HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 035 2017/08/15 (2016-2018) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: August 15, 2017 Re: Comm. No. 391/Res. No. 254-17
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i
TIME: 1:07 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 254-17 reports as follows:
Resolution No. 254-17, transmitted by Finance Director Collins Tomei, via Communication
No. 391 dated July 28, 2017, authorizes the Office of the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the
University of Hawai`i.
This agreement would provide $25,000 from the Department of Research and Development to the
University of Hawai`i to fund its Building Private Sector Capacity to Control Little Fire Ants in
Hawai`i County project.
Diane Ley, Director of Research and Development, responded to Council Member Jen Ruggles'
inquiry as to the intent of the agreement as coming out of the department's annual request for
proposals to fund economic development projects. The Big Island Invasive Species Committee moved
forward with the proposal based on feedback they have received through their offices and the Little
Fire Ant hui. She noted the need for training professional landscapers and yard-service providers with
understanding little fire ants and identifying the appropriate species and the appropriate pesticides to be
used. The intent is to train professionals and commercial businesses to be able to offer services to
residents. They find that a lot of departments are already doing outreach, training, and education
programs for homeowners. The Big Island Invasive Species Committee technicians will develop a
curriculum to address specific barriers and will provide outreach for each district, ensuring that trained
professionals apply pesticides properly.
Council Member Eileen O'Hara supports this measure, stating this is an issue that a lot of homeowners
have been ignoring. She indicated that the little fire ant problem has economic ramifications, including
health issues to small animals and pets, causing blindness and other diseases.
Pursuant to Section 46-7, Hawai`i Revised Statutes, the Mayor of the County of Hawai`i is authorized
to execute, on behalf of the County, an agreement and related documents with the University of
Hawai`i to provide aid to the County as described above.
FC Report No. 35
FC-35 Page 2 August 15, 2017
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 254-17, and
recommends its adoption.
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AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
EOFF X
KANUHA X
LEE LOY X /'1°411Nr
#41;0.1P
O'HARA X
POINDEXTER x MAILE P AVID, CHAIR
RICHARDS X FC REPORT NO.: 35
RUGGLES X ADOPTED: SEP 0 7 2017