HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1013.002 2004-2006
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Murashige, Laura
From: Bob Martin [bobmartin@wave.bicv.net]
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 11:29 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony to accept the coqui-related resolution and ordinance
I am writing to support the acceptance of the two items shown at the bottom of this email.
I am a member of the Kohala Coqui Coalition. We have been effectively fighting coquis in North Kohala since late
2003 with a large education and eradication effort.
Currently, we have treated 32 locations, and are monitoring 13 of these to insure that we have been successful in
our eradication. We mail information about the battle of the coquis to our community three times a year, and as a
result we feel we are making progress in sensitizing our residents to the risks involved. We maintain a local
hotline for coqui reports, and have two standing coqui buster squads that do the eradication work, free of
charge. We have spent almost $30,000 since late 2003, and most of these funds have come from donations from
our local community. We need the support of the mini-grant program to sustain our local program.
Additionally, we firmly believe that Hawaii Island is critically at risk from the growing coqui population, and efforts
to get a handle on this crisis have been late in materializing. Through the efforts of our state legislators money
has been appropriated for eradication and control efforts by the county, and we should accept this money. The
programs planned by the Coqui Working Group are excellent, and these funds will make a major difference in this
crucial battle to save our island, our real estate values, our visitor industry, and our peace and quiet.
I do not think I am exaggerating the risks. Just imagine the Pahoa infestation transplanted to the west side resorts
and other visitor centers and think of what could happen to our island's economy. This event is not as far fetched
as some might think given the growing infestations in the resort areas today. And the impact on tourism is just the
tip of the iceberg. Real estate values of property within 800 feet of coqui infestations have plummeted in the past
two years based on a recent study. Most of the plant nurseries and plant vendors are infected, allowing the easy
spread of coquis on plant material throughout the island. As for the noise level, having an outdoor nighttime
conversation in infected areas is impossible. The spread of coquis is truly the most powerful threat to our island
lifestyles and values as any we have ever seen.
For these reasons, I urge you to approve these two items.
Thank you,
Bob Martin
Kohala Coqui Coalition
Comm. No. /0 ~3.2
Ref. To: Pnr
Ref, irate AUG 2 2nnj;
8/16/2006
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Comm, 1013: RESOL('TION At'THt)RrLING THE RECEIPT AND EXPENOrruRE OF
tins 425.06, STATE FINDItNGAPPROPRIATM)ItYTHESTATEI.1-XIISLATCRE
MRSUANT TO ACT I60, tit?sslt tl t_3w's t)F H A44' A I'1 1 Ot , R)R THE
Co QL l FROG ERADIC-MON AND CtrNT RO[. EFFORTS BY THE COUNTY
OF }IA4tAU and
I Bill ID) AN ORDINANCE TG AMEM) ORDINANCE NO ttr,-79. AS AMENDED, THE
ON-kATING, SL'I)GE T FOR THE (:'tlt'N of I'IAWAII FOR THE FISCAL.
YEAR ENDING JUNE 10, W cq)lurry>1ate.51 In4h, w:,, "W Cotlm Frog
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I-rcxn I4lavex Harry Kim, dawd August 7. 20or,. tcrosnritung the alx,wr resoltnicru aril
bill The lunds will lv usud fix Cr rrui lrsg inirattaicxis and axsist:ume to conrmrnitxs:
a niitu-grant prcry_rr:+na 1tx atmmuniry iv alai rradiestiuin~•tYnrts: uesd C'sxlut Frc~ 44'4xrk
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8/16/2006