Accomplishments

The Big Island RC&D Council has completed numerous projects since 1975. Many partnerships were formed as a result of the networking that the RC&D Program builds. In addition, the Council coordinates educational workshops to develop community awareness and resources. Listed below are some of the activities the Council and its volunteer committees have done or are doing:

 

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Accomplishments	Summary
	2004-2005-2006-2007 Hawaii World Heritage Festivals-Multi-cultural event celebrating & showcasing Big Island cultural diversity. The BIRC&D Council was a proud supporter and sponsor of Hawaii’s World Heritage Festival. This Festival supports efforts to showcase Hawaii’s cultural and ethnic diversity. The RC&D Council provides financial sponsorship of this project through grants from the County of Hawaii, individuals local businesses and culture and art support organizations.
	Hilo Inter-tribal Powwow 2006–2007 A Native American cultural event that features art culture crafts music and an exchange of Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural ceremony. The annual Hilo Intertribal Powwow is a grand celebration of Native American food, culture dance and art that will be remembered by many. This event generated hundreds of thousands of dollars for local businesses, hotels, restaurants, car rental companies and inter-island air carriers on the Big Island.
	2005 International Mycology Conference-Growers Class with Don Hemmes / Paul Staments. This three day conference lead by renowned mycologist Dr. Don Hemmes of the University of Hawaii at Hilo was supported and organized with assistance from the Big Island RC&D. The Big Island RC& D Council in partnership the University of Hawaii helped sponsored the International Mycology Conference 2005. The RC&D council sponsored a mushroom growing training component for local farmers taught by fungi expert Dr. Paul Staments. Over 210 local residents were involved in the 2 farmer training sessions to promote mushroom culture. This training stimulated interest in a high dollar, value added product development for local farmers.
	RC&D Information Education Outreach. The RC&D Coordinator initiated an information and education plan to improve RC&D Program visibility and understanding in the County of Hawaii. Revised PowerPoint programs were created and all Big Island Soil and Water Conservation Districts were advised to put this RC&D information and education program on their respective agendas. These are used to promote community awareness of RC&D and for non-profit director orientation and training. The coordinator also presents materials on NRCS and RC&D programs, career opportunities and sheet mulch gardening at Hilo Community College, University of Hawaii, and at local charter schools. This photo shows Hilo Community College Forest Team Class of Fall 2004 after a Career Day presentation.
	Earth Day Celebrations at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. The Big Island RC&D has partnered with the Hilo Bay Watershed Advisory Group for the last 3 years to support Earth Day festivities at the University of Hawaii, Hilo. A display was created by NRCS to help promote awareness of local water quality issues. Visitors to the celebration from nearby schools, organizations and the community receive NRCS and RC&D Program materials and learn about local water quality issues.
	2004-2005-2006 Hawaii Agricultural Development Program. Hawaii Agricultural Development Program (HADP) 2004 - 2005- 2006 - A series of grants successfully acquired by the RC&D Council through Senator Daniel Inouye have been used to fund and support 31 separate agribusiness enterprises throughout the county. This project will provide much needed capital to successful applicants for farm expansion, creation of value added products, developing vertically integrated or expanded market opportunities and increased agricultural development on the Island of Hawaii. Phases I and II are now completed with Phase III expected to be done in early FY 2008.

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