HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0295.001 2006-2008 +tYW~
Harry Kim r~';,;~ ~r~ ~'•.,s Jane H. Testa
Mnyor Direclor
r•. Diane L. Ley
A o•'e~'~ `c~~ Deputy Direclor
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County of Hawaii '
DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
25 Aupuni Street, Room 109 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-0252
(808) 961-8366 • Fax (808) 935-1205 -fit
E-mail: chresdev@co.hawaii.hi.us
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• April 17, 2007 - =
Honorable Emily Nae'ole, Chairperson & Committee Members
Committee on Human Services and Economic Development
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii
Communication 295 (Resolution 134-07) Relating to Feral Pig Control
Dear Chairperson Nae'ole and Committee Members:
The Department of Research and Development appreciates this opportunity to
provide comments on Communication 295 (Resolution 134-07), which would
authorize the Mayor, Department of Research and Development and a
designated Council Member to coordinate with an established Hawaii Island pig
hunters association to formulate aone-year pilot program to trap invasive feral
pig populations within Hawaii island residential communities and agricultural
farm lots. The Department of Research and Development does not support this
initiative as presented.
The Department recognizes that feral pig activity in residential areas has caused
concern in terms of safety of residents and pets and damage to landscaping.
Additionally, farms and orchards have experienced significant economic losses
due to feral pigs feeding directly on plants, fruits and nuts, as well as damages
due to grubbing, rooting and overturning soil and crops. However, the
Department has no program areas that address game management. We lack the
required level of expertise to initiate, manage, monitor and evaluate such a
program activity. Furthermore, we lack the expertise to address the inevitable
questions and issues related to private property access rights; liability concerns
related to accidents; use of firearms in residential communities and agricultural
areas; spread of serious diseases such as psuedorabies and brucellosis to
humans, domestic pigs, cattle and dogs; human illnesses as a result of eating
contaminated or improperly processed and handled meat or meat products;
humane treatment of animals; and a host of other issues related to game
management.
Comm. No. ~ qs-
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer ,
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Chairperson Nae'ole and Committee Members
Committee on Human Services and Economic Development
April 17, 2007
Page 2.
We would like to bring to the Council's attention the fact that in 2006 the State
Legislature passed House Concurrent Resolution 98, Senate Draft 1 which called
for the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to prepare a plan to
identify problems related to feral pigs and to reduce pig populations, including
those populations in residential and agricultural areas. Prior to the 2007
Legislative Session, DLNR submitted a report in which they outlined their efforts
to date that included review of existing laws and policies; an analysis of the
problems; stakeholder input; proposed solutions; efforts to launch a pilot
program; and further recommendations. The report may be viewed at
htto://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/reports/FW07-Feral Pig Regort%20 HCR 98 SD1-
06 .pdf.
DLNR indicated that they are continuing to develop this pilot program to include
identification of problem areas; issuance of wildlife control permits; and
establishing special hunts and trapping operations. The DLNR went on to
recommend that it continue to develop this program and to monitor its results,
effectiveness and applicability.
A second agency responsible for problematic animals, with extensive experience
in Hawaii, is the U.S. Wildlife Service. Their mandate is to provide leadership
and expertise to address conflicts between wildlife and people, with program
areas that include protecting our health and safety, addressing impacts to private
property, agriculture and natural resources.
The Department of Research and Development respecttully recommends that
the Council consult with the DLNR and the USWS to initiate efforts to support
their on-going work rather than to reinvent or duplicate efforts and services in an
area that is not the traditional responsibility of the County.
Again, thank you again for this opportunity to testify.
Sincerely,
Diane Ley
Deputy Director