HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0988.028 2018-2020 Andrea Keli`ikanoe Mahi co CLERK
COUNTOF Az®I
82-1020 Meli Road RECEIVED
Captain Cook, HI 96704 Tij,!
Date JUL 2 1 2020
21 lulai 2020
Re: SUPPORT for Hawaii County Bill 178 Relating to native forest dedication
Aloha Honorable Chairman Aaron Chung, Vice-chair Karen Eoff and members of the Hawaii
County Council,
I have recently become a steward of lands that have been passed down from my kupuna in
Kona Hema. As such, I am looking for ways to feasibly do what is right for the 'aina, but also
what I can personally afford. I fully understand the value of the native Hawaiian forest and
desire to maintain the forests as much as possible.
Bill 178 will provide a significant incentive to landowners who are taking on the burden of
managing and increasing forest cover. Increasing forest cover is costly: planting a typical acre of
native forest runs from $3,500 to $5,000 per acre, with no near-term source of income.
The benefits of native forest cover are well known. Clean air and abundant water supplies,
increased native biodiversity and carbon storage. I appeal to you to approve this ordinance. This
will help increase forest cover in Hawaii for the benefit of the hanauna hou (future generations).
I appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this.
Me ka ha`aha`a no,
A. Keli`ikanoe Mahi
Comm. a.Q Q D•t U _
Ref. To: In�
Ref. gate JUL 2 2 2020