HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0730.001 1996-1998 Donna Fay K ICiyoseki
Ch~efEngineer
Stephen K Yamashiro
Mayor JIrO A. Sumada
=~'Ov" Deputy ChiefEngmeer
~I i..
~LOliltfp D~ ~2I~U2Itt,
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLICQ~',QR~S
25 Aupuni Street, Room 202 ~ Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252
(aoa> 96IR121 ~ F.: (eos) 969-nae
Date March 16, 1998
To DOMINIC YAGONG, Chairman
Committee on Public Works & Parks ' j` j~ f
ip ~ '
From DONNA FAY K. KIYOSAKI, ChiefEngineel~
SUBJECT: COMMUNICATION NO. 730
Rene Siracusa
We have reviewed Ms. Siracusa letter and the following comments:
• Although we agree that there is a microclimate relationship between trees and humidity, we cannot
see how this can significantly influence our severe drought conditions. In many areas, particularly
in Puna, the risk of fire already exists. Land clearing to some extent reduces fire hazards by
eliminating fuel for brush fires. To date, we know of no fires that we can attribute to land clearing
operations.
• Air quality (dust control) is generally a problem in certain dry and windy areas such as the Kohala
coast. To date, we are aware of only one complaint in North Kohala. We had referred the matter
to the State Department of Health (DOH) State as they are the regulating agency. There are many
areas in the County that have very little soil or are not restricted from using water for dust control.
Because of these factors, we cannot see dust control as basis for an island-wide moratorium.
• The bulk of the land clearing permits issued by the Department are for farming, residence
construction and small subdivisions. We believe there will be significant direct and indirect economic
impacts to individuals and small farmers and our construction industry.
Although there may be some truth in Ms. Siracusa's statements, she has presented no factual evidence
or a reasonable nexus to suggest that a land clearing moratorium can affect our drought situation.
Because a moratorium will result in adverse economic impacts to our community, there must also be
tangible benefits to justify its implementation. Ms. Siracusa has not provided sufficient justification so
we must recommend against her suggestion.
{pram. ~4 `130.01
File Itn. W Qt
Presented~~(J~.
t1ef. 'Po: _ y~r~
E:\WP Files\MEMOS\COUNCIL.WPD(59) fWIL 1 7 1998