HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0119.004 2004-2006 Testimony for Hawai i County Council
Committee on Finance Committee
Febmary 28, 2005
Subject: Letter of Support for Funding a Hilo Bay Modeling Project (Bills 38 and 39)
Good morning Chair Safarik and County Council Members,
Thank you for this oppornmity to speak.
I am Mary 3ames, Coordinator for the Hilo Bay Watershed Advisory Group.
Qn February 23rd 1 submitted a Letter of support for the proposed Hilo Bay modeling project
(Bills 38 and 39). My letter includes background information on the Hilo Bay Watershed
Advisory Group, explains the interest in this potential project, and points out that a Watershed
Advisory Group subcommittee has been discussing this issue with County Public Works staff.
Today I would Pike to clarify my position on supporting the project funding. As I note in my
letter of support, there is limited scientific data and information about the bay water quality,
ecosystem, and circulation, so I endorse the concept of doing a related study.
I understand that the $250,000 amount is based on a rough estimate by the Army Corps of
Engineers for a Hilo Bay computer modeling project, and that the detailed scope of work,
deliverables, and cost have not yet been worked out. Therefore, I would like to reserve my
fuli support of the $250,000 funding until after those details have been revealed and benefits
of the project are clarified.
If the project is funded, I suggest that the project scope include:
• a literature search and information gathering task early on to ensure there is no duplication
of effort; and
• wherever possible, use of community expertise and resources such as those at the
University of Hawaii.
The Hilo Bay Watershed Advisory Group looks forward to continuing to collaborate with
Public Works staff on this issue.
Again, thank you ~'or this opportunity to express my thoughts.
Mary James
Coordinator, Hilo )3ay Watershed Advisory Group
Comm. No.
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