HomeMy WebLinkAbout*Bill 184 Supports
Tsuneda, Kaci
From:Cindy Dupuis <dupuis@hawaii.edu>
Sent:Monday, August 17, 2026 12:16 PM
To:Council Testimony
Subject:Support for Bill 184 Native Plants in County Landscaping”
Aloha,
I support Bill 184, Native Plants in County Landscaping
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Mahalo Nui Loa!
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Jaya C. Dupuis
Hawaii Environmental Restoration/ (501-C3) President
Keau'ohana Native Rainforest Restoration / Project Director
Email: dupuis@hawaii.edu Call/text: 808-937-8867
Visit www.hawaiienvironmentalrestoration.org; or Facebook
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Tsuneda, Kaci
From:Eileen Ohara <eohara58@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, August 17, 2026 6:15 AM
To:Council Testimony
Subject:Support for Bill 184
Aloha,
As we're unable to testify remotely due to the impacts of Hurricane Lala, on behalf of myself and the
nonprofit Malama O Puna that I serve as E.D., please know we fully support this initiative.
Native plants perform the best in our environment and provide a significant selection for landscaping.
We have found, after several attempts with non-native species, that the Ti plant works best at the Pahoa
Roundabout, a public space with a harsh environment and no irrigation. Given the great variety in color
and size of our local Ti plant, it helps establish a beautiful landscape.
Malama O Puna must give special thanks to Deborah Ward for getting us started with plants from her
extensive Ti plant nursery inventory that boosts dozens of varieties. Native plant landscapes for public
spaces are the way to go. Please pass Bill 184.
Mahalo for your attention on this matter,
Eileen O'Hara, Executive Director
Malama O Puna
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Tsuneda, Kaci
From:Susan Osborne <halai96720@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, August 17, 2026 8:56 AM
To:Council Testimony
Subject:Support for Bill 184 - Native Plants in County Landsaping
Aloha,
Please include this letter of full support for Bill 184 requiring native plants in the county landscaping. The
use of native plants in public landscapes supports endemic wildlife, improves ecosystem resilience,
reduces erosion, conserves water, and helps maintain the island' s ecological character.
Mahalo
Susie Osborne
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Tsuneda, Kaci
From:timothyrowan@bellsouth.net
Sent:Saturday, August 29, 2026 8:18 AM
To:Council Testimony
Subject:Please “Support for Bill 184 – Native Plants in County
Aloha, my name is Timothy Rowan I'm President of Black Sand's Beach community and President of
Malama O Puna. I writing today in support of Bill 184 using native plants for landscaping county
buildings and parks. Imported plants have brought in numerous unwanted plant diseases and
harmful insects disrupting our fragile environment. Unwanted imported plant hitchhikers include:
Coqui frog's , Queensland longhorn Beetles, coconut rhinoceros beetles, avacacado lacewing bug ,
Banana Bunchy top and more everyday. Please use local native plants and support local plant
nurseries. Thank you. Mahalo Tim
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Tsuneda, Kaci
From:Brittany V. <helloo.sunshine.b@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, August 17, 2026 12:35 PM
To:Council Testimony
Subject:Support of bill no. 184 native plants in county Landscaping
Aloha my name is Brittany valone and I am in strong support of Bill 184, Relating to the Use of Native
Plants in County Landscaping, which would encourage the use of native plants in Hawai ʻ i County
landscaping. I am pretty sure there is a certain percentage already required but it really should be at
least 75% native plants being installed island wide. There is no reason to use invasive/non native plants
in any scenario. There are a multitude of native trees, shrubs, and ground covers available that will grow
well, have beautiful flowers, and require less maintenance. It also would be beneficial in awareness for
the community, lead by example. It should be acknowledged that fully illegal invasive plants are
regularly sold at places like home depot and Walmart here, and people who dont know any different will
continue to purchase, plant, and spread these noxious plants. Awareness and education is always a
good step in teaching people whats pono and what isnt.
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