grading compliance. We also conducted site visits to document existing natural resource concerns to be addressed within a conservation plan by the Natural Resource Conservation Service(NRCS)as part of a federal cost share program. There were 52 conservation plans approved in the last year. We currently have 660 active approved conservation plans in force. The site visits were part of the NRCS conservation"farm bill" programs which brought$2,158,998.00 of cost share funds to the Waiakea,Puna, and Ka'u Agricultural Communities covering a total of 28,145 acres. The conservation practices being implemented include fencing, irrigation, rotational grazing, pruning, chipping, noxious weed, integrated pest management, conservation cover and cover cropping as well as many others. These are practices that help protect not only the farms on which the practices are placed, yet also the community and near shore waters as well. The Waiakea,Puna, and Ka'u SWCD's work with the Farm Service Agency(FSA)to design and assist the Agricultural Community with programs for recovering from, or surviving the long standing drought conditions on our Island. The Waiakea,Puna, and Ka'u SWCD's strive to assist more producers and help them understand the myriad of programs that are available for the Agricultural Community. Our combined SWCD's accomplish its mission with two full time soil conservationists, a part-time soil conservationist, and a full time admin/soil conservation aide. All SWCD's throughout the State of Hawaii receive funding from the Counties and the State to accomplish their mission. The creation of the SWCD's is provided for in the State Constitution and operations are addressed in FIRS 180. We respectfully request the County Council at a minimum maintain existing funding levels for all the Soil and Water Conservation Districts on the island of Hawaii. If possible increase the funding so that the Districts can provide more services to the Agricultural Community and assist Hawaii and Hawaii Island in achieving Food Sustainability. If the SWCD programs are not fully funded these goals could not be carried out. The consequences would be the proliferation of farms without conservation plans which will result in soil erosion, water pollution and potential destruction of watersheds. Sincerely, Leslie Takayama, Waiakea SWCD Chairman Loren Mochida, Puna SWCD Chairman Brenda Iokepa-Moses,Ka'u SWCD Chairperson