HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0682.004 2022-2024 ' p•w hawai`i Wildlife rund
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21 January 2024 iv -G=
1 Re: SUPPORT for 3 Resolutions(408-24,409-24 410-24)on the County of Hawai'i Committee of Legisla a -'"'
Approvals and Acquisitions(LAAC) agenda for the upcoming January 23, 2024 hearing. '`� =ti= -"
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Aloha Hawai'i County Councilmembers,
Hawai'i Wildlife Fund supports the Hawai'i County Resolutions 408-24 and 410-24 introduced by Councilwoman
Kagiwada and Councilwoman Galimba respectively to use PONC funds to acquire properties in South Hilo and
South Kona. We furthermore support the Hawai'i County Resolution 409-24 introduced by Councilman Inaba
that would accept the quitclaim of land in Honomu to allow for continued public access to the Hilo Forest
Reserve. HWF supports these efforts to purchase and accept and protect these lands across Hawai'i Island.
On behalf of our small (but mighty)team at Hawai'i Wildlife Fund,we are in full support of these three
proposed land acquisition resolutions on the LAAC agenda(408-24,409-24,410-24)and the protection of these
properties for the purposes of protecting the natural and cultural resources, and traditional access into
perpetuity. Please•use your votes to pass these Resolutions unanimously.
Hawai'i Wildlife Fund (HWF) is a small nonprofit organization that has been working to conserve native species
in Hawai'i since 1996. During that time, we have been involved in research, education, restoration and
advocacy projects related to marine debris, Hawaiian sea turtles, community-based management,
environmental education, anchialine pool restoration, and more.We have also recovered over 375 tons
(750,000 lbs.) of marine debris from the coastlines of Hawaii Island, Maui, Midway, and Lalo(French Frigate
Shoals)with the help of thousands of community volunteers, the majority of which (325+tons) was recovered
from the remote Ka'u coastline. We hope that these purchases(and the quitclaim acceptance) by the County
will both help protect native plant and animal species, and the archeological history(and continued cultural use)
of these areas in South Hilo and South Kona now and into the future.
Please let us know if you have any additional questions about this testimony of support.
Sincerely, .111
t____.(&t,,,, g 4a;0,Ci& Comm.
Ref.To: Z.
Ref.Date
Megan R. Lamson, M.Sc. William "Bill" Gilmartin
Board President& Hawai'i Program Director Co-founder& Director of Research, Emeritus
meg.hwf@gmail.com bill.hwf(aigmail.com
www.wildtiawaii org