Puna CDP Action Committee - Building in Puna Brochure

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Protecting Puna's ForestsJ 1 Suggestions for Preparing Your Lot�] Building with the Environment Endemic to Hawai'i means that the species cannot be found anywhere else in the world, making it ever more important for us to protect the habitat of our endemic species! • There are 26,608 species in the state of Hawai'i • 10,000+ of these species are endemic • Hawai'i has already lost 26 native bird species with 27 more species currently endangered. • 90% of terrestrial species in Hawai'i are endemic Benefits of Saving Your Forest • Visual and noise buffers are free and provide increased privacy. • Natural landscaping provided by native forest is both valuable and appealing. • Essential habitat is saved for native and endemic bird, insect, and plant species. • Aggressive invasive species can spread quickly on cleared land. Limiting dozing and clearing helps to limit the introduction of invasive species which may save you time, money, and the use of herbicides. • Serious flooding problems can happen for you and/or your neighbors when improper or excessive grading occurs. • Vegetation impacts localized climates through natural processes. Forested areas can help reduce localized air temperatures. • Get a permit. The County of Hawai'i Department of Public Works regulates grubbing and grading requirements and permits. Those found in violation of Hawai'i County Code (HCC) Chapter 10 are subject to fines. See HCC Chapter 10 Section 10-8. http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/lb- countycode/#countvcode • Preserve existing native forest. Avoid clearing your lot "pin -to -pin" preserving areas with the healthiest forest. There are organizations that can help you identify native plants. (See resources on the back) • Minimize cleared areas. Hand clear or use small machinery and equipment when clearing your lot. Being present to supervise clearing can help minimize misunderstandings. • Remove existing invasive species during land preparation. Such species include Albizia, Myricafaya, Strawberry Guava, Tibouchina, Himalayan Raspberry, Miconia and Ginger. Reduce the Spread of R.O.D. Rapid 'Ohi'a Death (ROD) is a disease that has killed hundreds of thousands of'ohi'a trees. This disease is caused by a fungus called Ceratocystis fimbriata. 'Ohi'a lehua is a keystone species of Hawai'i's native forests and watersheds, and possibly the most important tree in Hawai'i. You can help reduce the spread of rapid 'ohi'a death by: • Not moving'ohi'a wood, firewood or posts, especially from areas known to have ROD. • Not moving'ohi'a plants, wood, or other plant parts interisland without a permit. [Hawai'i Administrative Rule §4-72-13] • Cleaning tools used for cutting'ohi'a trees (especially infected ones) with 70% rubbing alcohol or 10% bleach. • Cleaning shoes, gear and clothing. Decontaminate shoes by dipping the soles in 10% bleach or 70% rubbing alcohol. Other gear can be sprayed with the same proven cleaning solutions. Wash clothing in hot water with detergent. • Washing tires and undercarriage of vehicles with detergent, especially after traveling from an area with ROD and/or if you have traveled off-road. • Much of our native forests are heavily degraded. Help restore our forests by planting native and endemic species appropriate to YOUR local conditions/climate. • Beware of invasive species and aggressive invasive Ipants. Potted plants can carry hitchhikers like coqui frogs, fire ants, and stinging -nettle caterpillars. Check all plants before taking them home! Ensure that you are planting non-invasive plant species. • Prevent standing water. Mosquitoes breed in containers of standing water, and the avian malaria they carry is deadly to native birds. Turn over empty pots, buckets & tires. • Outdoor lighting and reducing light -pollution. Keep native seabirds safe by limiting exterior lighting. Improperly installed exterior lighting can disorient birds as they overfly forests at night. The law requires that all outdoor lights face the ground, not outward or upward. Rules and regulations for outdoor lighting can be found in Hawaii County Code Chapter 14: General Welfare Article 9. http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/lb- countycode/#countvcode E Malama I Ka `Aina Research permitting requirements before grubbing and grading! M t of cic�- tj3ng