HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP HSEDC 002 04/17/2007 2006-2008 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DATE: April 17, 2007 RE: Comm. No. 295/
Ben Franklin Building Resolution 134-07
333 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
TIME: 3:40 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
The Committee on Human Services and Economic Development, to which was referred
Resolution No. 134-07, reports as follows:
Resolution 134, transmitted by Council Member Dominic Yagong, via Communication 295,
dated March 27, 2007, authorizes the Mayor, Department of Reseazch & Development, and
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 in
Hawaii Island Residential Communities and Agricultural Fazm Lots.
Council Member Yagong reported that there has been numerous calls from his community
regazding feral pigs entering residential and agricultural lots causing damage to their private
properties and fazms crops. Back in 1997 the Department of Land and Natural Resources was
contacted by then Civil Defense Administrator, Harry Kim who recognized two problems, coqui
frogs and feral pigs. Since then both have increased in population causing economic problems in
the communities, especially the farmers. Council Member Yagong asked to set up this program
with hunting groups and use Research & Development as a pass through of funds as we aze now
doing with other agencies. He also clarified that there are only fifteen traps on the island, nine on
the east side and six on the west side and they aze available for the community to use.
Diane Ley, Deputy Director of Department of Research & Development, stated the department
does not support the intent of this resolution, as they do no have the expertise to develop,
manage, monitor or evaluate the programs. Ms. Ley expressed liability concerns over private
property, and the use of firearms in residential/agricultural, areas. She further explained that their
department would be comfortable if a government agency is designated and suggested the U.S.
Wildlife Services be contacted as they handle problematic animals. Another major factor is feral
pigs aze known to carry "sudo rabies", that is highly contagious to humans, domestic cattle, pigs
and dogs, and with improper handling may cause a spread of serious disease.
Ron Bachman, Wildlife Biologist, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of
Forestry and Wildlife, reported that there are fifteen traps available with some dedicated to
(nene) sanctuaries and remaining traps are available to the community. Mr. Bachman raised the
issue of using a rifle to shoot the animal once caught in the neighborhood as another concern.
The Department concentrated more on athletic fields, zoos and public areas for many yeazs and
the problem still exists. Mr. Bachman echoed Ms. Ley's concern of "sudo rabies" or "mad itch,"
is a disease that feral pigs carry, and is aware of a case that an infected a dog, scratch his eazs off
and later died.
Council Member Bob Jacobson stated this is a health and safety issue and questioned using the
contingency fund unless there is a legally mandated program or a budget appropriation. He is
also aware that his subdivision has wild pigs in the area.
Council Member Brenda Ford supported Council Member Yagong's resolution to control the pig
population from a public health and safety standpoint, and confirmed that the same problem
exists on the west side of the island.
Council Member Angel Pilago asked if there is a coordinated effort to mitigate this problem
between Federal, State and County governments, and mentioned the concern of liability on traps
which may cause injury to the borrower. Mr. Bachman confirms there is no collaborated effort
between agencies and those who borrow the traps beaz the responsibility should injury occur.
Council Member Emily Naeole is awaze that the problem exists in the Puna area and the pigs
have been seen on the schools grounds.
Your Committee on Human Services and Economic Development is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution 134-07, and recommends its adoption.
bh
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
FORD x
HIGH x COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
HoFFMANN x AfN~/'DJ~E~C~O~NOMIC D~E~V`E~L~rO[P~ME/NT
JACOBSON x
NAEOLE x EMILY NA OLE, CHAIR
PILAGO x
YAGONG x HSEDC REPORT NO. 2
YOSHIMOTO x ADOPTED: MAY O Z ZOO7