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--Mt77" p ' <br /> cP�: Wil Okabe <br /> " �,�. Managing Director <br /> Harry Kim <br /> Major `e'z <br /> Barbara J.Kossow <br /> : +,? e Deputy Managing Director <br /> &MIN Paitnril <br /> Offirr of tir l tvror <br /> 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 <br /> KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg.C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 <br /> (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 <br /> March 23, 2017 <br /> Honorable Nicole Lowen <br /> Representative <br /> Hawaii State House of Representatives <br /> Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813 <br /> Dear Representative Lowen, <br /> The County of Hawaii is pleased to offer strong support for the Hawaiian Reforestation Project's <br /> request for a Grant-in-Aid. <br /> For several centuries the slopes of Mauna Kea were neglected and used as a resource for mankind with <br /> little or no thought to maintaining the natural resources.The mountain's once densely forested slopes <br /> were denuded through the indiscriminate taking of sandalwood, ohia, koa and mamane. Domesticated <br /> and feral cattle,sheep,goats and mouflon grazed much of what was left of the native plants, and the <br /> rats and mongoose ate the seeds and stole the eggs of the native bird species. <br /> A sad history, but today great strides are being taken to fulfill a vision to reforest Mauna Kea and <br /> provide a safe habitat for the native birds including the Palila.The Hawaiian Reforestation Project is a <br /> multi-agency initiative led by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the Pacific Cooperative Studies <br /> Unit.Volunteers from across the state connect with the land and participate in restoring the forest by <br /> lending a hand in planting,weeding,watering,while learning about the important role that the forest <br /> serves in providing habitat for a wide range of birds and insects,as well as its role in protecting the soil <br /> from storm run-off and replenishing the island's watersheds. <br /> Your consideration and support for the Hawaiian Reforestation Project's request for financial support is <br /> most appreciated. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Harry im <br /> Mayor <br /> Cc: Andy Levin <br /> County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />