HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1141.002 2006-2008
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PO Box 600, Volcano, HI 96785 • www.VolcanoCommunity.org • vca@VolcanoCommunity.org
May 18, 2008
To: Members of the Hawaii County Council:
Re: Communication 1141: Grading & Grubbing Revision
It has come to our attention that in the County Council's latest proposed revision of the Grubbing and Grading
Ordinance would allow the exclusion of small properties that do not exceed a total area of one acre from restrictions
on land clearing:
Article 1. General Provisions Section 10-5. Exclusions #8 Grubbing which does not alter the general and
localized drainage pattern with respect to abutting properties and does not exceed a total area of one acre.
We are very concerned about that exclusion, because we see that it would leave numerous parcels of native forested
land vulnerable to pin to pin clearing. In stead, we would recommend that Council Members write rules in Chapter
10 that specifically include properties of less than an acre to limit pin to pin clear cutting and require some forest
buffer. We further support measures that prohibit the complete removal of native vegetation from properties smaller
than 3 acres.
Many parts of upper Puna remain in native forest, despite the presence of several residential subdivisions and rapid
development. As forests were gradually removed over time and replaced by houses, the consequences of
diminishing forest cover began to alarm scientists and land managers. These people noticed decline of native forest
bird species, and increases in soil erosion, storm runoff, and flooding
We believe that the Council has the opportunity to implement stronger measures that would create some forest
buffer on each parcel in native forested areas especially in the set back areas. We call to Council's attention the fact
that most of the undeveloped properties in the native forested areas oLVolcano are 2 acres or smaller. If all of
these properties are cleared of forest and built upon, we would endure a tragic loss of forest cover and irreplaceable
native species.
Specific suggestions, regarding Grubbing and Grading, have been articulated by representatives of the Puna CD
Plan Natural Resources Working Group and supported by the Plan Pacific Consultant and Steering Committee in
the December Draft. In March, these specific suggestions were deleted from the adopted draft plan.
As you revise the current Grubbing and Grading Ordinance, we urge Council to review these suggestions:
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Building community since 1980
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Bch PO Box 600, Volcano, 11196785 www.VolcanoCommunity.org • vca@VolcanoCommunity.org
Erosion and Sedimentation Control and Native Forest Preservation
Recommendation for a Native Forest Protection Ordinance
Members of our community have provided Council impassioned pleas for native forest preservation. We would
recommend your noting the nearly universal support for limitations on native forest land clearing in our
community.
Thank you for your kind consideration of our request.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Mermel - President, Volcano Community Association
On behalf of Board Members: Mililani Hughes Dan Taylor Pat Halpern Ter DePuy Bob Belcher
Hank Banquer Erin Gallagher Nona Wilson
Building community since 1980
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