HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0050.007 2020-2022 P/PC.
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To Councilman Ashley Kierkiewicz, Chairman/On JAN 7 9 P' 2: I LI
Planning Committee, Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street, Hilo,Hi. 96720
council.testimonv@,hawaiicoun.ty.gov
1/29/2021
Aloha Councilman Ashley Kierkiewicz andmembers of the Hawai`i County Council,
I am writing to express my support for the request for amendments to County Zoning Ordinances
for Palamanui Global Holdings. I have had a collaborative relationship with Palamanui Global
Holdings (PGH) since 2004 and am very encouraged that this project is moving forward. In my
professional life I am a research ecologist with the USDA Forest Service and have over 30 years
of experience studying,preserving, and restoring Hawaii's tropical forest. Tropical dry forests
are one of the most endangered ecosystems in the worldwith less than 5%remaining worldwide.
I met Roger Harris of PGH in 2002 as we both served on the North Kona Dry forest Working
Group (now a non-profit named Ka Ahahui 0 Ka Nahelehele where Roger and I continued as
Board members). In 2004 an environmental report contracted by PGH depicted a—75-acre parcel
containing a regenerating and healthy tropical dry forest remnant. This is one of the most intact
fragments of Tropical Dry Forest remaining in the State of Hawaii. PGH responded by soliciting
a management plan to protect and conserve this area with a subsequent commitment to finance
the long-term management of this forest. In my mind this was a rare gesture and highlights the
conservation commitment of PGH. Since that time PGH has been supportive of efforts to
preserve other dry forest landscapes including a recently proposed project from the UH-
Palamanui campus to create a nature and archeological preserve. The protected area at Palamanui
now serves as a long term forest dynamic site and is part of the Smithsonian's global ForestGeo
program (https:i!forestgeo.si.edu/sites/oceani.aipalamanui).
PGH understands the fragility of Hawaii's unique ecosystems and continues to promote the
important connections between society and nature.Development and conservation should and
can provide mutual benefits and I feel strongly that PGH is a model company in this arena.
Please contact me if youhave additional questions.
Respectfully, Susan Cordell, PhD
Digitally signed by SUSAN
SUSAN CORDELL,c0RDELL
" Date:2021.01.29 13:57:34-10'00'
Comm. No. eel• t
Ref.To: P 1PG
Ref. Date FEB - 2 2021