COM 1013.002 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 1 of 2 Murashige, Laura From: Bob Martin [bobmartin@wave.bicv.net] Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 11:29 AM To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: Testimony to accept the coqui-related resolution and ordinance I am writing to support the acceptance of the two items shown at the bottom of this email. I am a member of the Kohala Coqui Coalition. We have been effectively fighting coquis in North Kohala since late 2003 with a large education and eradication effort. Currently, we have treated 32 locations, and are monitoring 13 of these to insure that we have been successful in our eradication. We mail information about the battle of the coquis to our community three times a year, and as a result we feel we are making progress in sensitizing our residents to the risks involved. We maintain a local hotline for coqui reports, and have two standing coqui buster squads that do the eradication work, free of charge. We have spent almost $30,000 since late 2003, and most of these funds have come from donations from our local community. We need the support of the mini-grant program to sustain our local program. Additionally, we firmly believe that Hawaii Island is critically at risk from the growing coqui population, and efforts to get a handle on this crisis have been late in materializing. Through the efforts of our state legislators money has been appropriated for eradication and control efforts by the county, and we should accept this money. The programs planned by the Coqui Working Group are excellent, and these funds will make a major difference in this crucial battle to save our island, our real estate values, our visitor industry, and our peace and quiet. I do not think I am exaggerating the risks. Just imagine the Pahoa infestation transplanted to the west side resorts and other visitor centers and think of what could happen to our island's economy. This event is not as far fetched as some might think given the growing infestations in the resort areas today. And the impact on tourism is just the tip of the iceberg. Real estate values of property within 800 feet of coqui infestations have plummeted in the past two years based on a recent study. Most of the plant nurseries and plant vendors are infected, allowing the easy spread of coquis on plant material throughout the island. As for the noise level, having an outdoor nighttime conversation in infected areas is impossible. The spread of coquis is truly the most powerful threat to our island lifestyles and values as any we have ever seen. For these reasons, I urge you to approve these two items. Thank you, Bob Martin Kohala Coqui Coalition Comm. No. /0 ~3.2 Ref. To: Pnr Ref, irate AUG 2 2nnj; 8/16/2006