HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 143 2018/10/02 (2016-2018) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: October 2, 2018 Re: Comm. No. 1077/Res. No. 692-18
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai`i
TIME: 9:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 692-18, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 692-18, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Communication No. 1077
dated September 14, 2018, authorizes the Office of the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the
University of Hawai`i.
This resolution provides $5,000 from the Department of Research and Development to the University of
Hawaii to fund its "Developing New Selections of Native Hawaiian Plants for the Floriculture and
Nursery Industries" project proposal. Funds would be used to collect, propagate, and evaluate several
native and endemic Hawaiian plants for potential uses in floriculture and nursery industries.
Council Member Herbert "Tim" Richards, III commented that this resolution seems to enhance
agriculture and education in the community and asked for clarification on the broader context of what
the intentions are and what the expected measurables might be. Glenn Sako, Economic Development
Specialist for Research and Development explained that the University of Hawaii has submitted
proposals to conduct research in different facets of the agriculture industry. Mr. Sako stated they are
looking to reduce the introduction of the invasive species and make use of natural resources and,
hopefully, couple that with the branding of Hawai`i and native Hawaiian plants to help the industries.
Mr. Richards asked whether this is for college students or if there is an extension outreach, to which
Mr. Sako responded that there is an extension component. Mr. Sako added that whenever the university
does its research, it finds a product that will fit the industry or the public. The extension service will
take over to make information available and educate the public as to how it can be used and what is
needed to make the product successful.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 692-18, and
recommends its adoption.
dmm
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID X COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
EOFF X
KANUHA X _
LEE LOY X
O'HARA X
POINDEXTER x MAILE DAVID, CHAIR
RICHARDS X FC REPORT NO.: 143
RUGGLES X ADOPTED: OCT 1 7 2018