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AWESC-3 Page 2 May 3, 2016 <br /> which includes suggestions from public testifier Shane Nelson (inclusion of Native Hawaiian <br /> cultural practitioners) and Elizabeth Green (the economic impact of Rapid `Ohi`a Death, with a <br /> focus on tourism and agriculture). Council Member Ilagan did a verbal amendment to the <br /> amendment (removed specific cultural practitioners in favor of the general term, Native <br /> Hawaiian cultural practitioners) which the Committee passed by a vote of 8-0-1. <br /> Dr. Dr. Flint Hughes and Public testifier Mr. Shane Nelson were present to answer questions. <br /> Council Member Paleka stated that the resolution should be written in Hawaiian. Other Council <br /> Members were supportive if it doesn't slow down the progress of the resolution. <br /> Council Member Chung stated that the resolution should request Governor Ige declare an <br /> Emergency Proclamation to emphasize the severity of the problem, get additional funding to <br /> expand staffing (including a Forest Pathologist), and increase the public education outreach <br /> programs. Council Member Ilagan stated that he will introduce that amendment at the Council <br /> reading. Council Member Onishi stated that he would try to setup a meeting with the Governor. <br /> Committee Chair Wille stated that the situation reminds her of the little fire ant 10 years ago as <br /> the County waited for the State to act (which did not happen, allowing the little fire ant to get out <br /> of control). She stressed the County needs to react and ramp up efforts immediately. She thinks <br /> an assessment of where we have people in place now such as non- profits and other groups <br /> would help. She discussed the use of the cut down trees in the mulch program when it comes <br /> online as the mulching temperature will kill off the spores She further stated that this virus <br /> should be treated like a wildfire and "firebreaks" need to be set up. She encouraged that there be <br /> a master plan for dealing with the unaffected areas, and not just for the affected and perimeter <br /> areas, basically dividing the island in two zones—possibly using a quarantine model. <br /> Dr. Hughes was supportive of the "firebreaks" idea and that on the east side of the island the line <br /> would be north of Saddle Road and on the west side it would be north of Kaloko. He stated that <br /> things like extra watering or fertilizing won't have an effect on the trees resistance but that is <br /> best to avoid pruning `Ohi`a as that creates open wounds for the spores to enter. He stressed that <br /> a coordinated effort will be needed to continue to stop the spread of the disease. <br /> Your Committee on Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability is in accord with the purpose <br /> and intent of Resolution 516-16, as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its adoption. <br /> dh <br /> AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted, <br /> CHUNG X <br /> DAVID x COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER <br /> EOFF x AND ENERGY SUSTAINAIILITY <br /> i <br /> ILAGAN X <br /> KANUHA X <br /> / <br /> ONISHI X <br /> PALEKA x MARGARET MLLE, CHAIR <br /> POINDEXTER X AWESC REPORT NO.: 3 <br /> WILLE x ADOPTED: MAY 1 7 2016 <br />