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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0017.03 - Testimony - CA-3 - Climate Change and ResiliencyMargaret Wille Attorney at Law 65-1316 Lihipali Road Kamuela, Hawaii 96743 Tel: 808-854-6931 margaretwille@mac. corn December 14, 2018 To: Charter Commission Fr: Margaret Wille, on behalf of myself Re: Comm. 17 CA -3 Re: Climate Change and Resiliency: Focus on AG Propose creation of Department of Agriculture and Resiliency Amend Article VII, of the Hawai`i County Charter (2016) as follows. "CHAPTER DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RESILIENCY Section 7- . Organization. There (shall or may) be a department of agriculture and resiliency consisting of a director of agriculture, an agriculture commission, and the necessary staff. Section 7-_. Statement of Policy. It is declared to be the policy of the county to support policies and practices that promote agricultural food security on Hawai`i island based on self-sufficiency, buy local policies, support for family farms and community cooperatives, preservation of the indigenous heritage of agricultural resources, collaboration among the agricultural producers, accurate product labeling, and best management practices designed to significantly reduce greenhouse emissions on an annual basis. Section 7- . Director. The director shall be appointed by the mayor, confirmed by the council and may be removed by the mayor. Section 7- . Qualifications. The director shall have a minimum of four years of experience in the fields of conventional and organic agriculture, including at least two years in conventional agriculture and two years in organic agriculture, a degree in agriculture, planning, or a in a an area inclusive of a focus on sustainability and or climate change initiatives, and a minimum of two years in an administrative or supervisory capacity. Section 7-_. Powers, Duties and Functions. The powers, duties, and functions of the department of agriculture shall be further prescribed by ordinance and shall be exercised and performed by the department. Comm. No. 17.3 Section 7- . Agriculture and Resiliency Commission. (a) There shall be an agriculture and resiliency commission consisting of nine members who shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council. One member shall be a resident of each council district. The terms of the members shall be as prescribed in section 13-4. The agriculture and resiliency commission shall advise the department on issues related to the functions of the department, and shall exercise any other powers related to the functions of the department that may be delegated to it by ordinance. (b) Commission members shall serve staggered five-year terms. Upon the appointment of new members to the commission, one member shall be appointed to a term of one year, two for a term of two years, two for a term of three years, two for a term of four years, and two for a term of five years. Members initially appointed for a term of one or two years shall be eligible to succeed themselves for an additional full term. (c) A member may be removed upon recommendation by the mayor and the approval of the council. (d) No member whose term has expired shall continue to serve on the commission, except that if no successor has been appointed and confirmed, the member may, at the discretion of the member, continue to serve until a successor is appointed and confirmed. Existing vacancies shall be filled prior to replacing any member whose term has expired but is willing to continue serving until the existing vacancies are filled. (e) Any vacancy occurring in the commission shall be filled for the unexpired term. (f) Members shall receive no compensation but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Necessary expenses, including for mileage and for out of pocket expenses, may be paid in advance as per diem allowance. (g) The affirmative vote of a majority of those present shall be sufficient to make any action valid.