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Communication No. 2014 -8 <br />February 1, 2014 <br />To Warren Lee and Public Works, Greggor Ilagan, Zendo Kern, Russell <br />Ruderman and Faye Hanohano, <br />The Action Committee of the Puna Community Development Plan wishes <br />to voice its' support for the actions taken on the state and county level to <br />address the serious situation of the control of albizias. As you know, the <br />trees are a serious public safety issue in Puna. The county's work in <br />passing Bill 64, Ordinance 13-108, was a important step in addressing <br />this issue. The PCDP section 2.2.1(c) Goals states: "the spread of invasive <br />species through abandonment of previously cleared areas is reduced." <br />We, of course, recognize the costly endeavor of addressing the albizia <br />trees. We strongly support the efforts on the state level, specifically SB <br />2941 and HB 2521, to seek funding to combat albizias. <br />Sections of our highways that are lined with albizias pose a serious <br />hazard both for daily travel and in the event of an evacuation or <br />emergency situation. In this arena, we would like to draw attention to the <br />section of highway 132 from Pahoa to the Pohoiki turnoff. There have <br />been numerous incidents of trees and limbs falling, in some instances <br />hitting cars, creating an urgent safety issue. We recommend that the <br />county and state add this section of county highway 132 to their priority <br />list of roadways that need albizia trees cleared to a safe distance from the <br />road as expediently as possible. The PCDP sections 4.4., 4.4.1 (a, c) <br />4.4.2 (c) references county highway 132 and the need for safety, multi - <br />modal transportation and native vegetation. <br />Sincerely, <br />Patti Pinto <br />Chair of the PCDP Action Committee, <br />