LEADERSHIP FOR AGRICULTURE, AQUACULTURE AND FORESTRY!

Growing up in a plantation community, I learned very early to admire and respect our hard-working farmers and ranchers who helped build Hawai'i. Although we have moved from a plantation-based to a more diversified economy, agriculture, aquaculture, forestry and related industries continue to be a vital part of our sustainable future. In 1990-1992 my administration completed the first Comprehensive County Agriculture Plan in the State. As your Mayor, I will work with all of the agriculture/aquaculture/forestry groups to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of these important components of our economy.

As your State Senator, I fought for and supported:

• Legislation for the designation of Important Agricultural Lands (IAL)
• Criminal penalties for agricultural theft
• Renovation and expansion of the Komohana Agricultural Complex
• Establishment of the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resource Center
• Paauilo Rendering Plant Improvements
• Funding for the Oceanic Institute Aquatic Foods Research and Production Facility
• Support for the Natural Energy Lab of Hawai'i Authority
• Kohala Ditch flume repair
• Upper and Lower Hamakua Ditch improvements
• Wood Valley Agricultural Water System improvement
• Lalamilo Water Distribution Pipeline
• Construction of a Feed Mill Laboratory at UH-Hilo's Panaewa Ag Farm
• Equipment for new UH-Hilo Marine Science classroom/office
• UH-Hilo Institute of Forestry
Drought mitigation programs for farmers and ranchers
• Extension of agricultural leases to make it easier to improve ag lands
• Low-cost agricultural loans for farmers

Increase in marketing efforts for agriculture and aquaculture

I have supported many more initiatives for agriculture, aquaculture and forestry. These are only a few recent highlights.

We Are Making A Difference.