HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0988.026 2018-2020 {
From: Megan Lamson Leatherman
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2020 1:00 PM
To: Council Testimony COUNTY CLERK
Cc: Poindexter, Valerie COUNTY OF HAWAIII
Subject: Please support Bill 178 for Native Forest Designation! CSI
Date JUL 2 0 2020
Aloha Councilmembers,
For Wednesday's Council meeting, please know that I support Bill 178 (first reading) that would
create three native forest designations, and amend the dedication process for forest preservation and
establish a process for forest restoration activities within the Hawaii County Code.
As a marine biologist, I have seen firsthand the impacts of climate change (coral bleaching, increased flood
events) and deforestation j bad development practices (sedimentation j erosion) have had on our coral reef
habitats. Now is the time for us to take action for our island, protect the existing forest ecosystems, restore
degraded habitats, and plant more long-lived trees! Helping private property owners protect, conserve,
and restore native forests on their own land is a win-win for our native wildlife (terrestrial, aquatic,
marine), government agencies, and island communities alike. Any new trees planted will help sink carbon
j green-house gases from our atmosphere and will move us towards a more carbon neutral state, protect I
watersheds and ensure there is enough freshwater in our aquifers into the future, and will provide habitat
for a diversity of native species of birds, insects, canopy plants and our endangered bat species. 3
i
If we truly hope to address our climate problems and take action, policies like this proposed Bill 178 are a
step in the right direction.
Here's some words from a fellow environmental advocate that is supportive of this native forest designation
measure:
"Since the native forest dedication was added to the county code in 2004, there have been 129
dedications which cover 68,202 acres, and zero reforestation projects. The amendments in Bill 178
are designed to build upon the existing code and encourage property owners to embark upon
preservation and restoration projects under a variety of circumstances in a way that will be easy to
understand and administer."
Mahalo for your time and consideration of this matter, and for supporting Bill 178!
Special thanks to CW Poindexter for bringing this bill to the Council.
Best,
nieg
Megan R. Lamson Leatherman, M.S.
Comm. No.
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