HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0988.020 2018-2020 Hawaii-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment
Hawaii Invasive Species Council
• P.O. Box 532
Honokaa, HI 96727
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July 21, 2020
COUNTY CLERK
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COUNTY OF WAW 9 2
Hawaii County Council RECEIVED
Office of the County Clerk Ti10:45am By
25 Aupuni Street _ j
Hilo, HI 96720Date JUL 2 1 2020
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Honorable Members of the Council:
I am writing testimony in support of Bill 178,AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 8, SECTION 19- 59, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE
1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO NATIVE FOREST
DEDICATIONS. For 12+ years, I have been employed as the state Weed Risk
Assessment Specialist by the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, tasked with
evaluating non-native plants for their potential to become environmental or
agricultural weeds in the islands. The goals of this program are to both identify high
risk plants before they become problem weeds, as well as to promote the use of
native, and non-invasive alternatives in the landscape and garden. In accordance
with these goals, Bill 178 incentivizes landowners to preserve their native-
dominated forest properties, and to restore their invasive-dominated forests into
more healthy, functional forest communities using native, Polynesian, or non-
invasive, non-native species.
I and my colleagues in the island invasive species committees are regularly
contacted by landowners and growers who are concerned about contributing to
Hawaii's invasive plant problems, and who are seeking guidance on how to protect
native species and habitats. With the passage of Bill 178, we will be able to point to
concrete financial incentives that can help these conscientious landowners in their
preservation or restoration goals. We've made great strides in educating people
about the importance of healthy, functional and culturally significant ecosystems, as
well as the risks that invasive species pose to our environment, economy, and
health, and Bill 178 can be one more important component to ensure our continued
success. Mahalo for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Charles Chimera
Hawaii-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment
Hawaii Invasive Species Council
P.O. Box 532
Honokaa, HI 96727
Website: plantpono.org
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