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Committee forwards $250,000 to Big Island invasive‑species team via University of Hawaii agreement
Summary
On April 21 the County committee voted to forward a resolution authorizing a $250,000 intergovernmental agreement with the University of Hawaii to fund the Big Island Invasive Species Committee’s work, funding two positions and program support; the measure passed with Vice Chair Onishi voting no.
The Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs voted April 21 to forward Resolution 517‑26 to the full council with a favorable recommendation, authorizing the mayor to enter an intergovernmental agreement with the University of Hawaii on behalf of the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BISC) for a $250,000 grant to support invasive‑species control and outreach.
Deputy Director Dennis Lin of the Department of Research and Development told the committee that BISC is part of the university system and that the agreement is the county’s mechanism to provide funds. "Basically, Big Island Invasive Species is, you know, part of the university system," he said, describing the need to route funds through the university and the deliverables expected under the contract.
Glenn Sacco, an economic development specialist, summarized the program work BISC will support, saying the committee is "actively fighting against all known invasive species" on the island and highlighted targeted efforts against species including rubber vine, giant Burmese honeysuckle and coconut rhinoceros beetle. He said the funding will cover field surveys, landowner outreach and training for compliance and detection activities.
Councilmembers pressed staff for details about how the $250,000 would be spent. Committee materials and staff remarks showed an initial project budget that allocates $172,000 for two staff positions (salaries and fringes), $10,000 for other programmatic expenses and a 10 percent administrative line (about $22,000). Staff said hiring at BISC has been difficult and that several positions would increase the organization’s capacity, particularly for outreach and for establishing a presence in Kona rather than driving staff back and forth from Hilo.
Several members raised governance and scope questions. Chair Connelly Kleinfelder said that invasive‑species response is primarily a state responsibility and urged the state to increase its capacity; "Invasive species are the state's kuleana, and we keep stepping in to administer what resources we have available," the chair said, noting the county’s decision to fund state‑level work where gaps exist. Deputy Director Lin and staff responded that the funding is intended to fill gaps and increase local capacity while they seek clearer state and university funding breakdowns.
Councilmember Kogewata and others asked whether the resolution’s list of target species and activities was flexible enough to respond to rapidly changing threats; staff said they would clarify language and consider amendments to provide appropriate flexibility.
On roll call the committee recorded six votes in favor and one no (Vice Chair Onishi); two members were recorded absent or excused. The motion carried and the resolution will move to the full council for final action.
Next steps: staff committed to providing a short written breakdown of BISC’s budget and the university’s fiscal role before the next council hearing.
