ROLE AND DUTIES

The Department of Research and Development is charged with the responsibility of promoting economic development in Hawaii County and collecting and developing data for decision-making, program development and policy-making. The department’s focus encompasses numerous programs which include tourism, agriculture, new industry and industry development, and research and statistics. The state-funded energy coordination program as well as the emerging film industry also fall within the department’s responsibilities.

STAFF

The department is staffed with two appointed personnel:

Margarita L. Hopkins, Director
Elaine K. Fukui, Private Secretary

five permanent personnel:

Jane Horike, Economic Development Specialist III
Colette Rapozo-Yamamoto, Resource Materials Specialist
Lorilei L. Andrade, Economic Development Specialist I (temp)
Marcia L. Murakami, Clerk III

two state-funded personnel:

Raymond G. Carr, Ph.D., Economic Development Specialist III (Energy Coordinator)
Marilyn C. Killeri, Economic Development Specialist III (Film Coordinator)

and two contract personnel:

Howard Nakamura, Economic Development Specialist
Michael Miyahira, Project Impact Coordinator

BUDGET

Beginning Budget	$	1,187,675
Additional funds provided for various projects	$	509,300
Total funding appropriation for FY 1999-00	$	1,696,975

Agriculture	$	198,600
Energy	$	53,150
Film	$	62,536
New Industry	$	204,000
Tourism	$	320,500
Project Impact	$	500,000

Tourism

Tourism promotion is one of the major programs of this department, as the visitor industry is the main engine that drives the economy for the State of Hawaii. The County of Hawaii utilizes its many resources to address and focus on the requirements of its industry with a desire to "create a unique and satisfying experience" to the visitor of Hawaii’s Big Island. The goal of this program is to increase the number of visitors and/or their length of stay on Hawaii’s Big Island and to attract additional direct gateways to the island from domestic and international destinations.

The total County funding for its tourism program for Fiscal Year 1999-2000 was $320,500. The County utilized its monies to maximize campaigns, which focus on promotion and marketing in joint partnerships with the Big Island Visitors Bureau and the Big Island Group. Partnerships enable the County to participate in valuable marketing plans established by experts within the visitor industry.

The County of Hawaii was also an active participant in reconstructing the statewide strategic plan developed by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). The effort was made to directly address the specific management and funding within the State’s visitor industry. The funding of the HTA had a significant impact on the counties because tourism monies previously earmarked for the counties would directly fund statewide tourism programs. In 1999 the HTA awarded the County $590,000 for events projects and $677,000 for product development projects.

The department maintains its support to host events and festivals that will attract visitors to Hawaii’s Big Island:

Events and Festivals funded:

1999 International Festival of the Pacific
1999 Aloha Festivals, Hawaii Island
1999 Big Island International Marathon and Ekiden Relay
1999 Big Island Invitational Basketball Tournament
2000 Merrie Monarch Festival
2000 International Festival of the Pacific
2000 Aloha Festivals, Hawaii Island

Promotional efforts that market and advertise the vast unique character of Hawaii’s Big Island continues to be a major focus of the visitor industry:

Promotional Programs funded:

Marketing Plan of Hawaii’s Big Island
Asia Pacific Promotions
Cooperative Advertising Program of Hawaii’s Big Island
Pier Greetings at Hilo Harbor
Pier Greetings at Kailua Pier
Airport Greetings on International Flights at Kona International Airport at Keahole

Agriculture

The Big Island continues to lead in agriculture production in the State. Along Hamakua coast more and more former sugarcane lands are transformed into family-run farming activities involving variety of crops ranging from foliage, ginger, papaya, taro, sweet potato, bananas, and a variety of vegetables. In the Kea’au area, sugarcane lands that have been dormant for some time were cleared to accommodate the expansion of dracaena stock fields. Kona coffee is no longer the only coffee grown on the island. Coffee is grown all over the island with substantial plantings in Ka’u. The first batch of tropical fruits that had been planted five years ago is now producing; more are being planted in lower Puna area and the Hamakua coast. In spite of the lack of water in Oceanview, a protea farm and gourmet salad farms thrive. In Ookala a new dairy farm and processing facility was established to take advantage of the phasing out of dairy farms on the neighbor islands. In addition to these, the establishment of the private agriculture-based processing and marketing company, Aloha Hawaii Enterprises, coupled with the opening of the X-ray irradiator, both located in the Kea’au area, gives the agriculture industry on the island a solid boost.

This year, a special invitation was extended to Hawaii County to participate in the Japan Flora 2000 exhibition at the Awaji Island in Japan. R&D took advantage of this unique offer because it provided a great opportunity to promote Big Island products in Japan. An indoor display of tropical ornamental potted plant and flowers and tropical flower arrangements was put up at the exhibition. The theme of the exhibit was centered on the healthy attributes associated with our plants and flowers. R&D solicited sponsors from the Big Island foliage and flower businesses and from private businesses in Japan to raise the funds for the project. About $41,000 was raised from Japanese sponsors and this amount was matched with R&D funds. The exhibit received a bronze medal which was the highest award given to foreign entries. The tropical flower arrangement at the entrance of the exhibit received a silver medal and three silver medals were also awarded to three potted plants. The Hawaii exhibit was on display from June 30 to July 27, 2000. An offshoot of the Japan Flora 2000 project was a Japan trade mission conducted by a group of Big Island foliage and flower businessmen on July 15-22, 2000.

The significant outcome of our participation in the Japan Flora 2000 exhibition was the approval of potted anthuriums into Japan for display in the Hawaii exhibit. Japan prohibits potted anthuriums from entering the country due to the burrowing nematodes present in Hawaii. Such a giant step by the Japanese government offered us greater hope that the approval process for potted anthuriums would be expedited. An approval of potted anthuriums into Japan would have a significant boost to the anthurium industry. Additionally, two of the major sponsors of the Japan Flora 2000 Hawaii exhibit are bringing close to 200 of their employees to participate in the Big Island International Marathon and Ekiden Relay which is scheduled for September 17, 2000.

The annual TryA Papaya Festival was replaced this year with a similar promotional event called Papaya Jam 2000. Unlike the TryA Papaya Festival where the activities were geared toward participation of the papaya farmers and the general public, the Papaya Jam 2000 engaged the local musicians in a band contest. Each band was required to produce a papaya jingle in addition to the band piece. This year, seven local bands participated in the contest, thus producing seven papaya jingles for the papaya industry. The papaya industry could then use these jingles in their national and international promotional programs. In addition to the band competition, a recipe contest was also held. This gives the industry recipes for their point of purchase materials for consumers. This approach is a cleaver way of producing papaya jingles and recipes most economically. The papaya industry plans to make this project an annual event to attract local and statewide musical and culinary talents to the island, which eventually would attract visitors to the Big Island.

The Kamuela vegetable farmers had launched its first "Kamuela Grown" vegetable promotion. R&D had been working with the group for sometime to encourage them to work together to expand their market beyond their traditional buyers. R&D provided seed funds to launch the project, which was carried out at the Ward Warehouse Center in Honolulu in mid-November 1999. The event generated an overwhelming acceptance of the "Kamuela Grown" vegetables among the restaurant chefs and from the Honolulu consumers. Within a day of the Ward Warehouse promotion, some Kamuela specialty produce was promoted at the opening of Alan Wong’s gourmet marketplace at Ala Moana’s Liberty House. Encouraged by the positive result, the group conducted another promotion in January 2000 at Marukai Supermarket in Honolulu. In June 2000, a similar promotion was conducted in KTA Puainako and at the Hawaiian Range Food Show in Waimea.

R&D’s support for the development of the ag-tourism industry this year involved providing seed money to conduct the "Agriculture to Visitors" conference. The offshoot of this conference was the launching of the Kona Spring Blossom Festival in April 2000, which highlighted various visitor attraction activities in the Kona area. To promote the festival, R&D co-funded the production of a map on the Ag-Tourism Attractions in Kona. In addition to the Ag-Tourism map, a plastic-coated tropical agriculture guide will be produced. The Ag-Tourism maps are available at the R&D office.

The Hawaii Export Nursery Association Annual Mid-Pacific Horticultural Trade Show continued to attract an increasing number of national and foreign buyers of horticultural products to the Big Island. Majority of the current inventory of potted plants on the Big Island are sold, and in order to accommodate the continuous increase in the demand for potted plants, all large and medium size farms had expanded their dracaena stock fields by at least 50%. These fields are visible in the North Hilo, Kea’au, Kurtistown and Mt. View areas. Thirteen producers are anticipating, making a half million dollars each per year sales as a result of their participation in the show. An additional seventeen new exhibitors participated in the show this year. The ultimate goal of this program is to showcase all products produced on the island, thus providing more opportunities for our farmers to meet with prospective buyers personally and establish better business rapport.

The pearl research and training program which R&D partnered with the University of Hawaii Sea Grant Extension Program had produced a manual and video on pearl culture and pearl grafting techniques. The pearl grafting video will be ready for distribution at the end of the year. Following the press release of the project in the local newspapers and a follow-up interview with the researcher in mid October 1999, over 200 requests for information and applications for pearl culture training were received. Three individuals and one commercial operation are now working towards establishment of pilot pearl production projects on the Big Island and Oahu. This program will be situated in the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center (the old sewage treatment plant in Keaukaha). R&D had provided an additional $5,000 this year which brings the total seed funds to $15,000. With this amount the project had already generated over $500,000 of additional funds from other sources. The goal of the program is to position Hawaii as a leader in pearl technology creation. The program will provide technology and information to citizens of Hawaii who are interested in starting pearl farms, training in occupations related to the pearl industry, and facilities and resources to researchers and educators who wish to work in the field of pearl production.

Phase I of the Ka’u Agricultural Water System in Pahala, which is a joint project between Ka’u Agribusiness Company and the County, is eighty-five percent complete. Estimated date of completion is December 2000. This project provides two million gallons of water per day to 50 acres of aloe farms and 35 acres of diversified crops. There are 12 farms currently using the water from this project, all of which are former sugar workers. Upon the completion of Phase I, Phase II will commence if additional agricultural water is needed in the area.

All farmable acreage (almost 600 acres) in the papaya quarantine demonstration area in Kahuwai was completely leased out to papaya farmers. Most of the lands are cleared and planted except 100 acres that are in the process of being cleared. By the end of September 2000, the area will be completely planted. Majority of the new papaya plantings will be solo variety with the transgenic variety (rainbow) as buffer. This area will be the major source of solo papaya to supply the Japan market. The mature trees are producing high quality fruits and are very productive. There are no papaya ringspot virus (PRV) found in the solo plantings so far. The main purpose of this project is to determine the commercial viability of producing PRV susceptible papaya variety (solo) in a heavily PRV infested area using the non-susceptible transgenic papaya variety (rainbow) as buffer. Completion of this project will be at the end of December 2002.

The "Taste of the Hawaiian Range" marketing program of the cattlemen industry which was initially funded by R&D became a very successful annual event attracting famous chefs statewide and from U.S. mainland, as well as local residents and visitors. Participation of the chefs increased every year and this year, Kamuela vegetable farmers became an active partner of this event although from the beginning they were very indifferent. This year one of the fancy restaurants in New York City, La Fusta Restaurant, featured Hawaii Forage Fed Meat. The event was covered by the Daily News and Food Arts Magazine. Our Hawaiian beef was put up against the finest Argentina beef and our beef was rated as good if not a bit better. Guests that came to dine that night including the waiters, cooks and the Major Domo approved our meat.

This year Hawaii County was selected host to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation – Agriculture Technical Cooperation Expert Group (APEC-ATCEG) conference. R&D assisted in coordinating the conference. The conference was held in May 2000 at the Aston Keauhou Beach Hotel in Kona. This conference brought into our island not only its 80 dignitaries and guests from 23 Asia Pacific countries but also an additional 75 dignitaries and scientists that participated the International Consultative Group on Food Irradiation (ICGFI) conference. The ICGFI scheduled its conference on the Big Island and at the same hotel because majority of its participants were attending the APEC-ATCEG conference. These two conferences lasted for one week

R&D’s farm conservation project assisted 25 farmers from all the districts on the Big Island. This program is patterned from the USDA Agriculture Conservation Program (ACP) which was unfortunately eliminated leaving a backlog of more than 120 ACP requests. To insure the continuation of this program, the Big Island RC&D and the Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts, in partnership with the County, is seeking federal funds to support the program for the next three years.

R&D continue to provide information to companies interested in bringing air cargo service to the Big Island. Negotiations are ongoing between a Big Island private company and mainland air freight company for direct air cargo service to Hilo. In addition, R&D made a written request to the Airports Division to include Hilo International Airport in their marketing campaign of the Honolulu and Kona International Airport as cargo centers.

R&D has continued to work with the Real Property Tax Office in proposing comprehensive revision of the County Tax Code and is also involved in the current revision of the General Plan. Suggested revisions to the General Plan were incorporated in the current draft of the plan.

In addition to providing supplemental grants, in-kind support was extended to various agricultural events. R&D continues to provide vital coordination and clearinghouse services for the many agricultural communities and individuals on this island.

List of funded projects for Fiscal Year 1999-2000

Market Development and Promotion Grants

Research Projects

On Going Research (Initially funded in previous years)

Research Projects Completed

Abbreviated Title
Perennial Forage Peanut Pastures for Cattle in Hamakua
Impact of Grazing Methods on Kikuyu Grasslands
Identifying Slug Feeding on Taro
Queen Rearing of Honeybees in East Hawaii
Producing Ginger by Non-Circulating Hydroponic Method
Risk Assessment Study of CMV in Awa

Information and Education Grants

Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program

The Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaii exercised the County’s option to designate the sixth and final enterprise zone in the district of North Kohala. The designated area stretches from Pololu Valley to Upolu, and from the ocean to the Kohala ditch. North Kohala businesses are now able to participate in this State program which provides tax incentives at both State and County levels.

Five other zones are located in North Kona, South Kona, Hamakua, Ka’u, and in a combined Hilo-Puna zone.

To date forty businesses on the Big Island have enrolled in the enterprise zone program. Businesses wishing to obtain information on this program should call R&D or the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

Hawaiian Heritage Corridor

Since the closing of sugar plantations, there has been considerable interest in establishing programs, which would preserve cultural and historical sites on the Big Island. Honoka’a, Laupahoehoe, and Pa’auilo non-profit groups have sought support for projects in their respective areas; and groups in Ka’u have submitted proposals for establishing corridor projects in Pahala and Na’alehu.

The Kona Historical Society has taken the initiative in Kona and generated considerable interest in a program, which would develop the mauka area of North Kona, namely Holualoa through Keauhou, as a heritage corridor.

The County views the heritage program as one which benefits residents by preserving history for later generations, while providing visitors a glimpse of the Big Island’s culture.

Ka’u Economic Development

The Department of Research and Development continues to work with several non-profit organizations in the Ka’u area to generate economic development at the community level. In addition to granting funds to several groups including Huliau ‘O Ka’u, Hana Laulima Lahui ‘O Ka’u, the Ka’u Learning Center, and Na’alehu Theatre, R&D has contracted several groups to complete an action plan for job-creation projects. This action plan was funded by the County of Hawaii and the Economic Development Administration (EDA) as a sequel to the economic development plan proposed by Decision Analysts Hawaii. Successful completion of the action plan would qualify the area for funding of projects deemed feasible by EDA.

R&D continues to work on another feasibility project that could bring some form of agricultural processing to the Ka’u area. Preliminary research indicates that coffee processing in limited amounts may be feasible, however, the financial aspects of building and operating such a facility have to be investigated.

Hamakua Economic Development

Since the closing of the sugar companies in Hamakua, R&D has sought to promote community-based economic development in the area. A study funded by EDA generated several proposals, however, none have been funded by the agency. R&D is seeking to revive certain aspects of the study for economic development and job creation. To date, the extent of R&D’s involvement has been through the heritage corridor program.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

The department is in the process of updating the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), the document that enables the County to qualify for federal funds from EDA and possibly other Federal agencies. One project included in the CEDS is the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center that will be located at the former sewer treatment plant site in Keaukaha. Funding for this project comes from the UHH, the County of Hawaii, and the Economic Development Administration. Currently, EDA’s contribution to the project totals $1.99 million. Work has started for its demolition and clean up. The Center has already brought over $0.5 million in research grants to the County even though it does not yet have its own facilities. Other projects are being added as candidates for funding from EDA.

Census 2000

The Department of Research and Development serves as the County of Hawaii’s liaison for the 2000 census. To date, R&D has participated in the local update of census addresses, a program which allows the Census Bureau to locate residences via proper location of mailing addresses.

Film Industry

During FY 1999-2000, the Big Island Film Office provided liaison services between government agencies, the community and the film industry for over 150 productions worldwide, resulting in approximately $6.1 million in production expenditures brought into the Big Island economy. The office responded to over 300 inquiries, providing information, support materials and Big Island stock photographs from the Film Office photo library. The Big Island Film Office Website averaged approximately 2500 visits per month, with visitors coming from over 17 countries. Email continued to be a daily occurrence in communicating with foreign and Mainland based production companies. Continued development of a computerized data base of production companies, film industry personnel and support services as well as Website upgrades took place.

The Big Island Film Office participated in trade shows, festivals and conferences including; Locations 2000 International Trade Show, The Association of Film Commissioners International Cineposium, Sundance Film Festival and the Hawaii International Film Festival. Advertisements were placed in the Hawaii Production Index and the Locations Magazine with additional listings in the following industry publications; The Hollywood Reporter Blue-Book Film, TV & Commercial Production Directory, Pacific Coast Studio Directory, The International Location Service Guide, Motion Picture TV and Theatre Directory and the Creative Industry Handbook.

The Big Island Film Office in conjunction with the neighbor Island Film Offices and the State Film Office continued in their cooperative marketing efforts as the Film Offices of the Hawaiian Islands. Two high level Hollywood focus groups with film and television executives was hosted by the Film Offices and Lieutenant Governor Mazie Hirono to enlist the partnership of key players in Hollywood and to assure that Hawaii's marketing efforts are effective. A bold new advertising campaign was implemented with ten double page ads placed in industry journals such as the Hollywood Reporter, Locations Magazine, American Cinematographer, Shoot and Locations Magazine. A new tradeshow booth was created to compliment the ad campaign.

FEATURES
MacGillivary Freeman Films (USA) - IMAX "Dolphins"

TV EPISODES/SPECIALS
Baywatch Productions (USA) - "Baywatch Hawaii"
NBC Today Show (USA) - "Where in the World is Matt Lauer"
Bell Productions (Japan) - "My Soul Express 3"
Television New Zealand (New Zealand) - "United Travel Getaway"
Beijing Television Station (China) - "Hello World"

DOCUMENTARIES
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (USA) - "You Be the Scientist"
Yorkshire Associated Producers (Great Britain) - "Planet Storm"
Excor (Japan) - "Junior Science Academy"
TSR Swiss Television (Switzerland) - "Paju Hawaii"

TV COMMERCIALS
Ritts Hayden (USA) - "Honda"
K.G.A. (Japan) - "Maxell"
Barking Weasel Productions (USA) - "Dodge Viper"
Calvin Klein (USA) - "Vegas Perfume"

TRAVEL SHOWS
BBC Television (England) - "Holiday Heaven"
Leaders' TV & Film Production (Taiwan) - "Wonders of the World"
TM3 (Germany) - "Reistraum"

PRINT/CALENDARS/CATALOGS/MAGAZINES
Planning Tomorrow International (Japan) - "NTT 2000 Calendar"
Olaf P. J. Veltman (USA) - "Honda"
Audrey Kisner Productions (USA) - "Guess? Jeans"

INDUSTRIALS/MARKETING/INFORMATIONALS
Alphamedia Corporation (Japan) - "Image Video"
Adidas International (USA) - "Adidas America"

MUSIC VIDEOS
Maui Locations (Japan) - "Soy"
The End (USA) - "TM Network"

SPORTS
The Golf Channel (USA & Japan) - "LPGA Takefuji Classic"
World Triathalon Corp. (USA) - "Ironman Triathalon"

Energy

The focus of the County energy program continued to be implementation of energy efficiency retrofits in County operated facilities by means of performance contracting. Phase 1 of the overall program was completed in February 2000 and consisted of lighting efficiency improvements to 27 Fire and Police station in all districts of the Big Island. Honeywell Inc. was the energy service company with overall responsibility for this project and T&T Electric Inc. the subcontractor for installation of the energy conservation measures. The project cost was $402,600 financed over a ten-year term by a tax-exempt municipal lease at an interest rate of 5.29%. Honeywell has guaranteed energy and operational cost savings of $56,950 per year, adequate to cover the lease payments.

Phase 2 of the overall retrofit program consists of upgrades to the lighting and air conditioning systems of the Hilo Public Safety Building and the Kona Police Station. In June 2000, Honeywell completed the energy study for this project for review by the County prior to finalizing and embarking on the construction phase. These two retrofits are projected to cost approximately $1,200,000 and to generate $130,000 per year in energy and operational cost savings. Installation of the energy conservation measures is expected to start in the first half of FY2000-01.

Figure 1 shows cumulative energy and operational cost savings resulting from the demonstration retrofit to the Hawaii County Building completed in March 1997. Also shown is the projection for FY2000-01 that includes savings from the Phase 1 retrofits to 27 Fire and Police stations.

FIGURE1: CUMULATIVE COST SAVINGS FROM HAWAII COUNTY RETROFITS

The County continued its support of HELCO's commitment to the US DOE's Million Solar Roofs Initiative (MSRI). A demonstration MSRI photovoltaic project has been designed to provide lighting and an informational booth at the canoe club restrooms on Bayfront. Installation is expected early FY00-01. In September 1999, the County installed two photovoltaic lights at the Isaac Hale Park at Pohoiki, in lower Puna, an area not served by grid electricity. These lights provide illumination at the boat parking area as well as on demand at the boat launch ramp and have been well received by the local community.

In January 2000, the Public Utilities Commission issued a status report to the State legislature regarding Docket No. 96-0493 concerning competition in Hawaii's electric utility industry. The PUC undertook to follow up on the issue of improved competition for wholesale power supplies but was deferring all other competition issues indefinitely. On March 10, the PUC also issued Decision and Order No. 17,600 authorizing HELCO to implement a standard form contract for customer retention that permits HELCO to provide a 10% rate discount to Schedule J and P customers considering installing bona fide self-generation facilities.

The Energy Coordinator also participated in State and County planning activities for Y2K preparedness providing funding to the Civil Defense Agency for preparation of a Y2K informational brochure that was widely circulated around the Big Island in late 1999.

Information Resource Center

The Information Resource Center (IRC) is a service agency of the County of Hawaii currently charged with a twofold responsibility. As the library, its original and continuing function is to meet the information needs of the Department of Research and Development. The Library provides a full range of information services in support of the promotion and economic development of the Big Island. As the IRC it centralizes the holdings of 13 County departmental collections, currently with 9,406 titles on file.

The IRC is responsible for classifying and cataloging resource materials and for adding and deleting entries in the Library Information System (LIS) database. The LIS is an online library catalog that centralizes the holdings of the 13 County departmental collections. Access to the LIS database is available to all County personnel via the County’s WANG VS 100 system.

Each department is responsible for sending new acquisitions to the Information Resource Center to be cataloged, processed and entered into the LIS database. Once entered into the LIS database all printed resource materials and publications housed by the County becomes accessible to County departments and personnel. Besides centralizing access and allowing for the sharing of resources, this system may effectively prevent funds from being used to purchase multiple copies of resource materials.

The IRC is a depository for some U.S. Bureau of the Census publications, and state as well as county statistical resources. The IRC promotes economic development through continuous data collection and documentation for public use.

Tracking of building permits, tourism counts, labor force, gasoline consumption and tax collections are updated (and distributed upon request) on a monthly basis as the "County of Hawaii Statistics." A newspaper clipping file and index of articles of interest to, and in support of, departmental activities and of the county in general, is also maintained and updated on a daily basis.

The IRC provides reference service to County departments, other governmental agencies, businesses, students and the general public. During the 1999-00 fiscal year, information requests averaged over 50 per week.

Publications:
County of Hawaii Data Book 1999 (the most comprehensive source of demographic and economic information about the Big Island); accessible via County’s Website: http://www.co.hawaii.hi.us
NewsFile 1999 (in-house annual newspaper selective article index)

Overview:

Project Impact is a program funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The purpose of Project Impact is to build disaster resistant communities. The County of Hawaii was awarded a grant to implement pre-disaster mitigation efforts aimed at reducing the loss of human life and the costs and disruptions caused by severe property damages that occur as a result of naturally occurring disasters. Additionally, the grant will be used to generate a long term, self sustaining program of disaster mitigation throughout our island community.

• Steering Committee formed including representatives from various County departments and agencies. The committee’s function is to provide broad oversight of the Project as well as to assist in providing access to important resources located within each department and agency.
• Preliminary discussions with community resources helped to identify resources available for inclusion in Project Impact activities. These include the Pacific Tsunami Museum, the American Red Cross, the University of Hawaii at Hilo, the Hawaii Island Amateur Radio Emergency Service, the Civil Defense, the Pacific Disaster Center, and others
• Project Impact grant signing took place in January 2000 between FEMA representatives, the Mayor and participating private and public agencies.
• Project Impact Coordinator hired in April 2000.

• Work Plan developed which identifies each program objective and establishes a time table and budget for each.
• Services of the American Red Cross have been enlisted to provide Disaster Planning Services for businesses and their employees, as well as community education. The Red Cross will also develop a Disaster Action Training Team that will train volunteers to respond to local disasters.

• The Big Island Amateur Radio Club will also take up the task of training and equipping amateur radio volunteers to operate amateur radio communications as the last communications resource available when all others have been lost as a result of a natural disaster.
• Audio Visual Conferencing equipment has also been ordered to provide linkages between the Mayor’s offices in Hilo and Kailua Kona, Civil Defense and the Public Works base yards in Hilo and Kailua Kona. This will supplement a complementing audio visual conferencing system that is also being installed by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office that will link their offices with police stations around the island.
• Funds are also being used to harden emergency back up generators that will be deployed to critical locations around the county.
• Grant monies will also be used to harden specific emergency warning sirens.
• GIS Mapping updates are in process including updated surveys of emergency facilities, shelters, evacuation routes, etc. This information will be used in meetings with communities around the County, as well as serve as important resources for Civil Defense.

Over the course of the next year, meetings will be held with various community, industry and special needs groups to educate them about the natural disasters that they are vulnerable to, as well as to generate project ideas to mitigate these natural disasters to the extent possible. These ideas will be reviewed by the Steering Committee and selected projects that possess the "best return" for the Big Island will be implemented.