RES 674 Draft 01 2014-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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J+vv os M��j.,I' COUNTY OF HAWAII i.i �' /!*- STATE OF HAWAII RESOLUTION NO. 674 16 A RESOLUTION URGING THE MAYOR TO CREATE A TEMPORARY BAN ON THE TRANSPORT OF `OHI`A FROM THE SOUTHERN HALF OF HAWAII ISLAND TO THE NORTHERN HALF OF HAWAII ISLAND. WHEREAS, according to a Hawai`i Tribune-Herald article dated September 10, 2016, there are now approximately 47,000 acres of`ohi`a forest affected by Rapid `Ohi`a Death located on the southern portion of the Island of Hawai`i; and WHEREAS, according to State of Hawai`i's January and February aerial survey, there are no confirmed areas identified as affected by Rapid `Ohi`a Death located on the northern portion of Hawai`i Island; and WHEREAS, prevention of the spread of Rapid `Ohi`a Death to areas where the disease has not yet been identified must be a high priority; and WHEREAS, prohibiting the unauthorized transport of`ohi`a to north of Kailua-Kona and to north of South Hilo, inclusive of Hilo harbor and Saddle Road, would help prevent the spread of diseased `ohi`a to the currently unaffected northern portion of the island and its main harbors; and WHEREAS, posting highway signs informing the public that transport of any `ohi`a trees, whether chipped or whole, to the northern portion of the County is prohibited, will help to educate the public regarding the dire situation regarding the spread of rapid `ohi`a death on Hawai`i Island; and WHEREAS, an exemption from this ban for pressure treated `ohi`a could be put in place by way of a permit issued by the Department of Environmental Management in collaboration with appropriate State agencies; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII that the Mayor, in coordination with the Department of Public Works and the Police Department, take such steps as are appropriate to arrange for a temporary ban on the transport of`ohi`a trees to the northern portion of the island of Hawai`i.