Finance Committee forwards resolution to partner with UH Mānoa for two island extension agents

The Hawaii County Council Finance Committee voted May 14 to forward Resolution 515-24 to the full council with a favorable recommendation, asking the mayor to enter a multiyear cost-share agreement with the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to fund two county extension-agent positions.

Glenn Sako, economic development specialist with the Department of Research and Development, told the committee the idea grew from a Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant and a producer survey that drew more than 160 responses about the need for technical assistance. He said the county would pay about $86,000 a year — roughly half the combined salaries of the two positions — plus some fringe and travel funds; the university would provide the remainder.

Council members asked how the agents would coordinate with county food-systems work and whether the county would host workshops. Sako said quarterly and annual reports would be submitted to the county, that the county would participate on the search committee and that extension staff would be able to use county facilities when needed. He said hiring is already under way and interviews may begin before July, although the nationwide search will take time.

Supporters on the dais said the positions would expand outreach to youth and producers across the island and highlighted that some extension specialties — livestock, coffee, 4‑H and range management — are currently spread thin. The committee did not take a final funding vote; the item was forwarded to council for final action.

The committee’s favorable recommendation advances a partnership that county staff said is intended to increase technical assistance for indigenous and commodity crops, and to restore outreach capacity on the island.