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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1079.000 2016-2018 Harry Kim ...-;,,t11,:".`, p.. , Deanna S. Sako Mayor ' y.„ \,I,%; `•, Director _ Nancy Crawford !``= Deputy Director ',.-4..t::*ow:r��: ' � • County of Hawaii Finance Department 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2103 • Hilo,Hawai`i 96720 (808)961-8234 • Fax(808)961-8569 September 14, 2018 -c-a t..n `",C Valerie Poindexter, Council Chair and = -,i--) Members of the Hawai`i County Council s Hawai`i County Council `,.9 7,.) 25 Aupuni Street t,,, v Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 '/a Re: Agreement with University of Hawai`i Enclosed is a resolution to enter an agreement with the University of Hawai`i to provide $12,000 to fund their proposal, Using Taro Breeding to Overcome Disease and Empower Farmers. The funds will be used to allow the University to release new taro hybrids, educate the producers and the public about the new varieties and their cultivation, and to educate the producers on the taro breeding process. If there are any questions,please do not hesitate to call Glenn Sako, of the Department of Research and Development at 961-8811. Deanna S. Sako Director of Finance Enc. c: R&D Res. bLk-17> Comm. No. /07q Ref. To: Fc R(-f. Date SEP 1 7 2018 Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider 1 Form #: B-52 7/18/91 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION DEPARTMENT: Research and Development DATE: September 6, 2018 STAFF CONTACT: Glenn Sako PHONE: 808 961-8811 A. REQUEST: Resolution authorizing County (via R & D) to enter into agreement with the University of Hawaii, to provide funding for its "Using Taro Breeding to Overcome Disease and Empower Farmers" proposal. B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED): Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 46-7 the County may enter into agreements with "any public body" with the consent of Council. R & D is requesting that Council approve a resolution authorizing R & D to enter into an agreement with the University of Hawaii, a public body, for the purposes of funding its program, "Using Taro Breeding to Overcome Disease and Empower Farmers", pursuant to HCC 2-139(3)(c). Taro is an important crop for the local diet, economy and culture. However, infection with Taro Leaf Blight drastically reduces corm yields and the edible leaf area. New disease resistant hybrids developed by traditional breeding can yield 1.5 times more than current commercial varieties. The objective of this project is to provide alternative varieties for taro growers and to educate them about how to do taro breeding to improve local agricultural sustainability. This proposal is for $12,000.00 and will allow for the University of Hawaii to release new taro hybrids, educate the producers and public about the new varieties and their cultivation, and to educate the producers on the taro breeding process. Funds are from 2018-19 Fiscal Year Budget. SIGNED: DATE: /SAO De rtment Head