HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0366.006 2014-2016PIMumaL
RCS. 21i�- 6
Om rel. 3 (a&
Murashige, Laura
From: Chris Robb <crobb50@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2015 10:40 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Hawaii County Soil and Water Conservation District Funding
Dear Council Members,
My name is Chris Robb, i am an organic farmer in Lalamilo Farmlots, Waimea Hawaii, i am also a director with
the Mauna Kea Soil and Water Conservation District. I am one of 5 volunteer directors who oversee the high
volume of conservation plans that are submitted in co operation with the Waimea field office of the Natural Resource
Conservation Service. Our directors are made up of members of the community who are ranchers, farmers and
conservation experts who offer many years of experience and mana'o.
The NRCS is doing a great job in helping farmers and ranchers improve their operations with funding, planning and
implementation of conservation plans that improve their operations and keep them sustainable. The Waimea field
office is understaffed and our Administrative Assistant/ Conservation Specialist aids them with many daily functions.
There currently are no other sources of funding for this position. The State of Hawaii Dept of Health no longer
contributes any monies for this position. The county's funding assures that the MKSWCD stays active and
participatory. Without it the volunteer directors would not be able to meet or participate in approving plans. The
SWCD's and the NRCS have a long history of working together, going back to the 1930's and the great dust bowl
created during the days of the great depression. Your continued support and funding are crucial in obtaining this
goal.
Sincerely, Christopher J. Robb
comm. No. 3loG•
Ref. To: P C 4hL L1
Ref. Date _ UL 2 4 2015