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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br /> <br /> DATE: April 17, 2007 RE: Comm. No. 295/ <br /> Ben Franklin Building Resolution 134-07 <br /> 333 Kilauea Avenue <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> TIME: 3:40 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> The Committee on Human Services and Economic Development, to which was referred <br /> Resolution No. 134-07, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution 134, transmitted by Council Member Dominic Yagong, via Communication 295, <br /> dated March 27, 2007, authorizes the Mayor, Department of Reseazch & Development, and <br /> Designated Council Member to Coordinate with an established Hawaii Island Pig Hunters <br /> Association to Formulate aOne-Year Pilot Program to Trap Invasive Feral Pig Populations in <br /> Hawaii Island Residential Communities and Agricultural Fazm Lots. <br /> Council Member Yagong reported that there has been numerous calls from his community <br /> regazding feral pigs entering residential and agricultural lots causing damage to their private <br /> properties and fazms crops. Back in 1997 the Department of Land and Natural Resources was <br /> contacted by then Civil Defense Administrator, Harry Kim who recognized two problems, coqui <br /> frogs and feral pigs. Since then both have increased in population causing economic problems in <br /> the communities, especially the farmers. Council Member Yagong asked to set up this program <br /> with hunting groups and use Research & Development as a pass through of funds as we aze now <br /> doing with other agencies. He also clarified that there are only fifteen traps on the island, nine on <br /> the east side and six on the west side and they aze available for the community to use. <br /> Diane Ley, Deputy Director of Department of Research & Development, stated the department <br /> does not support the intent of this resolution, as they do no have the expertise to develop, <br /> manage, monitor or evaluate the programs. Ms. Ley expressed liability concerns over private <br /> property, and the use of firearms in residential/agricultural, areas. She further explained that their <br /> department would be comfortable if a government agency is designated and suggested the U.S. <br /> Wildlife Services be contacted as they handle problematic animals. Another major factor is feral <br /> pigs aze known to carry "sudo rabies", that is highly contagious to humans, domestic cattle, pigs <br /> and dogs, and with improper handling may cause a spread of serious disease. <br /> Ron Bachman, Wildlife Biologist, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of <br /> Forestry and Wildlife, reported that there are fifteen traps available with some dedicated to <br /> (nene) sanctuaries and remaining traps are available to the community. Mr. Bachman raised the <br /> issue of using a rifle to shoot the animal once caught in the neighborhood as another concern. <br /> The Department concentrated more on athletic fields, zoos and public areas for many yeazs and <br /> <br />