HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 145 2018/10/02 (2016-2018) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: October 2, 2018 Re: Comm. No. 1079/Res. No. 694-18
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai`i
TIME: 9:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 694-18, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 694-18, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Communication No. 1079
dated September 14, 2018, authorizes the Office of the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the
University of Hawaii.
This resolution provides $12,000 from the Department of Research and Development to the University
of Hawai`i to fund its "Using Taro Breeding to Overcome Disease and Empower Farmers" project
proposal. Funds would be used to release new taro hybrids, educate producers and the public about the
new varieties and their cultivation, and to educate producers on the taro breeding process.
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 Hawai`i 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. Mr. Sako
responded that there is an extension component and 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.
Mr. Sako explained that with the taro breeding there is a concern from producers of a reduction in the
yields from the taro industry, which would require a need to educate the growers on the new hybrids,
how to increase their yields, and teach them how they can make their own hybrids that are best suited
for their location.
FC Report No. 145
FC-145 Page 2 October 2, 2018
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 694-18, 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 ,�T/
O HARA X
POINDEXTER x MAILE DAVID, CHAIR
RICHARDS X FC REPORT NO.: 145
RUGGLES X ADOPTED: OCT 1 7 2018