Congresswoman Hirono Announces $437,000 in Federal Funding
for Specialty Crop Research on the Big Island
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) announced the awarding of $437,000 in U.S. Department of Agriculture funding for the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, the USDA research service facility in Hilo.
The federal funding will be utilized to study and nurture the ‘ohelo berry, a native plant and close relative of the blueberry which can be found on the islands of Hawai‘i and Maui. Specifically, these funds will be utilized to provide basic research to ensure the preservation of wild plant populations, work with stakeholders to explore sustainable small-scale production farms, create new value-added markets, as well as educate the residents of Hawai‘i on the preservation of this unique, indigenous plant. A portion of those funds will go toward maintaining the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center’s seed and plant repository to help preserve plant materials for future generations.
Big Island Nurseryman Association, University of Hawaii (CTAHR), and County Agricultural Extension Services are also working in cooperation with this project.
The funding will be used in conjunction with matching monies from island businesses, such as Big Island Candies and the Kona chapter (tropical fruit) of the American Culinary Federation, which helps develop culinary uses of island plants with resort chefs.
Congresswoman Hirono is a member of the House Small Business Committee.
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