HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0914.000 2006-2008
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BOB JACOBSON 333 Kilauea Avenue, Second Floor
Councilmember Ben Franklin Building, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Chair, Environmental Management Committee •:i,.,. Mailing Address: 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 200
o. uF wk~~ Phone: (808) 961-8263
Vice-Chair, Finance Committee Fax: (808) 961-8912
E-Mail: jjaco@co.hawaii.hi.us
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
County of Hawai `i
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MEMORANDUM Ml
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Date: January 2, 2008
3
To: Pete Hoffmann, Chair N G
and Members of the Hawaii County Council LIE, ~
From: Bob Jacobson, Council Member
District 6
Re: Request for EMC agenda item
Attached for your review is an item that was submitted for referral to the Environmental
Management Committee.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
BJ/bl
Att.
Comm. No. 7
Ref. To: E4 G
Ref. Dote .IAN 9nna
District 6 - Upper Puna, Ka a, and South Kona
Hawaii County Is An Equal Opportunity Provider And Employer
Pete Hoffman December 13, 2007
County Hawaii
County Council
25 Aupuni
Hilo, HI 96720
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CO n a)
To the Chair: 4 ` r a M
s r w.
We would like to request to have a presentation on The Little Fire Ant, Wasmib*a 3 -
auorpunctata (LFA) agendized for a council meeting as sow as_pQWMe. f-r i
Tommy Thompson, the UH researcher for the LfA gave a presentation to our grow 1:@ur
Farmer Alliance Organization in October and we were all stunned. Many of us did not
even know this ant was on the island meh less the horrendous implications for living
and farming on this island when this ant covers this island the LFA has already become
established in many areas on the eastside of Hawai'i including Paradise Park, the Puna
area, Hamakua and Hilo. This ant is tiny and packs a wallop often leaving people with
intense itching welts for weeks. It has been know to blind pets and livestock. These ants
live everywhere, trees, ground and in houses!
The scenario for this island is that if left completely uncontrolled this ant will outcompete
others and will BLANKET the island. We think that it is imperative drat you listen to the
presentation by Tommy and try to find a way to continue his research funding. Tommy's
research money ends in February 2003 and the grants applied for have been turned down.
We cannot let this happen and are asking for your help. After viewing his presentation
you will completely understand our concern and the urgency of this problem.
Tommy is dedicated to finding a good control for this problem as the one in use now is
very difficult to use, toxic and not effective for the aboreal colonies. Tommy is close to
finding a possible control that is non-toxic to humans for arboreal situations. We have
also included an affidavit from a family in Sea View who has this ant on their property
and it gives you an idea of what it may be like for all if us if left unchecked.
Tommy is happy to set up a presentation for you, he can be reached at Hawaii
Department of Agriculture, Pest control Branch 974-4140.
Thank you.
Si cerel ,
Geoff uch, Fastside co-onlinator for Know Your Farmer Alliance.
936-7040
Lom Douglas
RR2 4544
Pahoa, Hawaii 96778
(808) 965-8421, cell (808) 990.1248
lomd@yahoo.com
Oct 25, 2007
To Whom It May Concern:
Re: Impact of the Little Fire Ant (LFA)
Aloha,
About two years ago I hired a friend to cut down some of the jungle surrounding my house. AAer a
duple of hours he came yelling from the jungle, jumped into his truck and sped to the ocean to submerge his
body to cool the fire that had erupted.1We didn t know at the time what had caused the problem, we just were
aware there was something very toxic out there.
Then some months later we broke ground on a very small addition to our tome which included
breaking up some rocks to pour some footings and sidewalk around the house. It was after that we started
experiencing a problem in or house and what fist appeared as first turned out to be LFA. They tied wftaW
our entire residence, finding them in our bed on the third floor, our clothing, and our food areas, basically
everywhere.
Life was absolutely miserable and for the first time since 1 purchased the house in 1991 1 liberally
sprayed poison first around the perimeter and finally just about everywhere in the interior. 1 considered
vacating because I was so miserable. Thankfully I was able to reclaim peace in the house.
At this point however it's not a done deal. I have a lovely orchard and the jewel of the orchard is a free
Yamagata avocado tree. The fruit from this tree is heavenly nectar. I let the fruit drop when ripe and it usually
causes a bruise. Typically I find dozens of LFA surrounding that bruise. I carry a bucket of water to drown the
ants before they have a chance to enjoy my flesh. I have a new jug of Amdro tit just cannot come to
spreading it around my food crop. I hope it won't come to that and am hoping that this letter will help open
some organic options for me and everyone else with such concerns.
Your anticipated cooperation is much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Lore Douglas